Model car; George Carette & Co; Germany, c. 1910.

Model car; George Carette & Co; Germany, c. 1910.
Polychrome metal.
Measurements: 18.5 x 31.5 x 13 cm.
Tin limousine with driver. The model cars of the early and mid-20th century were fundamental to both the automobile industry and to the development of design and engineering. These mock-ups, made of wood, clay or metal, allowed designers to test aerodynamics, ergonomics and aesthetics prior to mass production. They also played a key role in the evolution of model making as a hobby, fostering an interest in mechanics and automotive design. Their impact extends to this day, as they laid the foundation for today's digital and physical prototypes used in the automotive industry.
Georges Carette & Cie. was a German manufacturer of tin toys. The company was founded in 1886 by Georges Carette (1861-1954), a Frenchman based in Nuremberg. At first he worked as a supplier to the toy manufacturer Bing before he began to produce independently. In 1893, he presented a self-developed toy streetcar at the Chicago World's Fair, which caused a sensation by running on electric power.