Our very good friend Brian Johnson acquired this tank. It was done by Jean of Germany. I told Brian I do not remember ever seeing it . Brian is looking for more of these tanks, so if you have one for sale or know of one for sale contact us and we will pass the information along to Brian.
An AIP figure is used for comparison
Definitely a very close imitation of 1970’s ( West German Flak panzer Gepard Anti-Aircraft Tank ) about 1.35 scale as far I can see compare to the AIP soldier figure next to it!!. British company Dinky made one very similar but with a different turret type too. A very rare toy that I will love to have . JEAN Company did some other vehicles and trucks that could be used for WW2 or post era scenes too in a 1.32 scale all plastic; I have seen some on sale on eBay for a very high price…
I got the Gepard for $18US,the killer was the postage as dealer is in Spain.I also got a SP Gun from same maker,the gun barrel was broken off when I ordered it and I havn’t glued it back on yet but will send in some pictures when it is fixed.It’s nearly same size as Gepard but in a Dark Green.I’ve Googled for info on this company and find several different spellings of it(Jean and Jean Hofler among others),by the quality of these 2 examples would really like to track down some more and also find out what other vehicles they produced.Remember he who dies with the most toys wins!!
Brian I’m very glad you got these two rare samples …But also will like to share some opinion and information about this rare German company. As far I know there are more than one company who used this name back in the 60’s to the 80’s.One is call (JEAN) alone, other JEAN WADER and the most common seen JEAN HOEFLER.If any of these three ever merge and were one company once I do not know, but definitely I have toys and toys soldiers with three different logos with these names brands on then. I do have several JEAN vehicles in 1.20 and 1.32 scales all plastic, the old ones carry rubber tire, later ones have all hard plastic tires and some were wind- up. Most represent post WW2 civilian models of trucks and farm vehicles but there were some done as civilian that were actually WW2 models(like the long truck bus) done in 1.32 scale of which I have one in all red color with black tires. I only seen one like that sold for over $200.00 years ago on eBay..It is a very rare toy and hard to find. More detail about the history and correction about these German toys could be done by ANDREAS Dittman from GERMANY who is an avid collector with a lot of knowledge on his country toy history. If he sees this comment he may be able to help us !?.
Because my collection is so above my brain limit I will take some time to pull out of the attic and basement these toys and do some pictures for you. For now you may find these item numbers bellow on eBay and look/see if interest you..Some I already have others not..As I’m a bit specific about scale. My scale range on vehicles is from (1.35 -1.20).So any other won’t be of my interest. If come across any other please share it with us if can. Thank you…
EBay item numbers.. 390830743029…400604698797….400326843505….121326087952
Thanx for info.On bottom of both vehicles is the words “Jean” and “WGermany”.And there is a circle with what look like 2 stick figures standing together,one is bigger than the other making me think maybe is representing a Father and Son playing together.I didn’t know about these before and got the “Hofler” from the Seller’s description.Do you know of any other AFV’s produced by “Jean”?
Brian…One more detail, any time you need to get any toy from Spain, ask for economic shipping secured postage!!. I have used it before and is good plus cheap..What happen is they are a bit slack back when asked to do so..But you may push for if want/like. Also if need help with translation I could do it for you or any collector without problems..Best regards…
Brian that is (jean hoefler) then with the 1959-1966 logo.
read bellow this..Company history and description of the company Jean Höfler aus Fürth, Germany
1923 the metal goods factory was founded by the brothers Leonard, George and Johann Höfler. The brothers then went different ways. While Johann produced tin toys and everyday objects such as buttons from sheet metal, Leonhard dealt with the production of metal goods and George with the production of tools. The by Johann Höfler founded company Jean Höfler produced cheap goods from sheet metal. These included inter alia cars , racing cars, aircrafts, figures, frogs, loudmouths, doll houses and railways. As a trademark they used a three sheeted cloverleaf with the letters J and H. The order situation after the Second World War becomes more and more difficult among many competitors
1954 the son of Johann Höfler the 25 years old Mr. Ernst A. took over the management directly after studying and had great success with his first products of sheet metal car series ” Racing Car”.
1956 began a radical change in tin toy production. He was among the first tin toy manufacturers who sold their tools and the entire production surrounded on plastic. It all started with small plastic figures, such as Indians, cowboys and plastic cars that are very popular today with collectors. (Tucher and Walther seems to possess some of the old tools, because they sold replicas of old Höfler tin toys).
1959 the logo was replaced with a globe.
1962 the company has been renamed in “BIG.
1966 the logo was created with the buffalo stands as a symbol of robustness, resilience and durability.
1972, the first BIG-Bobby-Car was presented at the Nuremberg Toy Fair . The red car weighed 1.5 kg and consisted of weather resistant , bright red plastic pellets and is produced with more than 16 million pcs, the best-selling children’s vehicle.
1975 began the production of the Play Big figures, which made competition to PLAYMOBIL several years.??
2004 the company was sold to the Sima Dickie Group.
No idea about any other armored vehicle but if they did those, they probably did some others military ones; as the American ww2 soldiers sets (8 poses) some time came with a cannon too!!They only did US infantry, not other as far I know and I have the entire set with cannon too in my collection.
Now the other civilian vehicles sold under name (JEAN) inside a square logo are definitely not (Jean Hoefler) but other because the logo is not at all any close to all used by the J .HOEFLER COMPANY..Once again a mystery to me till now.
Now what is a mystery to me is that the real Gepard tank was never fielded till 1969-1970 with first prototypes put in to production after 1970 and the toy has the pre 1966 logo according to your description..So here is a very intriguing question that only one German collector should answer!!Once again you have a very rare toy piece in your hand!!!!You are so lucky with this find!!
Check out Ebay # 221429574040 !!!.
Brian;So you got the rocket too !!??awesome find..congrats!!,definitely (JEAN HOEFLER) logo..but still a mystery to me of logo(1959-1966) versus Gepard tank year model=1970. where is Andrea Dittman to help here with more info in this forum!!??..Paul could you ask him when you can please!!??Thanks..
Erwin
I have sent an email to Andreas in regards the Jean vehicles. I do not when he will reply as he takes students on various field trips around the world. If I hear from him via email or he post a response, I will get up it as soon as I can,
Thank you so much Paul!!!
I have another plastic tank from the same brand…from around the 1970’s
Maybe i can send you a picture if you are interested ?
Greetings Danny
Danny
Yes send the picture to pestad@gmail.com
Did he send a pic yet?
Brian
No he has not sent the picture.