ESEM (Erzgebirgische Schnittwerkzeug- und Maschinenfabrik GmbH Schwarzenberg) was founded in 1908 in Schwarzenberg, Germany, a town well known for its metal production.
In 1927, modernization began with the introduction of a fully automatic copy‑milling machine. This made it possible to produce complex three‑dimensional shapes, such as body panels for automobiles. As a result, reliable production of automotive body parts for the car industry began.
Almost all German automobile manufacturers became customers, including Audi, Opel, Horch, DKW, Steyr and Brennabor, MAN, Wanderer, and Mercedes‑Benz.
In 1937, Friedrich Volk from Frankfurt am Main became the new managing director, and the company was renamed Friedrich Volk Erzgebirgische Schnittwerkzeug- und Maschinenfabrik/Schwarzenberg. Just one year later, production also began for the German automobile manufacturer Volkswagen. For the first time in German automotive history, the roof with the rear window of a car was deep‑drawn from a single piece of metal.
It appears that Volk developed and produced these scale models of the KdF VW as promotional pieces to celebrate the engineering achievement represented by the one‑piece roof of the KdF Wagen. Initially only without baseplate and only later (probably late 1938 or early 1939) fitted with a baseplate and wheels. There is evidence they were already available by March 1939, but it may have been somewhat earlier also.
The early Volks with baseplate and wheels were made of brass, probably because it was softer and more easily deep drawn. Later sheet steel was used. Some of the Volk models lack a windshield frame (on part of the brass volk models) as compared to the steel versions. The thickness of the material of the steel version appears to be standard KdF body sheet steel. There are also steel Volks with logo that lack the windshield frame.
These models had solid windows, basic body details and door seams, windows, hubcaps and headlights sometimes painted silver, white or grey to represent a KdF Wagen. Various special promotional paint schemes with inscriptions or lettering and custom license plate numbers. The VOLK KdF Wagen is usually found with no bumpers but some models exists with bumpers riveted onto the body.
As an example, one VOLK KdF Wagen has a red body and hubcaps, black fenders, front and rear apron, running boards and the windows & headlights are gold. It also has front and rear number plates SS001. The baseplate bears the inscription Tag der Wehrmacht-L bei der Waffen SS, 19.3.44.
Also a variation exists with a VOLK KdF Wagen mounted on a wooden platform with an electric light also attached to the wooden platform. Some models exist with an embossed raised circle with the Fr. VOLK ESEM insignia on the door. Some early versions had the chassis marked with "Fr. VOLK ESEM". Also a Volk with bumpers that was used as a coinbox; unclear whether this was a later modification though. See pictures.
The company of Friedrich Volk ESEM presented a full size body mock-up assembled from stamped panels at the Leipzig Trade Fair held between 5th and 13th March 1939. The company was very proud of being selected to produce the press tools and first panels for the new Volkswagen. This coincides with the production of the last of the VW38s in mid-1939. There is a series of photos taken at the Reutter company workshop showing the construction of the late model VW38 bodies and the VW39 ones. It is clear from the photos that these bodies were made up of fully stamped panels. It has been suggested that Friedrich Volk ESEM produced the body panels for roughly the first 100 KdF Wagens before stamping presses at Fallersleben were installed and functional.
Volk went in the late 1930's to exhibitions to market their company and products. They used cardboard displayboards with a picture of their machinery and KdF Volkswagen bodypanels. See enclosed picture.
There is also a VOLK model with the DUX insignia painted on the baseplate. This however is a mystery and further information is requested.
