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"Drummer Boy" Tin-wind-up Toy by Louis Marx, New York City, circa 1940's

About the Item

This 1940's "Drummer Boy" brightly colored lithographed tin wind-up toy capitalizes on the popularity of marching bands, spawned from World War II and the preponderance of patriotism taking place in America at that time. The operation is simple and it works great; simply wind-up the attached key; release, and the "Drummer Boy" raises and lowers his arms alternately and articulates and simulates the sound of a beating snare drum (please see attached short video with this listing). There is also a subtle sound of a bell. It is in excellent and all original condition with no restoration and no touch-up paint; original surface with a nice patina and minimal wear. Very collectible and depicting traditional Americana, this toy was manufactured by the "Louis Marx Toy Company" in New York City, as indicated by the circular logo with "MAR" in the middle located on the back of the drummer's uniform (see image). Dimensions: 3 1/8" wide x 3 1/2" deep x 9" high Provenance: Recently acquired from an esteemed collection of tin toys in Los Angeles Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys. it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys that I have listed for sale; it would create an immediate quality collection, as most of these toys came, either from a long time premium California collection or from my own shelves. It would take quite some time and effort to accumulate toys this clean, authentic, original, operable and in excellent condition. See my other listings of vintage toys.
  • Creator:
    Louis Marx and Company (Manufacturer)
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 3.13 in (7.96 cm)Depth: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)
  • Style:
    Folk Art (Of the Period)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Tin,Metalwork
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1944
  • Condition:
  • Seller Location:
    Incline Village, NV
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU973232974482
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