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We have four fantastic examples of Lehmann Company tin toys in the 1818 Auctioneers saleroom and they’re going under the hammer on Monday 10th September (auction from 12.30pm).

All four display the bright, detailed lithography for which the Company (founded in 1881 in Brandenburg, Germany) was renowned.

Their success was innovation. Their toys were sophisticated and lightweight compared to the blocky iron toys of most other makers, and they were cheaper. They patented the locking mechanism for clockwork motors and embossed every toy with an individual name and the Company’s ‘EPL’ or ‘e’ trademark.

Lehmann’s human and animal figures, including the Skirolf Skier, Ikarus airplane and Tut Tut car complete with honking horn, were characteristic of the firm’s continuing innovation into the 20th century. During the 1920s, the firm manufactured more than 100 different toy models and employed over 800 workers. Lehmann toys were exported around the world with German-English instructions. At this time, spray painting replaced the process of lithographing the tinplate and the models were baked at 120 degrees to create an even enamelled surface.

It’s no wonder collectors around the world seek them out. They speak to product design enthusiasts, social history collectors and toy lovers alike.

Lot 1122:
A Lehmann tin plate & clockwork Rad Cycle with Anxious Bride Annie model no 470, chauffeur has brown uniform, the lady has a red dress. Estimate £800-£1200

Lehmann tin toys

Lot 1120:
A Lehmann tin plate and clockwork, The Stubborn Donkey in original box. Estimate £150-£200

Lehmann tin toys

Lot 1121:
A Lehmann/Bing style tin plate and clockwork Car with Driver. Estimate £200-£300

Lehmann tin toys

Lot 1123:
A Bing style tin plate and clockwork Taxi in black and orange numbered 161. Estimate £200-£300

Lehmann tin toys