c.1903 Lehmann No.490 Clockwork "Tut Tut" in Original Box
Superb example of Lehmann’s clockwork “Tut Tut†horseless carriage. It has distinction of being the first toy automobile which included a sound producing horn. This fantastic toy grades excellent+ to near mint with working horn. Even more exciting, it comes complete with its rare original box, which also grades excellent! Wind it up and the vehicle moves forward with erratic short, jerky movement. The stout driver steers with his right hand, while blowing a brass-finished horn held in his left hand. The front wheels randomly change position which in turn moves the attached right. Quite often Lehmann’s toys commented on current events, automobiles, and everyday people. On June 15, 1901 the first laws regulating Prussia's motor vehicle traffic went into effect. Less than two years afterwards Lehmann produced “Tut Tutâ€. The clever design subtlety criticized the new German auto regulations for safe driving techniques including the use of horns. Structurally, the toy has all four original balloon tires with spoke wheels, brass finished headlights with original green and red transparent papers, original steering wheel, attached key, and horn. The driver, including the arms, hands, hat brim, etc. are also all original. In addition to the headlights the underside of the chassis is also brass finished. The box is just awesome with a nearly full cover panel illustration which shows an accurate representation of the actual toy. The toy works well although I due to it age and fragility I ran it for only a brief time period. Size: 7". Sold: Jul. 2012
Price Sold: $ 1925
