MÄRKLIN Tank "Type L" First Series Circa 1917

Name: MÄRKLIN Tank "Type L" First Series Circa 1917
Brand: MÄRKLIN
SKU: ALL-MKL-1036
Price: 890.00 EUR
Availability: InStock

SKU:ALL-MKL-1036

€890,00

Sale Reserved

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An Icon of Industrial Archaeology

This rare mechanical tank model, attributed to the prestigious German manufacturer Märklin, stands at the dawn of the miniature representation of modern technology. Conceived around 1917, this model captures with striking fidelity the functional and radical geometry of the very first armored vehicles of the Great War. Its hand-painted sheet steel body, sporting original marbled camouflage with a textured period patina, gives this piece the status of a unique object-sculpture.

Kinetics & Horology

Beneath its raw steel shell lies a mechanism of surgical rigor. The caliber, whose precision and nobility of execution evoke historical collaborations between master mechanical artists and prestigious watchmakers (such as the TippCo/IWC collaborations), testifies to an era when scale models permitted no technical concessions. The object retains all its original functions: This powerful motor is equipped with a selective braking system.

The pea-firing cannon is functional, a delicacy that contrasts with the brutalist harshness of the object. The tracks have been replaced to restore the tank's movement.

At 16 cm with a palpable density, this tank possesses a monolithic presence.

Conservation Restoration

In order to preserve the structural integrity of the piece while restoring its kinetic truth, the Galerie POPINCOURT has carried out targeted conservation interventions:

The Movement: The original running gear has been complemented by custom precision belts. This technical approach protects the original gearing while ensuring fluid linear movement.

The Caliber: The clockwork motor has been entirely cleaned and lubricated in the workshop. Its power reserve is fluid.

Interactivity: Equipped with a functional brake lever and an operational pea-firing cannon (firing system).

Winding Accessories: The original Zamak (period alloy) key is preciously preserved and provided. As the steel winding shaft has naturally patinated the internal impression of this century-old key, the Galerie POPINCOURT has equipped the automaton with a second "GAMA" technical key. Perfectly adjusted, this additional key allows the powerful mechanism to be wound safely, thereby preserving the original key.
Original Elements: The original tracks (non-functional) are included in the lot for the piece's history.

The Galerie POPINCOURT's Opinion

What makes this piece masterful is the aesthetic tension it emanates. We are facing a work of transition, at the crossroads of folk art and mechanical modernism. The dissonance is total between the roughness of its steel carapace, marked by time, and the almost horological preciousness of its insides. The restoration, focused on the fluidity of the new belts, gives this automaton its primitive kinetic force back without altering its soul. At 16 cm with a palpable density, this tank possesses a monolithic presence.
It is an "eye-catcher" for an executive desk or an engineering art collection, a bridge between pre-industrial mechanical design and modernity.

Information

Origin: Germany (Nuremberg / Göppingen)

Period: Circa 1916 - 1920

Material: Hand-painted tinplate

Dimensions: Length 16 cm | Width 7 cm

Condition: Original patina, motor cleaned/lubricated, tracks restored

Endowment: Presented with its original Zamak key, its historical original tracks, and an additional GAMA technical winding key

Weight: 390 grams

Accessories: Delivered with its original Märklin presentation key + second "GAMA" key for winding the motor spring. The original tracks are part of the lot

Contents of the Shipment

Märklin "Type L" Tank 1917

Original Zamak key

Technical operating key

Certificate of Authenticity

The POPINCOURT Gallery's Commitment

The ambiance visuals are creations, carefully designed by GALERIE POPINCOURT to help you envision the object in a particular setting.

Color Rendition: While we capture the true essence of each piece, nuances may vary slightly depending on the scene's lighting and your screen settings.

Accessories & Decoration: Furniture elements, textiles, or decorative objects surrounding the product (vases, books, side tables, etc.) are presentation suggestions. Only the item described in the title and the ad's text is offered for sale.

COA procedures

DIGITAL CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY

A certificate of authenticity accompanies your purchase. No action is required on your part:

Your document in PDF format will be automatically sent to you by email within a maximum of 15 business days, once the delivery of your order has been confirmed by the carrier.
This secure digital format ensures the optimal preservation of your collectible documents.

Note

Lifestyle visuals are creative works, carefully designed by GALERIE POPINCOURT to help you visualize the object in a setting.

Color rendering: Although we capture the true essence of each piece, shades may vary slightly depending on the lighting of the scene and your screen settings.

Accessories & Decoration: The furniture, textiles, or decorative items surrounding the product (vases, books, accent furniture, etc.) are presentation suggestions. Only the object described in the title and the text of the listing is offered for sale.