c.1946 Kellerman No.358 Cabrio Convertible in Original Box
Here's a real survivor; an early post-war U.S. Zone Germany, Kellerman No. 358 Fliptop "Cabrio" Convertible complete with rare original box. Includes vintage cast iron nickel plated key and its original Higbee hanging price tag. That's the same Higbee's department store in Columbus, Ohio as seen in the movie "A Christmas Story# (see last photo). Although this vehicle turns up (no pun intended) more frequently than its No. 359 Volkswagen version, finding an example of either one without the roof all scratched up is seldom seen. The auto is clockwork motor driven and all tin litho (including the tires). It features a revolving fliptop roof controlled by the switch underneath the chassis. Presentation of the solid roof (1st photo), or open cabriolet with composition driver (2nd photo) are shown below. The early style split front and rear windshields can also be seen when the top is up. In addition, the front wheels are adjustable. It has both original front and rear raised bumpers and running boards. The license plates are marked "K-358". The underside gray chassis is embossed with the Kellerman trademark, D.R.G.M patent, and Made in U.S. Zone, Germany. Although the separate key is a replacement it was produced around the same time period as the car. The Higbee price tag was torn in half which was the practice at the time. Both paper and string are original and were tied to the car when it was originally sold. The colorful folding box is the first I've seen for this toy. It was used for either the 358 or 359 versions. The two main panels show both; 359 (blue) Volkswagen, and 358 (red) convertible. The remaining panels have schematics showing how to operate the roof. The endlfaps have the Kellerman trademark and patents. Size: 6¼". Sold: Dec. 2013
Price Sold: $ 450
