Early 1900’s German Wind-Up Tin Hamburg-Amerika Linie Zeppelin with Original Wood Box and Pamphlet

This great and very rare 13-inch-long Airship is unique. Two hand-painted Airship officers are sitting in two separate gondolas located near the bottom ends of the passenger compartment. We believe this toy was made in 1909 and was manufactured as a model replica for the Hamburg-Amerika line. 

When tested, the wind-up mechanism worked very well in that the rear tin propeller moved effortlessly on its shaft. The toy has dings, scratches, and some minor paint loss, but such blemishes are customary for a toy that is this old. The toy has welded seams that support the belief that the toy was manufactured before 1912 when full welds were not often used on metal toys.

The original wood box is in very good condition and some lucky owner can find the original toy inspection card signed by Karl Wachtler that has been inserted in the original pamphlet that accompanied the toy. This is a great piece to reveal the past attempts to achieve air ship commercial air travel.