Hand painted tin, cast spoke wheels
Germany, around 190
Brothers Märklin & Cie GmbH, Göppingen
Inscription: ‘1. Armeekorps Bataillon Comp.’
Maker’s mark and inscription on the underside: ‘Würtemberg’
Measurements: 11 cm (height); 20 cm (width); 5.5 cm (depth)

This rare Märklin horse-drawn ambulance was made around 1910. It is made of green lacquered tin and carries the inscription ‘1. Armeekorps Bataillon Comp.’ and a small red cross. The wagon features cast spoke wheels, rear doors and a small loading flap, which opens under the coachman’s seat. The upper side has an elegant, perforated balustrade.

The horse-drawn ambulance is in good condition for its age, showing signs of use. There are large areas showing loss of colour all around. The underside, and especially the wheels, show signs of rust. The lacquer on the flooring has been repaired. The figurines, drawbar and door handles are missing. The carriage is stamped with the old Märklin sign and inscribed ‘Württemberg’. It measures around 11 cm (height) by 20 cm (width) and 5.5 cm (depth).

Märklin
Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH is a toy maker based in Göppingen in Swabia and was founded in 1859 by Theodor Friedrich Wilhelm Märklin. Initially the company limited itself to the production of doll’s kitchens. In 1988 the company was taken over by the brothers Eugen und Karl Märklin, who renamed it “Gebr. Märklin”. From 1909 they produced 90 different steam engine models and increasingly expanded their product range for children’s toys. The first electrical railway appeared on the market. This production segment became the most important for the company – they are the market leader in the European model railway industry today.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.