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Steinbach Smoker Animated Music Der fruhliche Wanderer Germany Western Zone

P
11 years ago
AI Appraisal
Description

I have looked all over and can't find one similar.  Steinbach Smoker, Animated Organ Grinder, Music Box.  This smoker stands on a painted green wood platform with wheels.  There is a key on the bottom to wind the music box.  When wound up, the music box plays "I am a Happy Wanderer" as the figure turns a crank wheel, and the lid on the box moves up and down. 

This piece measures as follows:

The platform that the wanderer is standing on is 9 inches long by 4 inches wide. 

The small red wheels are 1 inch diameter

The wanderer (figure) stands about 5-1/2 inches tall, so overall the height is about 6-1/2 inches.

The music box measures 3 x 4 x 4-1/2 inches, the crank wheel on the side of the box is about 2-3/4 inches diameter.

Overall 9 x 4 x 6 inches

There is a switch on the back that does work to turn the music box off, however it does not always seem to turn the music box on.  Sometimes when I pick the piece up the music box starts playing so I am not certain how that switch actually works.

The paint is cracked throughout, it would seem typical of a piece this age.  There is a small burn mark on the base next to the feet.  The smoker is clean inside, but has been "smoked" at one time.  I also included a close up picture of the figures left arm and hand.  It looks like the left hand was once glued to the left chest area as there are spots on the chest and the hand that look like glue residue.

The round green label reads "Steinbach Germany Western Zone"

The white label reads "Thorens Movement Der Fruhliche Wanterer Made in Switzerland"

I assume Western Zone Germany would date this piece From mid 1945 to May 1949, when the three "Western Zones", French, British, and US occupied areas became the Federated Republic of Germany.

Category General Antiques and Collectibles
Medium Wood
Distinguishing marks The round green label reads "Steinbach Germany Western Zone"

The white label reads "Thorens Movement Der Fruhliche Wanterer Made in Switzerland"
Condition Good
Size and dimensions of this item This piece measures as follows: The platform that the wanderer is standing on is 9 inches long by 4 inches wide. The small red wheels are 1 inch diameter The wanderer (figure) stands about 5-1/2 inches tall, so overall the height is about 6-1/2 inches
Date Period Western Zone Germany would date this piece From mid 1945 to May 1949, when the three "Western Zones", French, British, and US occupied areas became the Federated Republic of Germany.
Weight 1 pound 8 oz
History Purchased at an estate sale for $35, I am curious about how old this is, and what the value might be?
Price Paid (If known) 35.00
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