Lehmann Tin Lithographed Windup No. 640 “Zig-Zag” *SOLD*

Lehmann Tin Lithographed Windup No. 640 “Zig-Zag”he Bulky Mule” Clown & Donkey Cart

This is a tin, lithographed, windup no. 640 “Zig-Zag” manufactured by the Ernest Lehmann Co. of Brandenburg, Germany.

When wound with its dedicated key this working windup travels forward. Enjoy this unusual Lehmann Tin toy known as “Zig-Zag” and #640 or EPL640. This tin toy has a rolling and seemingly random forward and backwards “crazy car” like action. The toy arms flail during the action.

Zig-Zag shows a set of men with high hats that are driving together.  A black man holds the lever and the white man is holding the steering wheel.  The shift lever “makes it go” forward and aft in a crazy action.

From a toy evolution standpoint, this toy was traced to 1910 and production extended into the 30’s.  We suspect other toy makers like Louis Marx paid attention and eventually came up with their own renditions of a “crazy car”.  The random action may have started here or in France, predating the American tin maker Marx.

Details are both painted as well as lithographed.  In usual Lehmann style, edges in some areas have a golden appearance and classy look.

This piece is in 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. It is approximately 4 ¾” L. 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. was 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 Lehmanns 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.