ITEM DESCRIPTION:

In 1884 with the involvement of the German Empire in Africa Ernst Paul Lehmann say thing that gave him ideas for future toys. One fascination was people riding and using ostriches to draw two wheeled carts. Mr. Lehmann designed his two wheel mail cart around what he saw. The tin toy shown here is called Africa. Toy was produced around 1900 with a black driver. Driver is japanned tin in black, blue and gold. The overall length of the toy is 6.5 inches, width is 3 inches including the string drive spool on the left side. Height is 5 inches to the top of the driver and ostrich head. The drive mechanism is called a string-wind drive. A string is wound around the left wheel spool about 10 times then pulled vigorously spinning the heave flywheel mounted under the cart. The spinning flywheel shaft is in contact with both wheels turning them as well. The reins and wooden whip have been replaced. Condition of the toy is excellent with great patina. Very minor paint loss from play. pc421