Items Similar to German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
$685
£518.25
€598.14
CA$956.75
A$1,063.73
CHF 556.80
MX$13,046.27
NOK 7,089.44
SEK 6,693.27
DKK 4,463.52
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (Brandenburg), and had a multi decade run; this example is from around 1909 (see image with markings to the rear of the carriage). The toy is catalogued as "EPL #425" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
To operate the toy; wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the carriage and place the toy on the floor. Do not over-wind and be gentle, as the toy is aggressive and over 100 years old. The toy will go backwards and forward, and the clown will pop up and down as the cart goes in several different directions across the floor until it winds down (see video accompanying the listing for guidance).
The toy is found broken and/or inoperable, more often than not, because of the rough action, and typical abuse by children (after all, it was a toy).
This example is in very nice original condition and works well. The lithography and hand paint is bright and original with no touch up or repaint. The hand paint is; flesh tones to the face of the clown, red trousers, orange hair, and grey paint to the seat of the carriage. The clothing to the clown figure is still intact and all original. The lithography to the wheels features brightly colored clowns and a German marking logo. What is really unusual is the fact that the donkey still has all four of its loosely attached original legs, considering the aggressive action of the toy. The metal on the donkey is actually treated with "fabric like" paint, to simulate fur.
All in all this is a really cool toy and a "must have" for the collector of tin toys, or someone who simply wants a wonderful example of an early, "turn of the century" iconic wind up toy.
Provenance: Recently acquired from a prominent toy collection in Los Angeles, California
Dimensions: 7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 5" high
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys that I have listed for sale; it would create an immediate quality collection, as most of these toys came, either from a long time premium California collection or from my own shelves. It would take quite some time and effort to accumulate toys this clean, authentic, original, operable and in excellent condition.
See my other listings of over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose.
- Creator:E.P. Lehman Co. (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 5 in (12.7 cm)Width: 3 in (7.62 cm)Depth: 7.5 in (19.05 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1900-1909
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1910
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Incline Village, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU973235804572
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1976
1stDibs seller since 2013
276 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
Associations
Art Dealers Association of America
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Incline Village, NV
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllVintage "Masuyama" Lehman Wind-Up Toy. German, Circa 1913 Rare
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Early 1900's German hand painted and lithographed tin wind-up toy, by premier tin and whimsical toy maker, Ernest Paul Lehman, circa 1913. This charming and unique toy portrays a Ja...
Category
Vintage 1910s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Antique Tin Toy Wind-Up Toy Cowboy "Whoopee Car" by Louis Marx Co N.Y.C. C.1935
By Louis Marx and Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is one of the more popular "crazy car" toys and was designed by the iconic New York City Louis Marx Toy Company, Circa 1935, with the fascination of the American West and the st...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
"Kadi" Pre-war Wind-Up Toy by Lehman Company. Germany Circa 1905
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
"Kadi" is the name of this rare Chinese themed vintage German made mechanical toy; depicting two turn of the century Chinese men with pigtails walking along, while carrying a large t...
Category
Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
"COO COO CAR" Vintage Wind-up Toy; "Crazy Car" Series by Louis Marx Co. Ca. 1932
By Louis Marx and Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
"COO COO CAR" is the name of this "crazy car"; one of a series manufactured by the Louis Marx & Company iconic toy designer circa 1932; the company having been established in New Yor...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy By Ernest Paul Lehman "Quack Quack" C 1903
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
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 duck walking along with her three baby chicks in tow being carried in a basket from behind. The toy is nicely lithographed with a greenish yellow basket; light and dark green baby chicks, and the mother duck with yellow green features and an orange and white undercoat. The underneath of the basket is filled with markings documenting the genesis of the toy. "Paak Paak" German for "Quack Quack": are clearly spelled out along with "Lehman" "Pat. U.S.A. March 12, 1903". Printed on the side #645 indicating the catalogue number (see image).
To operate:
wind up the attached clockwork key on the right side; release while still in your hand to see what happens; wind up some more and then gently place on the floor to watch the baby chicks bob up and down as mama pulls them forward. Very few examples are intact---legs usually absent and mechanisms broken, and examples are incomplete because of rough play.
This example is completely original with no restoration of any kind and no touch up to the lovely surface.
The toy is catalogued as "EPL #645" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
This would be a wonderful addition for the discerning collector of antiques children...
Category
Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
"OO-LA-LA!!" Vintage Wind-Up "Crazy Car" by The Louis Marx Toy Co. N.Y.C Ca 1930
By Louis Marx and Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
Fabulous addition to the "crazy car" examples made famous by the iconic and "Louis Marx Toy Company" manufacturers of fine quality toys and established in New York City in 1919. This...
Category
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
You May Also Like
Antique German Paper Mache Bobble Head Mule Donkey Pull Cart Toy
Located in Dayton, OH
Rare antique German paper mache composition bobble head mule / donkey / horse pull toy figure standing with a small feed manger on a platform rollin...
Category
Early 20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Hardwood, Paper
$188 Sale Price
20% Off
Tin & Wood Open Touring Hill Climber Toy Car by Clark, circa 1903
Located in Port Jervis, NY
Fabulous early toy example by the Clark co. This hill climber works great, and is almost totally complete. It's missing it's passenger in the back. Cast iron...
Category
Antique Early 1900s American Industrial Toys
Materials
Iron, Tin
Vintage Toy, Marx Toys Wind Up Chariot and Horses, Mid-20th Century
By Marx Toy Co.
Located in Roma, IT
This Marx Toys Wind up Chariot and Horses is a vintage mechanical toy representing a red chariot dragged by two painted tin horses.
Original...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Toys
Materials
Metal
$300 Sale Price
30% Off
Soldier on Horse Pull Toy Vintage Folk Art Ore Mountains, German, 1950s
Located in Nuernberg, DE
This old hand carved wooden Soldier and horse on wooden wheels Toy, was made in the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge) in Germany. It remains fully functional. Crafted in Germany during the ...
Category
Vintage 1950s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Vintage Toy, Wind up Clown on Cart and Donkey, 1960s
Located in Roma, IT
This wind up clown on cart and donkey is a vintage wind up toy representing a multicolor clown in a cart and a donkey.
Made in tin, made in Us...
Category
Mid-20th Century Russian Toys
Materials
Metal
$316 Sale Price
30% Off
ANTIQUE Folk Art Ride On HORSE On Wheels, c. 1910
Located in Weehawken, NJ
Antique Original Folk Art Ride On Wooden Horse on Platform with Wheels, c. 1910. A stunningly handsome piece which stands on the original platform with functioning wheels. Painted on...
Category
Vintage 1910s Folk Art Toys
Materials
Wood
$1,440 Sale Price
20% Off