J.L. Hess Tin Lithographed Windup Gunboat German Toy Ship *SOLD*

J.L. Hess Tin Lithographed Windup Gunboat German Toy Ship 

This is a hard to find, tin, lithographed, windup gunboat/kanonenboot that was manufactured by J.L. Hess of Nuremberg, Germany.     

When wound with its dedicated key this would have traveled in circles. We did test it and found it not to be working, so while the key winds and clicks it does not engage to propel it forward.  

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 are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 11 ¾” L. from back legs to antennae. We encourage you to examine the photographs to further determine 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”.