c.1914 Meier, German Tin Penny Horse Drawn Carriage
Purchased through a museum deaccession, this German Tin Penny Horse Drawn Carriage manufactured by Johann Meier grades as one of the best I've seen. I've very conservatively graded it near mint.
All original and without any touch-up or repairs, it features a double seated four spoke wheel carriage with original driver pulled by two identical brown and black horses. The floorboard just behind the driver is stamped "Made in Germany".
It also has two very small celluloid figures, a man and woman, tied to the rear seat with black cord. I believe they're Japanese and have hand painted features. Both are fully clothed including his and hers (probably handmade) lace caps. The wooden stick behind them was cleverly used to tighten the cord. Presumably the pair were tied to the seat by an early owner. The two dolls, although very tiny, are slightly out of scale with the rest of the toy. In no way have they damaged or changed the condition of the tin toy.
Size: 4¾" (126mm). Figures 1½" tall.
Price Sold: $ 600
