Tippco ca. 1930’s Tin Litho Windup Military Ambulance Truck Germany *SOLD*

Tippco Tin Litho Windup Military Ambulance Truck Germany

This is a very rare and nice example of a windup clockwork tinplate military ambulance made in Germany pre-WW2 by the Tippco (Tipp & Co) company. Tippco made a wide range of airplanes, tanks, cannons, trucks, half-tracks, and other military and civilian equipment.

Our example does not come with its original key, but we have provided a replacement standard brass winding key. We checked the clockwork mechanism and found it to be in working condition. However, due to the bearings on the front wheels being loose it does not roll very well on the wood floor. When wound thru the key hole in the front of the vehicle the car moves forward.

The lithos are in great condition with the exception of a touch-up on the rear driver side part of the black camouflage above the fender. We also believe that the left side rear door has been restored and repainted to match the original lithos. We also believe the driver and medic passenger are not original to this vehicle, but display well with them. The figures are in great condition. There is a bench seat and shelf in the back where the stretcher and other medical personnel would go. The two rear doors are hinged and swing open. They lock shut using the handle on the right side rear door.

As with all fragile tin items that are this old it does show scratches, chips, and wear due to age and play. All other pieces and parts of this appear to be original. The ambulance is approximately 9” x 4 ½”. We encourage you to look at the pictures to further determine condition and quality.

And now a little history:

The Tippco Toys Company (Tipp & Co.) was established in 1912 by Mr. Philipp Ullmann. The company established itself as a major producer of lithographed tin toys in Europe. However, in 1933 Mr. Ullmann, being Jewish was forced out of Germany during the rise of Naziism. The company continued to produce toys without its Mr. Ullmann. Due to anti-Nazi sentiment many pre-war German toys were destroyed after the war contributing to their rarity today.