AF transformer - what is this ?

As the writing indicates, it is an AF 1268 50 Watt transformer from the prewar era. There is tested working one on the bay for a BIN/BO of $5.95 with under $10 in shipping.

With small transformers like these, while they may seem or actually be rare, they generally do not have lots of $$$$ value.

As for yours as pictured, it is opened up and the cord cut off. This may be an indication it has failed. On the other hand, maybe the power cord was damaged and that is why it is cut off and disassembled. If you are brave and inclined, solder on a new power cable and check her out.

Regardless, I wouldn't call yours junk as the identification plate and knob are in relatively good condition and can enhance an operable one at the very least.

Thanks BM4.  I see that some clarification is needed.  The reason the case is open is that I opened it to see if I could replace the cracked power cord.  Looking at it more carefully right now, I see that the cord replacement would be easy.

The wiper attached to the control knob is making good contact with the secondary winding, so it probably will work.

I would like to know when it was made and how it fit into the AF product line.

Malcolm Laughlin

Based on a search of pre-war American Flyer catalogs the only reference I can find for a #1268 50 watt transformer is in the 1936 catalog and the 1936 dealer supplements.  None of the paperwork has a picture of the transformer.  What is interesting is that the transformer is described as a "button" type as opposed to a "dial" type.  Unfortunately, I can't find anything in the paper work that indicates what a "button" type might be but I suspect this is in reference to the earlier style of transformers where the voltage wasn't variable but was in "button" increments.  

  Since your transformer is a dial type my guess is you are looking at a transformer which was planned to be a button type but, when it came to 1936 manufacturing, American Flyer decided to go with an entire line of dial voltage transformers.  This isn't terribly surprising - Flyer changed what was produced from what was described in the catalogs on a regular basis.  As for value - I'd have to agree with the other posters - not much value but still an interesting piece of tinplate history.

Thanks for the information Robert.  I've decided what I am going to do with it.  I'll list it on eBay starting at $0.99 plus shipping for 3 #.  If it doesn't sell before the next TCA show, it will go on the give-away table.