MAC Forum

Here is an unusual toy helicopter by TIPPCO (Tipp & Co) of Nurnberg, Germany.

The toy is identified as Artikel-Nr. 1331 - can anyone estimate on the date of manufacture, perhaps based on its catalog number?

I'm guessing 1960s...

The plastic kit includes a battery-operated motor and "Royal Navy" stickers.

This is the only TIPPCO helicopter toy I've seen.

According to Rudger Huber's famous book "Tipp & Co", the helicopter #1331 was produced only in 1970 and 1971.
In 1971 Tipp Co closed the plant.

This item must be rather rare, especially in this condition.

Regards,
Chris

Thank you for the information, Chris.

It is very interesting to learn that this is one of the last toys the firm produced.

For a long time, I have wished TIPPCO had produced a tin helicopter toy. The firm's craftsmanship was/is extraordinary.

Yes, it is true, that Tipp Co never made a tin helicopter.
But they were focussing to German market and demand was mostly cars and trucks.

Tipp Co was rather conservative, in terms of quality and product selection.
I believe, a helicopter would have come out to be too expensive in manufacturing and too low in market demand.

Regards,
Chris