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Forum 18
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Topic starter
03/11/2026 10:33 am
In the early 1930s, the young Manchu dynastic emperor Henry Pu-Yi already lost his imperial status after the democratic revolution lead by Sun Yat Sen. When the Japanese invaded China, they set up the puppet state of Manchukuo (Manchuria) and installed the poor guy as emperor. As part of his trappings of state, the Japanese government bought a 1932 Cadillac Deluxe Tudor Limousine Model 370B/8C. I was graced with a new official for the emperor of his favorite orchid with 5 sorghum branches between the 5 petals... sorghum being the staple diet of the realm. By 1945, the State of Manchukuo was dissolved and when the communists took over, Henry Pu-Yi was imprisoned and after a long period of confinement, he was banished to re-education camps in the hinterlands. The limo survived and now resides in a Chinese museum. Model by Sun Star:
This topic was modified 1 week ago by Rich Sufficool
03/11/2026 2:06 pm
This is such an interesting, historic 1:1 vehicle and replica - I commend Sun Star for doing this one but find it rather odd that they never issued a "stock" version.
That always seemed like, even for a pea-brain like me, a missed opportunity. 🤔 🤔 🤔
03/11/2026 2:08 pm
@paul-rouffa Didn't you live in China for a time? - Or, am I thinking of someone else? 🤔 🤔
03/11/2026 2:28 pm
It is a fine diecast replica of this interesting automobile by SunStar. An impressive machine even if the story behind it is an unfortunate one.
03/11/2026 5:32 pm
Sorry Chris, it wasn't me, though we have had some fine china in the past.@paul-rouffa Didn't you live in China for a time? - Or, am I thinking of someone else? 🤔 🤔
Topic starter
03/11/2026 8:09 pm
@paul-rouffa There's something that no one seems to want anymore... "fine china". Back in my day, the wife couldn't wait for us to be able to afford a set. Today, you can't give them away.
04/11/2026 8:15 am
@rich-sufficool Absolutely correct...same for China cabinets as well; we have two in the house that no one (about 35 people under the age of 45 ) in the family wants. They're virtually worthless.
....just like my upright piano. It had zero value; my only choice for removal was to disassemble it by destroying it piece by piece. The ivory keys, beefy hardwood trim, and solid metal harp were ALL worth more (sold off for hundreds ) than the actual piano. 😬 🤪 😳
GDH and Paul Rouffa reacted
Topic starter
04/11/2026 9:39 am
@chris I never thought about upright pianos. You're right. They're no longer a centerpiece for a living room. Parents instead buy their kids electronic keyboards which are infinitely more versatile than the piano. As to china cabinets, we could probably repurpose them to display diecasts. LOL
GDH and Christopher Moroni reacted