I'm trying to start a tag for all the cool stuff people find at Flea Markets, Garage Sales, Estate Sales, Auctions and any other type of resale shop. #Fleamarketfinds should fit the bill. If you have a better tag or know an existing group please let me know.
The Transparent Engine By Gescha
It was Labor Day 2014 at a small Northern Michigan Flea Market when this caught my eye. I'm a collector of all things odd or interesting and this was perfect. I saw it when I first walked in but paid it little attention as I was looking for coins. After not finding any I stopped back at the booth to take a look.
With no cell phone coverage I had no way to look up what it was or it's worth. He had a $50 tag on it, but it was the last day of the season for them. I made an offer of $35 and ended up buying it for $40.
The whole way home I was wondering what it was, how old it was and if I got took by the man at the flea market. I knew it had to be old when I saw the carburetor on the exhaust side, much like an old tractor. And the booklet that came with it looked very old but in good condition.
What I found about it
Once we got home it was time to research. Gescha is a popular German toy brand who made everything from wind up tin cars to these model kits. This one is from the 1950's and is based on a pre-war Opel engine. The detail on this with all of it's moving parts is amazing. It was originally powered by a 3v battery (Not shown here) that I've never seen before.
With the battery installed it would light up the corresponding piston as it simulated the firing order. All parts move, the clutch even works with the pedal on the transmission bell housing and shows how it engages with the flywheel. It also shifts 3 gears forward and 1 reverse.
I couldn't have been happier with this find. I've seen the prices range from $100 missing some parts to $3000 that was in the original packaging. To me it's not about what it is worth, I enjoy it for the toy it is and it's uniqueness. It's also a great conversation piece as well as an educational one.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of Fleamarketfinds and hope to see the tag being used by others.
And if you have any interest in coins, bullion, gold/silver or investing, check out the guys and gals over at steemsilvergold. They are a great group of folks who would be willing to help with any questions.
Proud member and supporter of Steemsilvergold.