12" x 5.5" x 6".

German. 1905-1910. An extremely rare toy depicting a Coupe Gordon Bennet No. 5 race car made by the Siegfried Gunthermann Adolf Weigel company. The elite toy company was founded by Siegfried Gunthermann. When Siegfried died in 1886, he left his estate to his wife who got remarried to Adolf Weigel. Adolf's initials were added to the company name, hence the ASGW marking. International car racing, as we know it, started when James Bennett, owner of the New York Herald newspaper, organized an annual trophy in which three cars built of parts made in three different countries, would represent each of their national automobile clubs. The first Bennett Trophy races took place in 1901, 1902, and 1903. According to the Musee des Arts Decoratifs in Paris, Gunthermann created these race cars using the cars of the Gordon Bennett Cup as inspiration. The cars are adorned with a four-leaf clover, which was the logo of the car manufacturer Richard-Brasier. The shape of this toy is similar to a Richard-Brasier model that took part in the 1903 Paris to Madrid race. The Gunthermann race toys have "Coupe Gordon Bennet" written on the side, spelling Bennett with one "t" instead of two. It is unknown whether this is simply a mistake or deliberate. The toy also bears the No. 5. This was intentional as the No. 5 was immortalized by the Brasier model driven in 1904 by Leon Thery, a French driver who became something of a hero by beating Camille Jenatzy, who was representing Germany. Gunthermann wanted to make it known that Germany was still better than France by making a toy of the highest quality and the best of the best, using the No. 5 as a subtle reference to the 1904 race. Based on this information we can date this toy to post 1904 and likely between 1905 and 1910. This version of the No. 5 has added accessories, all original to the period, including headlights and a horn. Without question, this is a rare and spectacular toy made by one of the most elite toy companies in the world. This toy rarely comes to auction and is found in some of the world's best toy collections and museums, making it highly coveted and not to be missed. Marked, "ASGW", on rear behind drivers. Marked, "Coupe Gordon Bennet", on both sides.

Very good original condition. Chain-driven clockwork mechanism tested and working. Retains original driver and passenger. Shows playwear throughout. Paint loss and chipping to driver and passenger. Noisemaker appears collapsed.

Lithographed tin.