Antique ca. 1904 G&K Gundka Tin Lithographed Windup Red Limo #545 German Vehicle *SOLD*

Antique ca. 1904 G&K Gundka Tin Lithographed Windup Red Limousine #545 German Vehicle

This is a great antique ca. 1904 tin lithographed windup #545 Red Limousine manufactured by Greppert & Kelch of  Brandenberg, Germany.

This smaller scale limousine has a charm in its roundness and form.  Most limousines like this from the late 20’s and 30’s have a more boxy appearance.  Our G&K (Greppert & Kelch) model #545 tin toy in the “Gundka” line is more streamlined and angled, possibly foreshadowing the upcoming movement.  Some windows are round, corners are smoothed.

The windup works well but does not grip the floor with its slick wheel. The toy also features a small tab and pivot witch steers the front wheels.  Wheels have a tilt to them for this steering lever to easily work; this is part of the toy’s design. The colors are an attractive red with color lithography on the driver and accents.

Our example of this piece is in good all original condition with no restorations, repairs, breaks or touch ups. The lithos are in good overall condition with the usual dust, patina, scratches, surface rusting, scuffs and chips that are seen with age and play. It is approximately 6 ½” L x 3 ¾” W. We encourage you to examine the photographs to further determine condition and quality.

A brief history of Greppert & Kelch of Brandenberg, Germany:

In 1919 Greppert and Kelch founded Greppert & Kelch (G&K) in Wredowstrasse in Brandenburg, Germany. The mid-1920s appears to have been the height of their popularity when G & K took over Metz & Duncker” founded in 1892 and the firm “Tellus works” founded in 1910. In addition to the logo “G & K ” more and more toys became the brand ” Gundka ” and “Gundka Werke” which was derived from the name of the founders Greppert and Kelch. In 1931, parts of Oro-Werke were taken over to add to the companies list of quality toy companies they absorbed. The company specialized in small lithographed tin mechanical toys.