Fleischmann or Fischer Tin Lithographed Coal Stoker Firemen German Steam Toy Accessory Hirschberg Collection for Sale

Fleischmann or Fischer Tin Lithographed Coal Stoker Firemen German Steam Toy Accessory Hirschberg Collection  

We have not found an exact attribution, but we believe this highly detailed scene of a man shoveling coal into a boiler was manufactured by either Georg Fischer or Fleischmann Brothers/Gebrüder Fleischmann of Nuremberg, Germany.  

This piece was purchased from the Morton A. Hirschberg collection.  

This is a highly detailed steam accessory with a realistic scene of a coal fireman/watertender/stoker shoveling coal. When the crank is turned either by hand or by steam engine, the man’s body moves up and down shoveling coal into a boiler. This wonderful steam toy works smoothly when cranked. It is marked “Made in Germany”, “NFuH”, and “D.R.G.M.” 

An interesting note, a fireman, watertender or stoker is a person whose occupation it is to tend the fire for the running of a boiler, heating a building, or powering a steam engine. Much of the job is hard physical labor, such as shoveling fuel, typically coal, into the boiler’s firebox. On steam locomotives the title fireman is usually used, while on steamships and stationary steam engines, such as those driving saw mills, the title is usually stoker. 

If anyone has any further information, we would be happy to hear from you. 

Our example of this coal stoker steam accessory is in excellent all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. It is approximately 6 1/4” L x 2” W x 5″ H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.   

A brief history of Fleischmann Brothers or Gebrüder Fleischmann Nürnberg of Nuremberg, Germany   

Fleischmann is a German manufacturer of model railway products. Fleischmann was founded in Nuremberg, Germany in 1887 by Jean Fleischmann as an engraver and maker of handicrafts and paper weights. In 1898, the company began to make tin toys, such as ships, airplanes and magnetic maritime toys including swimming and walking animals and water fountains, under the name of Fleischmann Brothers or Gebrüder Fleischmann Nürnberg. Many of the early products can be found marked with the “GFN” markings. In the 1920’s and 1930’s, Fleischmann was best known for its clockwork and live steam mechanism tinplate boats and automotive replicas. In August 1932, Fleischmann bought up the model boat machinery and tooling from Bing when they ceased production. In 1939, Fleischmann took over Doll et Cie and began making the toy trains for which they are renowned today. 

A brief history of Georg Fischer of Nuremberg, Germany: 

Georg Fischer founded his business in the early 20th century and ceased production in 1958. Fischer specialized in tin penny and other novelty toys. After WWI, Mr. Fischer began using the trademark monogram “G.F”.