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I’m going with 1935, based solidly on my vague (non-existent) knowledge of motor vehicle history.
Hmm. I reckon it’s gotta be 1940s? I’ll stump for ’45.
I am going to guess that they are model cars and that the pic is taken recently….
I’m going with something more recent, even though I’m probably wrong, because the cars all look like toys to me. So… 2024?
Shortly after WW2, so late 40s, perhaps even early 50s.
Purely based on that Wheeler truck that seems the youngest vehicle there.
I reckon sometime in the last year or two, by Michael Paul Smith.
Very good, but it does look like a diorama to me, that shadow on the truck top right doesn’t quite look right.
I agree with Chris Samuel. I think they are Dinky toys, or equivalent of.
The cars are late 1930′s early 40′s. The advertising on the front truck is Doublemint and that campaign began in 1939. So 1939 is my guess
I’m going for 1949! Why? To be honest, Iit’s a gut feeling.
May 15th, 1937.
1947, I hope it’s only the year you want..
There’s something about it, especially the “Wheeler” truck, that makes me think its actually a picture of models, just taken from a good angle. They can be very convincing when done well.
My guess is 1938. Think I see a guy sitting in one the truck cabs, so they’re not models.
‘Tis from 1939…
I’ll guess 1948.
I like the idea that these are models…it’s got me fooled if they are…I’d take a punt on 1939 or thereabouts…or just post war…
Things that favour “it’s a model”
1) There are no people (or is that someone on the right edge, about a third of the way down?)
2) Every vehicle is in such good condition…no “dirtying down” as it were
What makes it look like a model is that the odd blur at the top right hand corner, which only happens when:
A. the entire subject is within a few feet of the camera lens – i.e. a model
B. the camera has a “tilt” lens, which can do strange things with the focus plane.
Tilting camera lenses were much more common prior to the 1950′s.
I’m guessing this is real by the grunge on the trucks in the lower left.
For examples of real life objects made to look like toys, check out Keith Loutit’s excellent short films.
It looks like a model, there is something weird with the focus at the very top and buttom of the pic.
Everything about the top of the picture says model, but the bottom is more realistic. But would a model maker think of parking a car on the pavement?
If real, it’s the USA. Railway Express Agency truck at the bottom makes it after 1927. The Doublemint gum ad on the side has the twins in hats used until 1969.
Wheeler Transportation Company doesn’t give us much in the way of clues. California?
I’m leaning towards late 40′s, very early 50′s. It’s one for lorry enthusiasts.
I’m voting for 1939, awesome picture btw
I think its about 1943
September 1939.
1950!
Models, great urban landscape modelling, and tilt frame photography…. I’d say, oooh 2024?
You’ll find the answer here, Tri
I’d guess 1935. As for comments about… lack of people: I can see 5; ‘odd blur’: old lenses could be decidedly soft at the corners, you don’t need tilting lenses for this!
Too clean and shining – must be movie set – 2024 ?
1940 . . . or within 5 years either way! My grandfather was Railroad Express agent in a small NC town. Although I do not recognize model years of cars, I do see the Railroad Express truck, which would meet trains, unload packages in boxcars for that town, take unloaded packages back to the local office, notify reciepents, and deliver to their homes or businesses. People and companies shipped large pieces of furniture, trunks, boxes of who knows what — just nothing live. Would be interesting to know the rates to ship large distances, including notifications and individual deliveries. My Granddaddy saw the end of Railroad Express coming and went with the US Post Office about 1940. I have a beautiful set of bone china, which was never claimed at Railroad Express office — then everything went up for bid (not returned, I guess?? or maybe no return address?? or request for such?? And my Grandfather bought the china as a 1920 wedding present for his bride, my grandmother. So 1940.