Carette Torpedo and Gunboat with Flywheel for Sale *SOLD*

Carette Torpedo and Gunboat with Flywheel For Sale

Our catalog research really helped this toy come to life.  We found a similar, less deluxe, Carette “Gunboat” in a reprint of a 1911 Georges Carette toy catalog. Our toy has twin guns made of lead and then a lead flywheel, a more expensive design, so we date it around 1909.

Tin work is gilded on the edges and then the lithography shows a number of side cannons. Colors are strong and bright. Bodenläufer.  Each cannon turns from side to side.  The upper funnel is an early round design versus the more modern oval shape for streamlining.

This gunboat has a romantic and simplified look at war, with an undulating front wheel and splashes that simulate it churning through the sea.  Side canons and top canons show action and make war look beautiful with the splashes of color.

Our to is in original condition with some corrosion at the base of the bow.  Gold plating shows normal oxidation and spotting at times as shown in the photos.  The flywheel works well and the toy scoots across the floor nicely.  The deck has a brown to tan simulated plank deck.

For those that don’t know, Carette toys are treasured for their beautiful multi-colored lithography and detail.  They were produced in large quantities based on production numbers, yet just don’t survive; a testament to their play value for kids.

George Carette Nuremberg, Germany
1886 – 1917
Founder: George Carette (with Gebruder Bing`s backing).
Mechanical tin boats, cars, and trains.
Many of these toys were lithographed. Best known for electric streetcars and model trains. Carette, as a French citizen, was deported from Germany in 1917, thus closing the firm.