Lot 134: Vintage Japanese Lithographed Friction Driven M-15 Military Tank
A vintage lithographed tinplate toy military tank, attributed to a Japanese manufacturer such as Alps or Mitomo. The vehicle is finished in a light blue-grey colour scheme with detailed lithography depicting rivets, air vents, a shovel, and simulated caterpillar tracks with wheels. The side of the hull is marked U.S.A. M-15 followed by the serial number 325089 and a five-pointed white star. The rotating turret features a central white five-pointed star within a black circular border, accented by a yellow ring. A protruding main gun barrel is mounted to the front of the turret. The toy features a friction-driven mechanism and includes a metal lever at the rear of the turret. An orange paper sticker with the handwritten number 134 is adhered to the side.
Condition report:
The toy is in a played-with condition exhibiting visible surface wear, including scratches and areas of paint loss. Notable oxidation is present on the main gun barrel and around several seams. The gun barrel shows slight deformation. The friction mechanism is untested. The original packaging is not present.
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