c1914/1918 Greppert & Kelch Open Touring Limousine w/Waving Passenger & Driver
Greppert & Kelch (1900-1944), Brandenburg, Germany produced this "Open Touring Limousine" with clockwork motor and waving passenger just before and after WWI. It's an unusual variation of their classic "Touring Cyclon Motorcycle" (see below) which uses the same woman passenger with waving right arm. However, this is the first toy I've found which places the woman in an automobile, rather than a motorcycle sidecar. It was a recent attic find that I purchased at auction in upstate New York. This all tin litho toy has black chassis and running boards, blue body embossed with white and red striping, and cross-hatched grille. Both the driver and passengers seated are pleated and lithoed deep red. The wheels are gray sidewalls with six red metal spokes. The G&K trademark was lithoed onto both the right and left passenger doors. The rear license plate includes its original catalog number. The driver and passenger 3-dimensional embossed figures tabbed to their respective seats. Both are dressed in pre-WWI period clothing. It has its original attached key to wind-up its simple spring powered clockwork motor. A cam rod located underneath the car just behind the spring raises and lowers the woman's right arm. She's holding a handkerchief as she waves. The handkerchief is a replacement. Most likely she originally held a parasol just like the Touring Cyclon Motorcycle. Size: 6". Sold: Nov. 2014
Price Sold: $ 670
