Bidspirit auction | Vintage Circus Elephant on Tricycle

Vintage Circus Elephant on Tricycle - A vintage clockwork toy featuring an elephant figure riding a tricycle. The elephant is constructed of lithographed tinplate and is depicted in a seated position with its front legs holding the handlebars. The trunk is raised vertically and supports a red rotating disk at the tip. The elephant is decorated with a red and yellow caparison featuring floral patterns and a white bird motif on the side. The tricycle is comprised of a red rear fender housing and a blue and red frame. A removable metal wind-up key is included and inserted into the side of the vehicle. Permanent markings are visible on the elephant's lower legs: the left rear leg is marked MADE IN U.S.-ZONE and the right rear leg is marked GERMANY. These markings identify the toy as having been manufactured in the United States occupation zone of post-WWII Germany, approximately between 1945 and 1949. The tricycle is fitted with black rubber or soft plastic tires.