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Tin Penny Toy Bi-Plane Horn, Germany, circa 1910

Offered by: Clive Devenish Antiques

Description
Penny Toys were just that; toys made to sell for a penny or very inexpensively. This particular toy was manufactured in Germany (probably Nuremberg) for the American market, circa 1910; about the same time bi-planes were introduced in America by the Wright brothers. Penny toys were made for the working class families providing an affordable play item. These miniature toys are highly sought after by toy collectors, because of their having surprisingly fine detail and scale, in addition to being fairly well made. This toy is made out of tin and is all original, including the paint and the propeller. It is hand painted, with blue to the wings and red to the fuselage. Remnants of gold paint remain on the horn, which is remarkable since the horn was also used as a handle to twirl the plane around in a circle and make a loud noise, created by the ratchet construction (see image). The horn still works, to further the noisiness of this toy! A fun toy.

Dimensions: 3 1/2" long x 3 1/4" wide x 1 1/2" high (bi-plane); with horn 4 3/4" high.

More Information

Origin:	Germany
Period:	1900-1919
Materials:	Tin, Hand-Painted.
Condition:	Good. Wear consistent with age and use.
Creation Date:	1910
Styles / Movements:	Folk Art, Traditional
Incollect Reference #:	580956

Dimensions

W.	3.25 in;	H.	4.75 in;	D.	3.5 in;
W.	8.26 cm;	H.	12.07 cm;	D.	8.89 cm;

Message from Seller:

We are specialists in the field of antique mechanical coin banks. These rare and unique items were sold during the late 1800's and early 1900's to encourage and educate young children on the importance of saving money, with the majority of them having been made in America. We are leading experts in this field and one of the foremost dealers, having traded in mechanical banks since 1976.