WW2 Tippco Tinplate Toy Searchlight
This wonderful looking vintage toy is a WW2 Tippco Tinplate Toy Searchlight in its original German camouflage, and in working condition! It would have been fitted on to a four wheel bogey: see image (not included).
The owner had the toy from new until he passed away aged 93. He kept it in really good condition.
Approximate Size:
- Height: 10.5cm (with lamp in the horizontal position)
- Base Width: 12.7cm
- Base Depth: 8cm
The bullseye searchlight is in excellent working condition, with a 3 volt bulb, once connected to an appropriate power source e.g. 2x 1.5v dry cells or 3v power supply. It does have a few surface blemishes commensurate with age and use, and some small areas of rust.
Tipp & Co produced some wonderful tinplate toys which were extremely well engineered. This searchlight has two turning screws. One swivels the light up and down, the other turns the light clockwise or anticlockwise. It is slightly wobbly.
Due to their rarity, Tippco toys now command very high prices when in mint condition. They are reminiscent of 'Mettoy,' which is probably not surprising as both companies originally had the same owner.
Please click on the following link for more vintage toys.
A Short Introduction To Tipp & Co.
The company was founded in Germany in 1912 by Miss Tipp & Mr Carstens but owned the Ullman family, whom were Jewish. In 1933, Mr Philip Ullman fled to England to escape Nazi persecution. His company was commandeered by Ernst Horn, formerly of Bing, whom changed production from civilian transport toys to toys dedicated to German militaria. This lasted until 1942 when production temporarily ceased due to lack of metal due to the war effort.
Meanwhile in England, Mr Ullman joined fellow refugee, Mr Arthur Katz, and founded the toy manufacturing company, Mettoy, which later became Corgi.
