- 91
Märklin "Posen" Second Series Electric Battleship Germany, Circa 1912
Estimate
100,000 - 200,000 USD
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Description
- tin, paint
The bulk of this magnificent, elaborately detailed battleship exudes imminent power, force, and action. The intricate deck details give this ship a towering presence. Featuring twin massive funnels and tall masts it is fitted with walks, rooms, armored crow's nests, and four lifeboats, which are suspended from sturdy, hand-crank davits. The heavily armed "Posen" sports guns at practically every angle and level of the ship, including gun turrets fore and aft, topside and on deck, with two smaller rotating gun turrets on each side at deck level and sixteen additional guns. Slotted decking is manned with five lead sailors with rifles. Adding to the multi-deck attraction of this boat are two railed walkways on each side and a terrace at the stern that create the illusion of a lower deck. The bow features a brass figurehead depicting a screaming warrior and is flanked by "Posen" and anchors on each side.
Length: 40 inches
Length: 40 inches
Literature
This boat featured in The Forbes Collection Toy Boats, by Richard Scholl, p. 39
Condition
One lifeboat replaced and some overpaint on another, some spots of retouching and an old solder repair at captain's stand. Loose railing at places.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
In the The Forbes Collection Toy Boats, the author states "This highly prized toy boat came back to America with a soldier's possession, after his death in France in 1918. And the Forbeses' $20,000 purchase of this toy warship enabled the Penn State sutdent that owned it to pay his tuition."