Vintage Dutch Ado Tractor by Ko Verzuu, 1935

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A wonderfully expressive and early ado model 950 tractor, designed by ko verzuu and produced in the netherlands in 1935. … Read more A wonderfully expressive and early ado model 950 tractor, designed by ko verzuu and produced in the netherlands in 1935. With its almost architectural construction and strong green finish, this charming wooden tractor is a beautiful example of verzuu’s ability to reduce everyday vehicles to a composition of simple, highly recognizable forms. The tractor was offered by ado in several colors, including red, blue and green. Period documentation identifies it as model 950 and shows that it could be combined with a range of separately available trailers, connected to the tractor by a metal coupling. These trailers were optional, allowing children to create different combinations around the same tractor. Particularly attractive is the construction of the body. The large rectangular engine compartment is articulated by four narrow vertical incisions, while the projecting front section, large wooden wheels and small yellow steering wheel create a remarkably graphic silhouette. The green body is contrasted only by the yellow steering wheel and black-painted wheel faces, a restrained color combination that gives the tractor a distinctly modern character. Ado was founded in 1925 as part of the berg en bosch sanatorium in apeldoorn, where recovering tuberculosis patients produced wooden objects as occupational therapy. Under the artistic direction of ko verzuu, ado developed into one of the most distinctive dutch toy manufacturers of the twentieth century. Verzuu was strongly inspired by modern architecture, rietveld and de stijl, translating their progressive ideas into robust toys intended to stimulate imagination and creative play. An important detail of this example is the original removable green lid covering the main body. This loose component is frequently missing from surviving examples, making its presence particularly desirable. The tractor also retains its original round metal ado manufacturer’s tag. The tractor remains in good, fully original condition with attractive age-related wear and patina. An increasingly rare early ado model and a particularly complete example of ko verzuu’s pre-war toy design. See less