Items Similar to "Kadi" Pre-war Wind-Up Toy by Lehman Company. Germany Circa 1905
Video Loading
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 12
"Kadi" Pre-war Wind-Up Toy by Lehman Company. Germany Circa 1905
About the Item
"Kadi" is the name of this rare Chinese themed vintage German made mechanical toy; depicting two turn of the century Chinese men with pigtails walking along, while carrying a large tea chest for conveyance. It was manufactured by the iconic German toy maker Ernest Paul Lehman who was recognized as one of the finest makers of children's toys from 1885 through World War II; shipping and marketing his toys world wide----predominantly to England, America, and Germany.. His attention to detail along with charismatic and entertaining subject matters on his toys made the Lehman Toy Company one of the most profitable and popular entities of that time.
The toy is in highly unusual all original condition with absolutely no repaints and no restoration or touch-up of any kind. It is lithographed and hand painted in colors of red pants, checkered light and dark blue vests, flesh tone faces and dark and a light blue tea chest. The men maintain their original "ques" (pigtails); wheels at the base and mechanism are also original.
The markings on the tea chest proclaim shipments to "Peking, Nanking, Canton, Hong Kong Shangai, and Tiensin". At the top of the tea chest is the Ernest Paul Lehman early logo "Marke" and on the underneath is "D.R.G.M." (Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster), and patent export info for Germany and England (see images).
The toy works as it would have originally--- a loose string would have been wound and attached to the flywheel mechanism on the side of the tea chest and pulled . Upon placing toy down, the two men gracefully walk along the floor. The same mechanism result can be achieved by spinning the flywheel between your thumb and forefinger---place on flat surface and watch toy move across the floor (see operational video accompanying this listing).
The flywheel, cam and gear mechanism in this toy is much smoother and better made than those examples seen in later wind up toy manufacturing.
The "Kadi" Lehman Toy is memorialized by foremost Lehman toy authorities, Jurgen and Marianne Cieslik in their book "Lehman Toys" on page 68 where it is identified as "EPL. No. 725".
Dimensions" 7 1/4" long x 2 1/2" wide x 5 1/2" high
Provenance: From my personal collection of fine antique toys. Acquired in 1995 from a prominent toy collection.
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys that I have listed for sale; it would create an immediate quality collection, as most of these toys came, either from a long time premium California collection or from my own shelves. It would take quite some time and effort to accumulate toys this clean, authentic, original, operable and in excellent condition.
See my other listings of vintage toys.
- Creator:E.P. Lehman Co. (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)Width: 2.5 in (6.35 cm)Depth: 7.25 in (18.42 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1900-1909
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1905
- Condition:
- Seller Location:Incline Village, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU973232974412
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 1976
1stDibs seller since 2013
269 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 2 hours
Associations
Art Dealers Association of America
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Incline Village, NV
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllVintage "Masuyama" Lehman Wind-Up Toy. German, Circa 1913 Rare
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Early 1900's German hand painted and lithographed tin wind-up toy, by premier tin and whimsical toy maker, Ernest Paul Lehman, circa 1913. This charming and unique toy portrays a Ja...
Category
Vintage 1910s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
"Lehman Autobus" German WindUp Toy By The Ernest Paul Lehman Company, Circa 1903
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Iconic and rare antique tin toy, highly sought after by collectors of Lehman Toys, and fine quality wind-up toys. Without the "Lehman Autobus" your co...
Category
Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy by the Lehman Co. "Balky Mule" Circa 1909
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Perhaps the wildest action of all the Lehman toys, said to resemble Ernest Paul Lehman's temperament (founder of the company), "Balky Mule" was first manufactured in 1897 in Berlin (Brandenburg), and had a multi decade run; this example is from around 1909 (see image with markings to the rear of the carriage). The toy is catalogued as "EPL #425" and documented on page 59 and 60 of the book "Lehman Toys" by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
To operate the toy; wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the carriage and place the toy on the floor. Do not over-wind and be gentle, as the toy is aggressive and over 100 years old. The toy will go backwards and forward, and the clown will pop up and down as the cart goes in several different directions across the floor until it winds down (see video accompanying the listing for guidance).
The toy is found broken and/or inoperable, more often than not, because of the rough action, and typical abuse by children (after all, it was a toy).
This example is in very nice original condition and works well. The lithography and hand paint is bright and original with no touch up or repaint. The hand paint is; flesh tones to the face of the clown, red trousers, orange hair, and grey paint to the seat of the carriage. The clothing to the clown figure is still intact and all original. The lithography to the wheels features brightly colored clowns and a German marking logo. What is really unusual is the fact that the donkey still has all four of its loosely attached original legs, considering the aggressive action of the toy. The metal on the donkey is actually treated with "fabric like" paint, to simulate fur.
