Linemar Marx Tin Lithographed Windup “Mechanical Fire Chief Donald Duck” Crazy Action Fire Truck Engine Disney Japanese Toy for Sale

Linemar Marx Tin Lithographed Windup “Mechanical Fire Chief Donald Duck” Crazy Action Fire Truck Engine Disney Japanese Toy   

This tin, lithographed, windup “Mechanical Fire Chief Donald Duck” crazy action fire truck was manufactured in Japan by Louis Marx & Co. of New York City, New York under their Linemar brand.      

When wound with its dedicated key, this working example of “Mechanical Fire Chief Donald Duck” drives his fire engine in a wacky random motion his head spins. The often-missing fireman’s hat is absent from this piece.  

Our example of this Linemar “Mechanical Fire Chief Donald Duck” is in excellent all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 5 ½” L x 3 ½” W. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.   

A brief history of Louis Marx & Company/Linemar of New York City, New York:      

Louis Marx and Company was an American toy manufacturer in business from about 1919 to 1980 founded in New York City by Louis & David Marx. Its products were often imprinted with the slogan, “One of the many Marx toys, have you all of them?” Arguably, Marx was the most well-known toy companies through the late mid-20th century. Best known for their lithographed tin windup toys Marx was also one of the big four among American electric train manufacturers. An interesting fact is that Marx also successfully revived the Yo-Yo in 1928; it sold well even through the Depression.      

Linemar Co. Inc. or more simply Linemar toys was the trade name under which Marx toys were manufactured in Japan, then sold in the United States and other countries. The reason to make Linemar toys in Japan was to keep costs down. Under the Linemar name, Marx produced The Flintstones and other licensed toy vehicles (Linemar Tin Toys 2015). The Linemar line also included airplanes that were produced in the colors of KLM, Pan Am and other airlines.