German Donkey Nodder with Cart and Trees

Hard to find German Donkey Nodder pulling a cart filled with vintage trees dates to the early 20th century. Even though neither the donkey or cart are marked this set has all of the earmarks of a German piece. There is a handmade mechanism on the inside that allows the head to nod in a vertical position and is in working order. Head is weighted with a wooden armature inside the body.

Donkey is composition showing stick leg construction. Felt was used as a covering and has light toning but is completely intact. Shoe button eyes along with a fur mane (showing loss) add plenty of character. Leather areas below his neck (on the body), around his back (behind the withers) and on the halter show loss. Nose is hand painted and he has floppy or “fly away” ears. Tail is intact and legs are tight. Condition is very good as he shows well and will perform on cue!

Canted wooden cart having an extended base sports painted red wheels that move freely, having a raised tin hubcap secured by a small nail on each side. There is a tight small crack on the bottom near the nail in the back location. Tin was also used in the front, underneath the cart, that was folded in half sandwiching the wire that holds the donkey in place. Wire extends to both sides and terminates in a half circle fitted to the wire counterpart fastened around the back area. I filled the cart with raw cotton to raise the vintage trees housed inside.

Rare and hard to find German marked tree fits perfectly in the cart. This tree was most likely used as a miniature landscape for toy train displays and predates WWII era. Very nice condition showing color variations of forest green with sage highlights. The material is a cross between bottle brush and loofa. Earthy brown metal painted stand marked “Germany” on the bottom lends a clue this was an export.

Second bottle brush vintage Japan tree having a red base is a nice compliment as it adds a bushy look while the branches are snow tipped. Great condition!

This unusual gathering is perfect for holiday decorating as it adds a bit of enjoyable “nodding” whimsey to any collection.

Overall height is 5” tall (including the trees), measures 8 ¼” from the nose to the back of the cart, measures 1 ¾” across @ the widest point (top of cart. Donkey stands 3 ½” tall @ the tallest point (head), measures 4 ½” from nose to tail and measures almost 1” across his rear. Both trees stand 3 ¼” tall.