Vintage Metal Heyde Munich Child Spinning Figural Tape Measure, Germany, Pre-War

I've only recently become aware that Heyde made tape measures, and this is my favorite of the ones I've seen. It is a little boy dressed in a robe, holding a bible in one hand and a beer in the other, and standing on a book of some type. The metal pull of the measure retracts to look like one of those old metal locks on a book. The great thing is, as you pull the tape out he spins, and to retract the tape you turn him. I had no idea of his back story, but it turns out he is known as the Munich Child (or Munchner Kindl).

He is from the 1200's and was the coat of arms for Munich. He measures 2 1/8" tall, and about 1.5" across his outstretched arms. I pulled the tape out to 4 but did not want to go any further.

The tape says "London" on the side that measures inches and "Meter" on the metric side. He came out of a large Heyde collection. Boy is spelter (not magnetic), book is tin (magnetic). The flash washed out the nice blue "pages" painted on the 3 faces of the book - all 3 book faces look the way the one does in the video. In addition to toy soldiers and civilian figures, Heyde made humorous anthropomorphic figures, banks, desk items, paper weights, and many souvenir items, all out of the same spelter metal.

If you pay by 5:00 E. I use lots of bubble wrap, peanuts, and good boxes.

In a group of multiple pieces each item is wrapped individually. I use a loupe to examine the toys while I'm listing them and I try and mention the significant condition issues I see. I leave feedback so please do the same. If there is any problem with the item contact me first before leaving feedback, and we'll work it out. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Sewing (1930-Now)\Tools, Scissors & Measures".

The seller is "ascot" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped worldwide.

Type: Measuring Tapes
Original/Reproduction: Antique Original
Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
Modified Item: No