An object that has survived the test of time, a silent witness to post-war Italy. This lithographed tin motorcycle is a rare piece of Italian toy history from the 1950s (circa 1955), produced by the renowned Ditta Lima of Vicenza during the highly sought-after "pre-railway" period, before the great success of the model trains (model I-301 "Royal", mentioned in the reference bibliography Toy Motorcycles by Danilo Alasia, p. 102).
Current color: ochre yellow. The specimen documented in the bibliography and at auction (Christie’s) is described as orange; it is possible that this is the same original color faded by time.
The stories stamped into its lithography are still sharp and legible: the "ROYAL" lettering on the tank, the three-dial dashboard design, and the "SUPER CORD" brand on the tin tires stand out.
The piece is 100% original, never altered or retouched by modern hands. The internal spring motor is intact and the drive shaft turns regularly (sold without key). Being a used object, it bears the authentic marks of its era: the body and the rider's head show the opening along the factory joint and superficial blooms of rust are visible, attesting to its period authenticity.
(Collector's note: An identical specimen, in perfect condition, was sold for €2,478.00 at the Little Nemo Auction House in Turin on April 6, 2023, Lot 198. The price of this lot reflects its condition requiring restoration, offering a highly sought-after piece for expert collectors).
