It's important to know that Ertzebirge isn't actually a company. It's the name of a mountainous region in Germany. Ertzebirge (from the German words Erz (ore) and Gebirge (mountains)) translates to Ore Mountains. The Erzgebirge region is indeed world-renowned today for its wooden toys and objects, particularly carved figurines, traditional toys, and Christmas decorations. In fact, as early as the beginning of the 20th century, there were several hundred local artisans crafting small wooden toys like this one. They are distinguished by their use of painted wood; simple yet highly expressive shapes; a roughly painted, turned wooden driver; very typical stamped metal wheels (steel or blue iron); and matte, water-based paints with a natural, age-appropriate patina. The region had its own way of making toys: During the day, one craftsman turned the wheels; another shaped the bodies; and another painted the figures. In the evening, after the main work (farming, woodworking, mining), the family assembled the toys at home by the light of a kerosene lamp. This allowed for slight variations from one toy to another; no strict industrial standards; and a deliberate charm and naiveté. In conclusion, each one is truly unique! Knowing all this, how could anyone resist acquiring this type of model? Especially at this price!