Coastal artillery has played a crucial role since the early 1800s, protecting coastlines worldwide. This vintage Märklin tinplate coastal artillery piece, catalogued under #8049/2, dates from the 1920s and features a 15 cm barrel diameter. The model is finished in bluegray handpainted color, one of Märklin’s military paint schemes.

Despite the contrast between war and play, “war toys” were a common part of toy history, produced for both play and military educational purposes. This particular artillery piece could even launch small projectiles, though these are often lost.

Recently added to the KallisToys Museum Collection, this example will feature in a future naval diorama.

📩 Do you own early Märklin war-themed tinplate or coastal artillery? We’d love to hear from you.