All in all this is a really cool toy and a "must have" for the collector of tin toys, or someone who simply wants a wonderful example of an early, "turn of the century" iconic wind up toy.
Provenance: Recently acquired from a prominent toy collection in Los Angeles, California
Dimensions: 7 1/2" long x 3" wide x 5" high
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children's playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin...
Category
Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Child' Wind Up Toy "Crawling Beetle" by The Lehman Toy Co. Germany, Circa 1900
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
Listed as #431 in the Lehman catalogues this wonderful vintage children's wind up toy, manufactured by the prestigious and iconic Lehman Toy Company of Germany; was patented in 1895 (see image--markings under wing ). The toy was made for over 25 years and was quite popular. When wound up using the underside attached clockwork( key (see attached movie) the toy depicts the six legged beetle crawling across the floor by moving it's legs back and forth while flapping it's wings in the air. All the markings "Pat. U.S.A." "D.R.G.M." "Pat April 23, 1895" "Lehman" are clearly marked under the wing (see image). It is lithographed and hand painted in colors of bluish green wings, a red and white head, yellow and black under wings, with red and blackish green legs.
This particular example is completely original ,which is highly unusual for this toy as a search of other examples would reveal that one or several of the legs are typically lacking, or repaired, as are the fragile wings as well. There is no restoration and no touch up paint of any kind. to this toy. It is original in every respect.
Dimensions: 4 1/4" long x 2" high x 4" wide
Provenance: Recently acquired from a highly regarded West Coast collection of antique wind...
Category
Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
German Tinplate Clockwork Wind Up Toy By Ernest Paul Lehman "Quack Quack" C 1903
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
This is a very popular Lehman wind up toy; emblematic of "whimsy" typical of Ernest Paul Lehman whose toy company opened in Brandenburg, Germany in 1881.. The action portrays a mama ...
Category
Antique Early 1900s German Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
Lehman Auto "Ito" Sedan, Germany, circa 1913
By E.P. Lehman Co.
Located in Incline Village, NV
This hand-painted German tin toy was manufactured by the "Lehman Toy Company" in Brandenburg, Germany beginning in 1913. It was made for a number of ye...
Category
Vintage 1910s German Folk Art Toys
Materials
Tin
You May Also Like
Enormous Pre-War Toy Steel Hoisting Crane
Located in Doornspijk, NL
This gigantic - nearly man high - steel hoisting crane will give a dull corner the right Industrial look and feel you are looking for.
The fully operational toy dates from the firs...
Category
Early 20th Century Dutch Industrial Toys and Dolls
Materials
Steel
'Rajputana' Tin & Celluloid Wind Up Japanese Toy
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
Vintage Japanese tin and celluloid wind up toy. When you wind this toy the top spins around while the babies on the back move from side to side and the el...
Category
20th Century Japanese Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Vintage Tin Plate Wind Up Toy Tank. American, 1930's
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful display piece
Made By Marx Toys, USA
Working order
Obvious signs of rusting
Fre UK Shipping
Category
Vintage 1930s American Toys and Dolls
Materials
Tin
Animal Wind-up toy dog with spin tail, 1950s
Located in Delft, NL
Animal Wind-up toy dog with spin tail, 1950s
A wind-up animal toy, colored yellow with brown spots in velvety soft mohair and green glass eyes. On the belly the winding system wit...
Category
Mid-20th Century European Toys and Dolls
Materials
Mohair, Straw
Pre-War Electric Lamp Base Lighter, Circa 1930
Located in Van Nuys, CA
Pre-War Electric Lamp Base Lighter, featuring a modified lamp socket fixed with an electric lighter similar to car light.
Circa 1930
Category
Vintage 1930s American Tobacco Accessories
Materials
Chrome
$216 Sale Price
25% Off
Wooden Wind-Up Double Decker Bus
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charming painted wooden wind-up patinated white / red double-decker bus. Raw wood peeks through the original paint to make for a pleasing texture and patina. A compliment to bookshel...
Category
20th Century Folk Art Toys and Dolls
Materials
Wood
Recently Viewed
View AllMore Ways To Browse
World War Two German
World War Ii Furniture
Used American Dolls
Watch With Red Face
Antique German Watch
Long Vintage Pants
Chinese Chest Red
Antique Tin Lithograph
Antique Tea Chest
Antique Tea Chests
German Watch Company
Chinese Hand Painted Chest
Early American Reproduction
Chinese Tin
Mens Watch With Black Face
Antique Spinning Top
Used Spinning Wheels Spinning Wheels
Chinese Nanking