Louis Marx and Company Folk Art

This brightly lithographed tin wind-up toy in colors of red, yellow, and blue, with a driver dressed in appropriate motorcycle clothing, depicts a young man driving a delivery cart with "Speed Boy Delivery" printed on each side of the wagon. The manufacturers logo is clearly marked on both sides of the stake wagon and on the right shoulder of the driver "MAR" with a circle around it and "Made in The United States of America, New York, N.Y." around the circumference (see images). The license plate number is "268", which, along with the red painted inside of the drivers arms (as it should be!) indicates this earlier version and authenticity. Nearly 100 years old, it still operates fine and, upon winding the attached wind-up key a few times and placing the toy on the ground, the motorcycle and driver move across the floor on the way to their deliveries; do not over wind. (see video attached to this listing). The toy is completely original and in very good condition, with no repairs or restorations of any kind and no touch up or repaint. The arms and steering handle bars are also original (sometimes replaced) and they have the appropriate paint and markings. This would make a welcome addition to a collection of pre-war Americana. Dimensions: 9 7/8" long x 5 7/8" wide x 5 3/4" high After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys...

This is the more rare and desirable variation of this toy, with the dog riding "shotgun", sitting on the running board of the auto. The tin lithographed and hand painted wind-up toy by the Louis Marx Company of New York City, circa 1930, was undoubtedly influenced by Mack Sennett's Keystone Kops series featured in silent films. The toy portrays a New York City policeman, seated behind the steering wheel of a car with his dog by his side on the running board; driving erratically; forward and backwards, left and right; doing "popping wheelies", while spinning his head around in utter confusion attempting to negotiate traffic. The toy works great; just as it did when new, (see the attached 40 second movie with the listing). Simply wind up the fixed clockwork key in place a few times (do not over-wind) and watch the action described above. This "Komikal Kop...

Fabulous colorful and full of unpredictable moves when fully wound. Louis Marx toy company was prolific during the mid century era producing a full array of tin windups. In excellent...

Fabulous tin litho car toy from Louis Marx, circa 1930. Fabulous paint with some paint chips and scrapes but no rust or dents. Clockwork mechanism works ...