E.P. Lehman Co. Folk Art

This is a very popular Lehman wind up toy; emblematic of "whimsy" typical of Ernest Paul Lehman whose toy company opened in Brandenburg, Germany in 1881.. The action portrays a mama ...

Listed as #431 in the Lehman catalogues this wonderful vintage children's wind up toy, manufactured by the prestigious and iconic Lehman Toy Company of Germany; was patented in 1895 (see image--markings under wing ). The toy was made for over 25 years and was quite popular. When wound up using the underside attached clockwork( key (see attached movie) the toy depicts the six legged beetle crawling across the floor by moving it's legs back and forth while flapping it's wings in the air. All the markings "Pat. U.S.A." "D.R.G.M." "Pat April 23, 1895" "Lehman" are clearly marked under the wing (see image). It is lithographed and hand painted in colors of bluish green wings, a red and white head, yellow and black under wings, with red and blackish green legs. This particular example is completely original ,which is highly unusual for this toy as a search of other examples would reveal that one or several of the legs are typically lacking, or repaired, as are the fragile wings as well. There is no restoration and no touch up paint of any kind. to this toy. It is original in every respect. Dimensions: 4 1/4" long x 2" high x 4" wide Provenance: Recently acquired from a highly regarded West Coast collection of antique wind...

This hand-painted German tin toy was manufactured by the "Lehman Toy Company" in Brandenburg, Germany beginning in 1913. It was made for a number of ye...