Company from the late 19th century made highly prized toys

Penny Toys were tiny toys measuring no longer than five inches, made very cheaply from pressed tin.

They were extremely popular around the turn of the century and their success allowed companies like Distler to expand into larger tinplate toys.

In the 1920s and 30s, Distler greatly expanded both in terms of workforce and products, making some excellent cars and beginning to expand into clockwork mechanisms.

Tinplate toys with moving parts are particularly popular with collectors and Distler made some very good battery operated examples.

The 1956 “Elektro Matic 7500 FS” Porsche is probably their finest with an ignition key, forward and reverse gears and remote control with spiral wire.

The Porsche is now highly sought after with examples in rare colours and mint-boxed conditions attracting the most interest.

In 1928, Mickey Mouse made his first appearance on our screens and his success was a huge boost to companies like Distler, who were one of the first manufacturers to get a license to produce Disney toys.

Disney toys are a huge collecting field in their own right and toys complete with boxes confirming that they were made with permission of Walt Disney, like the Distiler toys, hold higher values and appeal.

By the 1960s, Distler could’nt keep up with competition and production stopped in 1962.