J.L. Hess (JLH) Tin Lithographed Crank Wind Motor Tractor for Sale

J.L. Hess (JLH) Tin Lithographed Crank Wind Motor Tractor

This is a hard-to-find, tin, lithographed, friction-driven hand-cranked motor tractor that was manufactured by J.L. Hess of Nuremberg, Germany.

When the crank is pressed in and wound and the switch is put into gear, the flywheels spin causing the tractor to move forward. The original driver seems to be missing,  but we included a little farmer to complete the look.

This piece is in very good 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 is to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 5” L. We encourage you to examine the photographs to further determine the condition and quality.

A brief history of J.L. Hess of Nuremberg, Germany:   

J.L. Hess was founded in 1826 in Nuremberg, Germany. Hess was one of the first to make railways from pressed steel. Johann L. Hess inherited the company in 1866, and it ceased production in 1934. They specialized in Tinplate pull-along trains and various other parlor toys, as well as, toy autos that bore the trademark name “Hessmobil”.