Bidspirit auction | Figures Striking Bells American Tin

Figures Striking Bells American Tin Toy - Merriam & Althof-Bergman American - Circa Mid 1870's. Ex - Jay Lowe Toy Collection. This is certainly one of the most unusual American tin bell ringers you will ever have the chance to acquire. Once again, making a firm attribution as to the maker is difficult because the toy demonstrates stylistic traits and known features of two different toy manufacturers. Clearly, the horse and the figures are by Merriam Mfg. Company. The wheels and the bells and the unusual drive mechanism housed in the red tin cylinder are probably the contribution of Althof-Bergman. Collaboration in early toy making happened a lot more frequently than previously imagined. In any case, this is a fascinating toy in great original condition.