Offered here is an antique Ernst Paul Lehmann No. 425 “Balky Mule” mechanical tin toy, also known as the Stubborn Donkey, Recalcitrant Donkey, or Comical Clown.
Made in Germany during the early 1900s, this unusual clockwork toy depicts a colorfully dressed clown seated in a two-wheel cart being pulled by a gray mule. The cart wheels retain their colorful circus-clown lithography and Lehmann marking.
This approximately century-old toy is being offered in as-found, incomplete, and untested condition. Its clockwork mechanism has not been tested, and working operation is not guaranteed.
Visible condition issues include:
No attempt has been made to clean, restore, repair, or repaint the toy. It retains an attractive aged patina and is being sold for display, restoration, parts, or inclusion in an antique toy collection.
Please examine every photograph carefully. The photographs form an important part of the condition description, and the exact item shown is the one you will receive.
Is this an original Lehmann toy?
The design, construction, wheel lithography, and markings are
consistent with the German Lehmann No. 425 Balky Mule toy.
Does the wind-up mechanism work?
The mechanism has not been tested. It is being sold as untested,
and working operation is not guaranteed.
Is the toy complete?
No. Both clown hands appear to be missing, the reins are loose,
and other small components may be absent. Please use the photographs
to determine completeness.
Has it been restored?
No restoration is known. The toy is being sold in its present
as-found condition with substantial age-related wear.