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 Japanese man pulling a seated geisha woman in the back of a rickshaw. This toy is an exceptional example, in the upper echelon of extant “Masuyama” Lehmans. It is completely original in every aspect, which is quite unusual, considering they were prone to breakage and replacements through playing with and handling. The man is dressed in a green checkered coat with rose colored pants and a yellow hat. The lady is adorned in a blue and white floral kimono; she is holding a green petal and red floral decorated fan. The wheels are painted yellow and the carriage is black with white writing. The figures are both authentic, as is the fan the lady is holding, and, most importantly, the parasol is the original example. The green floral umbrella is affixed simply by inserting it in the hole provided, so that when the toy is turned upside down, the umbrella falls out. So, as you can well imagine, to find an original parasol is very special; the toy probably had very little “playtime”, if any at all. No restoration or touch-up paint anywhere, original legs, shoes and rails. Markings on the back (see images) indicate patent information and “Made in Germany” genesis, and “Lehman” manufacture. This is the earlier version, as indicated by the broad brim hat on the man versus the later pointed hat.
The toy operates just fine (see operating video upon request); as the wheels turn smoothly and the lady fans herself by moving the hand held fan back and forth vociferously. When placed on the ground it does not have the energy to drive it across the floor (no examples do); but, considering the high value, fragility, outstanding condition, and rarity of this museum quality toy, one should not really operate it, except as shown in the video. Enjoy the acquisition and pride of ownership on your shelf. This is considered one of the more iconic pre-war tin wind-up toys, and a staple in high quality vintage toy collections—-it is one of the Lehman toy company’s most sought after and best toys.
The “Masuyama” Lehman Toy is memorialized by foremost Lehman toy authorities, Jurgen and Marianne Cieslik in their book “Lehman Toys” on pages 64 and 65 where it is identified as “EPL. No. 775”. The example I am offering is of the same quality as the full page one shown on page 65.
Although founded earlier in Brandenburg, Germany, Ernest Paul Lehman’s best toys were produced after 1887 up until the depression.
Dimensions: 8″ long x 3″ 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.