On eBay Now...
Authentic Pre-War German J.L. Hess "Hessmobil" Torpedo Touring Car (c. 1910)
Up for auction/sale is a spectacular, museum-grade survivor of early European toy history. Produced by the legendary J.L. Hess firm in Nuremberg, Germany, this early "Hessmobil" is an exceptionally scarce find for collectors of pre-war tinplate.
HIGHLIGHTS & COLLECTOR NOTES:
• 100% All-Original Survivor: This toy is completely untouched and unrestored. It features its original red paint, gold stenciled pinstriping, and the iconic front-radiator curved crank handle.
• Ultra-Rare Original Tinplate Driver: Unlike many examples that have lost their figures or feature cast-iron replacements, this car retains its original factory-issued, two-piece pressed tinplate driver. The lithographed tin tabs holding him to the seat are completely original, unbent, and flush. There is a slight, natural separation at the top seam of the driver's back due to over a century of metal expansion—a beautiful indicator of its untouched authenticity.
• Condition & Patina: The body shows an honest, gorgeous play-worn patina with expected surface aging, light rust spots, and minor paint loss as clearly shown in the photos.
MECHANICAL STATUS (PLEASE READ):
The front radiator crank lever is slightly bent and the internal flywheel mechanism is currently frozen/will not turn. The toy is being sold strictly as-is for a premier display piece or as a fantastic, untampered candidate for a professional clockwork restorer. Please do not attempt to force the crank, as the vintage tin is brittle and preserved in its authentic state.
