Günthermann

Siegfried Günthermann began making tinplate toys in Nuremberg in 1877, initially working by hand in a small workshop. The range included riders on wheels, bathtubs and furnished bathroom scenes. The business moved to larger premises in 1878 and again in 1884. Early toys were hand-painted; later products included lithographed figures, cars, racing cars, carriages and fire engines. Spring drives were used first, followed by clockwork initially obtained from abroad. From 1883 the company made its own clockwork. Mechanical animals and birds, including toys that made sounds, were also part of the range.

After Siegfried’s death, his widow Marie continued the business, later with her second husband, Adolf Weigel. The company mark gained Weigel’s initials during his tenure. Premises were expanded again in the 1890s, and a new building was occupied in 1901. After Weigel died in 1920, his son took over management and the earlier SG mark returned. Before the Second World War, Günthermann was known for cars, aircraft and streetcars. Production resumed after the war, with models of limousines, buses, rollers and commercial vehicles. Siemens later took over the business, but the sources differ on the timing and circumstances of its end.