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Marx "Wonder Cyclist" American Circa 1930
$935
£695.48
€814.27
CA$1,304.64
A$1,459.93
CHF 762.31
MX$17,948.34
NOK 9,617.39
SEK 9,049.92
DKK 6,075.09
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About the Item
Marx "Wonder Cyclist" is the earlier version of this wind-up "Boy on a Tricycle" toy; and not to be confused with the later version by Unique Art called "Kiddy Cyclist". This toy featured is MUCH more rare and more sought after by collectors of early tin wind up toys.
Rather than lithographed wheels these are metal spoke wheels; all three wheels are "spoked" and the arms and legs of the boy figure are uniquely and individually attached to both the metal handlebars and the bike pedals. It rarely operates properly, but this particular example works quite well (see the attached video) albeit, it might need some coaxing. The lever below the bell in the metal casing should be in the "stop" position; then wind up the attached clockwork key. aim the front wheel straight ahead. Release the lever to the start position and the "Wonder Cyclist" takes the bike for a nice arbitrary ride across a wooden floor with the attached bell ringing faintly; as in the video. Do not operate on a table as there is no telling which direction the toy will go in and it could fall off. One of the reasons for the toy's scarcity is that the figure sits in his seat solely and loosely by a pin attached to the underneath, which with rough play, would make the figure fall out.
The piece is all original; with all original paint and no touch up; the boy is hand painted and the torso and head of the boy are aluminum (very unusual); so this toy maintains most of it's original paint; not common as paint did not adhere as well to aluminum as it did to metal. It is American, made by Louis Marx and Company in New York City circa 1930.
Provenance: Recently acquired from a premier collection of tin toys in Los Angeles
Dimensions: 9" high x 8 1/4" long x 4 3/4" wide
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 over 100+ vintage toys and antique children's toy savings banks from which to chose.
- Creator:Louis Marx and Company (Maker)
- Dimensions:Height: 9 in (22.86 cm)Width: 4.75 in (12.07 cm)Depth: 8.25 in (20.96 cm)
- Style:Folk Art (Of the Period)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:Circa 1930
- Condition:Wear consistent with age and use.
- Seller Location:Incline Village, NV
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU973235804622
About the Seller
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- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Incline Village, NV
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View AllVintage Pre-War Wind-Up Toy "Boy on Motorcycle Delivery Truck" by Marx
By Louis Marx and Company
Located in Incline Village, NV
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
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