Original German Pre WWII to Occupation Era Children’s Tin Toy Tank Collection With Pre War Tree Ornament – 4 Items – Formerly A.A.F. Tank Museum Collection Original Items

Original Items: Only One Lot of 4 Available. This is an excellent collection of children’s toy tanks spanning from Pre WWII to the U.S. Occupation. The tanks are pretty “generic” and do not resemble actual tanks much. The smallest tank is actually a Post War made example and is marked as being made in “U.S. ZONE GERMANY” making it rather sought after as Occupation Era marked items are pretty difficult to find in today’s market, especially military related toys.

The tanks came to us from the American Armoured Foundation, Inc. Tank and Ordnance Memorial Museum. The AAF Tank Museum was a living memorial dedicated to the Tank and Cavalry soldiers of the world. Before 1981 some of the artifacts that make up the AAF Tank Museum was a private collection belonging to Mr. William Gasser. Mr. Gasser felt that his collection would be beneficial in educating present and future generations to the sacrifices made and the technologies gained during war. Therefore, in 1981 the AAF Tank Museum was established as a non-profit charitable organization, and Mr. Gasser’s donated his private collection to the Tank Museum. Mr. Gasser is still active as Volunteer Director and Curator of the Tank Museum and his knowledge of military history has been a great asset to the museum. Unfortunately after 20 years of operation it had to close its doors, which is when these was acquired.

Unfortunately 3 of the tanks are without wind up keys and are inoperable. The smallest tank does have the key and appears to function. These toys would need to undergo some repairs, cleaning and a little lubrication for them to run correctly, but they still make for an excellent display. The rubber treads are rather delicate and crumble when you touch them, so do expect the treads (mainly on the smallest tank) to be broken in more places apon receiving your items.

A lovely collection ready for further research and display.