Expert: Irene Schwall - 10/26/2008

Question
Black childs machine believe to be pot metal gold leaves painted on the black.
This is made in Germany # stamp 1289832 on faceplate. I recieved it and I cannot remember if it was new or not about 1954. Original box cardboard but very thick and heavy cardboard. original screwdriver and clamp to hold to a table. Can you put an approx. value on this? also i think there was a spring at the top with the spool I could be wrong but it isn't there. I believe it may have been used by me one or two times. hahaha I wanted a pony.

Answer
Hello Marty,
Is there a trademark anywhere on this machine?

I've looked at two different picture reference books on toy machines and I believe your machine was made by CASIGE - Carl Sieper of Gevelsberg, Germany. I'm basing my assessment on the fact that you state in an email that your machine might be sheet metal and CASIGE made most of their machines out of sheet metal vs. cast iron.

But, the base of your machine is also very similar to toy machines made by F.W. Muller toys in Kreuzberg, Berlin.  The firm operated from about 1888 to 1978 and made many cast iron based machines.

Without a trademark it is difficult to be 100% positive about who made your machine as companies copied each other. I do not have a record of serial numbers unfortunately.

Regardless, the machine dates to the 1900's and if it is in excellent condition (i.e. complete with no damage) I would estimate the value to be around $250 - $300.
I hope this helps.
Irene