“Dancing Sailor” by Ernest Paul Lehman of Brandenburg, Germany; patented in 1903 (see image of marking) appears in post turn of the century Lehman Toy catalogues as item #535. After winding up the attached clockwork key in the sailor’s back, and resting feet down on the floor, (see video upon request), the sailor waddles back and forth simulating the proverbial stereotypical drunken sailor.
Note the “Lehman” markings and patent information “Pat. March 12, 1903” clearly printed on the underside of both metal feet (see images).
The body is metal and covered with fabric clothing which is usually found tattered, incomplete, faded, or otherwise worn. This example is excellent with the uniform intact, complete, and with strong navy blue colors. The face is extraordinary with just about all of the original flesh colored paint, blue eyes and brown hair with zero chipping or paint loss. Same goes for the hands. The cap is hand painted in navy blue with no missing paint (see images). Shoes are black. I have thoroughly examined with a loop and a black light and I guarantee the toy to be as I have described.
There is no need to ever have to upgrade this example; it would be a wonderful addition to a discerning collection of antique toys, or as a stand alone piece on the shelf—-perhaps for a navy veteran.
The toy is memorialized and referenced as “EPL #535” and documented on page 63 of the book “Lehman Toys” by Jurgen & Marianne Cieslik, published in 1982.
Dimensions: 7 3/8″ high x 2 3/4″ wide x 2 3/4″ deep
Provenance: From my own personal collection of antique toys
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.