1953 Philipp Niedermeier, Volkswagen Shell Oil Service in Original Box
Superb mint in box "track" toy manufactured by Philipp (spelled with one "L") Niedermeier, Nuremberg, Germany in near mint original box. The toy is complete with original insert, key, and double sided Shell Oil sign. It's never been played with. Marked "Made In Western Germany" the toy is all lithographed tin. It features an embossed, clockwork Volkswagen with lithoed canvas rollback sunroof, a driver, passenger, and "N-PN" license plates (Nuremberg-Philip Niedermeier). It has a clockwork motor, stop/start switch, and unattached key with paper bag. The key is original to the toy. Accompanying the VW is a large 19" x 14" grooved roadway. Unlike many smaller Japanese toys which featured a petrol (gas) station the center of the track includes an open air Shell Lubrication Station lithoed with oil cans and overhead skylights. It was designed with the "latest" gull-wing style roof made popular by Mercedes. The set has its original plastic Shell Oil lollipop-style sign embossed with German text still sealed inside its original bag. A chrome plated steel pin on the underside of the VW allows it to follow the grooved roadway. A figure-8 pattern inside of a larger oval permits it to make random turns through the station and on either end of the track. Like most German made toys from this era the box features a beautiful full panel hand drawn illustration. It shows the identical Volkswagen entering the lubrication station. It accurately depicts the station in the center of the box with roadways entering from several directions. Scenic shrubbery are shown in front, open land on the sides, and a large forest with billowy clouds in the background. An attendant awaits with oil hose and pail (to change the oil). No gas pumps are shown since it's strictly an oil changing service. The aprons are solid red. Size: Box 19¾" x 14½" x 2¼". Volkswagen 3-3/8". Roadway 19" x 14". Sold: May 2006
Price Sold: $ 537
