Built in 1829, Stephenson's Rocket, while not the first steam locomotive, was the most advanced of its day. It was in service through 1840 and influenced steam locomotive construction for 150 years. Marklin is the only recognized maker of a commercially produced steam powered version of this famous train. This example recently surfaced in Germany and is here offered for the first time at auction. This scarce toy train is best described by Paul Klein Schiphorst in his great work The Golden Years of Tin Toy Trains, 1850-1909. 'Stephenson's live steam "Rocket" was the only historical train Marklin made in their early years. It consisted of a specially made locomotive with tender, two cars from the standard programme (sic) with the roofs left off and a specially made open car which they made from parts of the open tramway trailer. In spite of its colorful appearance it was not a success on the market and is very rare. It was only made in Gauge I.' As can be seen in the catalog cut the original set had an additional car for animal carriage.

25" l.

excellent with only minor scuffs (older solder repair on strut to stack)