Very Rare German Toy Men on High-Wheeled Bicycles,Prototype Model

Live Auction

5 1/2" (14 cm.) l. Two men in lithographed uniforms are depicted seated upon high-wheel bicycles with separately-attached legs hinged at the hips and the knees,the bicycles connected by metal rods to each other and to the platform wheeled base they are pulling. When wound,the piece propels forward and around,while the men move their legs at hips and knees in a realistic pedaling manner. Marked with raised letters "Gebrauchs Muster Nr. 7747". Germany,a prototype sample of toy,maker unknown at this time,early-20th century. Very rare and well-preserved.