Artist/Maker Märklin (German, founded 1859)

Locomotive and tender

1908-1912

Various metals, composition, mica, glass, paint

Part (a): 6 1/4 × 14 × 3 1/4 in. (15.9 × 35.6 × 8.3 cm)
Part (b): 4 × 7 × 3 1/8 in. (10.2 × 17.8 × 7.9 cm)

Jerni Collection, acquired with generous support from Bloomberg Philanthropies, Richard Gilder, and an anonymous donor

2014.31.1299ab

“Coupe Vent” or windbreaker locomotives incorporated riveted V-shaped steel plates attached to the locomotive’s boiler face, chimney, and cab to improve streamlining. Unique to France, locomotives of the Paris-Lyon-Mediterranean (PLM) line featured “Coupe Vents” to contend with the powerful “Mistral,” a strong wind that blows north to south through the Rhône River Valley. Märklin produced this clockwork toy example in 1909.

DescriptionLocomotive (a) and tender (b). Forest green with red and gold trim. Tender has faux coal and eight wheels. 4-4-0.

MarkingsOn side of locomotive: "P.L.M. // C.V. 1021."

ClassificationsTOYS

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