Lehmann New Century ca. 1910 Tin Lithographed German Windup Toy *SOLD*

Lehmann New Century ca. 1910 Tin Lithographed German Windup Toy 

This is a beautiful hard to find ca. 1910’s tin, lithographed, windup New Century manufactured by the Ernest Lehmann Co. of Brandenburg, Germany. 

The windup works on this but is weak, as we often find in toys of this age. When wound with its dedicated key and with encouragement, the wheels spin, the umbrella turns, and the man waves with his hat in an up and down motion.  

Our example of this Lehmann New Century is in all original condition with no restorations, repairs, breaks or touch ups. This piece is in great overall condition and shows the usual patina, chips, dust, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are normally found with age and play. It is approximately 5” L x 2 ¾” W x 5″ H. This would be a great addition to any collection. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition. 

A brief history of the Ernest Lehmann Co. of Brandenburg, Germany:  

The Ernest Lehmann Co was founded in 1881 by Ernest Paul Lehmann in Brandenburg, Germany. Lehmann exported vast quantities of toys to the United States from 1895 to 1929 (excluding years of WWI). In 1921, Mr. Lehmann’s cousin, Johannes Richter joined the firm and built on the Lehmann reputation by patenting toys such as the Skirolf skier. After the Second World War, Ernest Lehmann Co. re-established in 1951 in Nuremberg, Germany. 

Lehmann specialized in lithographed tinplate, mechanical transportation toys, and figures known for colorful patina. Some of the most desirable Lehmann’s include: Mr. and Mrs. Lehmann, Dancing Sailor, Icarus, and Autobus. They are most famous for their colorfully lithographed and detailed mechanized tin toys. The company really came into prosperity in the early 20th century when it switched to making lightweight yet intricate tin toys in popular themes at a time when most other toy manufacturers were still making only heavy iron toys.