Sieper-Werke (The Sieper Company) was founded in 1921. It was originally a manufacturer of metal tools and cutlery in zamac and aluminum and, later on, ashtrays, badges, medals, belt buckles, and buttons. The factory in Ludenscheid, Germany, was outfitted with new casting molds in 1949 for grating, sandblasting and painting zinc cast goods. The Company was even contracted to make Mercedes-Benz's star-shaped hood ornament. The Company also experimented with early plastics. In 1943 the company expanded to a facility in Hilchenbach, about 30 miles from Lüdenscheid, though the latter has always been the Sieper-Werke's headquarters. Still, consumer products like plastics, furniture, mirrors and cabinets have been developed and manufactured in the Hilchenbach facility. The Lüdenscheid facility, in turn, generally focused on promotional items for major brands. It was not until 1950 that the Company started producing toys in Lüdenscheid, registering the trademark SIKU for the new products. SIKU originates from abbreviating the name of the founder of the company, Richard Sieper, and the German word for plastic, Kunststoffe (e.g. Sieper Plastics). Originally, there was a broad variety of SIKU toys which at first were plastic, including figures and animals. These were often called 'margarine figures' because they came in margarine packages in a food promotional. The success of the plastic figures gave capital for SIKU to start a post WW2 toy vehicle line. Later, SIKU started producing toy vehicles using the diecast metal process along with plastic parts such as wheels, interior and window inserts.
A diecast metal VW Bus with cut out windows. Details include door seam lines, front VW emblem, turn signals, air louvers and engine lid. One peculiar note; all V2 versions have upper air louvers on the right side only! There is a full interior plastic insert and a clear plastic window insert as well. The headlights have rhinestones, taillights have red plastic lights and the rear license plate number is AL-S5. The chassis is also diecast metal and forms the front and rear bumpers. The chassis has some detailing and has plastic wheels with metal axles attached. The chassis is marked VW BUS 211/212 MADE IN GERMANY and has the SIKU script logo. The body and chassis secured with a notch in the front and two brass rivets near the rear bumper.
