Lehmann Tin Lithographed Windup Torpedo Boat “Taku” Old Toy for Sale *SOLD*

Lehmann Tin Lithographed Windup Torpedo Boat “Taku” Ship

Last month we received an estate collection meant to be “looked at but not touched”.  Our “Taku” Torpedo ship/destroyer came from the toy store to the curio case to us.  It wasn’t played with much at all.

The windup works well.  Colors are bright.  The deck has old dust on it and was partially cleaned.  Torpedo tubes rotate.  Guns are there along with twin smokestacks.

This is an unusual Lehmann cataloged as umber 671 and known as a “Torpedoboot met drehbaren Geschutzen und Heckflagge.

The toy works, is all original, and desirable.  The toy is modeled after a German warship from about 1915-1935.

Our example of this Lehmann torpedo boat is in excellent all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch ups. This piece shows the usual patina, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and display. It is approximately 10” L. This would be a great and impressive 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.