ESSDEE/Johann Distler (J.D.N.) Tin Lithographed Windup “Crazy Car” German Toy *SOLD*

ESSDEE/Johann Distler (J.D.N.) Tin Lithographed Windup “Crazy Car” German Toy 

We have for you a unique tin, lithographed, windup “Crazy Car” manufactured by ESSDEE of Germany. ESSDEE is presumably a Johann Distler of Nuremberg, Germany company or off-shoot. There isn’t much on this company that we could find, but they use the same dies and lithos for this dapper fellow as can be seen in the pictures from the Distler catalog.     

When wound with its dedicated key this moves in the usual wacky car configuration.  

This piece is in great all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 7 ½” L. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.    

A brief history of Johann Distler of Nuremberg, Germany:    

Johann Distler/Johann Distler KG was founded in Nuremberg, Germany in 1895 and continued production until 1968. Dister produced lithographed tin penny toys, comic and erratic action transportation toys.    

In 1917, Distler acquired Brown & Myer as a partner who eventually took over when Distler died in 1923. In 1935, they sold out to Ernst Volk. After the Second World War, Distler started to produce electric trains and, later, electric toy cars as well. By the 1960’s the company could no longer compete with the larger brands like Germany’s Trix, and Marklin, and the British company Dinky Toys. Sadly, by 1962 all toy production by Distler was discontinued in Germany and the company was sold to a firm in Nivelles, Belgium. Until 1968, Distler continued to manufacture toys as Distler Toys S.A.