This charming Lehmann New Century Cycle, produced between 1895 and 1938 by the celebrated German toy manufacturer E.P. Lehmann, is one of the company’s most iconic tin lithographed windup toys. Measuring 5 inches long, it was designed specifically for the American market, distinguished by its patriotic red, white, and blue parasol—a detail that made it especially appealing to U.S. buyers at the turn of the century.
Lehmann was renowned for its imaginative engineering and colorful lithography, and the New Century Cycle is a perfect example of the company’s playful mechanical artistry. When wound, the toy moves forward as the driver tips his hat and the passenger spins the brightly colored umbrella, creating a lively and complex motion that delighted children and remains captivating to collectors today.
This example survives in excellent, gently played‑with condition, retaining strong original lithography and a fully functional windup mechanism. Many surviving Lehmann toys show heavy wear or mechanical issues, making a clean, working example like this especially desirable. The New Century Cycle remains one of the most collectible Lehmann windups, prized for its patriotic theme, charming figures, and intricate action.
A standout piece of early 20th‑century German tin toy history, this toy is an exceptional addition to any advanced collection of Lehmann, tin litho, or mechanical windup toys.
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