Historical information

The Lehmann toy company exported toys to the USA from 1895 to 1929 and specialized in mechanical, friction transportation and lithographed wind-up tinplate toys.

Founded by Ernest Lehmann Co. in Brandenberg, Germany, 1881. In 1951 the fim re-established and is still making friction toys. Some of the most famous include: Autobus, the Dancing Sailor and Icarus.

Lehmann distinguished itself early 20th-century by releasing small tin toys which were cheaper than the toys the competition made. End of the 19th century, beginning of th 20th, competitors were producing heavy, cast-iron toys. By the 1920s the Lehmann company had a staff over 800 people and made 80+ different toy designs.

Significance

How it is significant? (...this item is one of last remaining examples of German toy manufacturing prior to World War One. )

How it is significance to local history? (....this item represents the importance of preserving local history and culture.)

Physical description

German, clockwork, red and white tinplate cart with green and white driver with green pointed hat, being pulled by zebra with red ears and cord tail.

Inscriptions & markings

1881/ Lehmann 'Zikra' Marke Pat./USA Appl. / For Jan 1907, Dec 1913