Marx Tin Lithographed Spinning “Ballet Dancer” Gyroscopic Ballerina with Box *SOLD*

Marx Tin Lithographed Spinning “Ballet Dancer” Gyroscopic Ballerina with Box 

We have for you this tin, lithographed, windup “Ballet Dancer” with box that was manufactured by Louis Marx & Company of New York City, New York.            

This beautiful, fragile, tin ballerina operates by holding the ballerina in your hand and inserting the spinning rod as far as it will go into the slot on her dresses edge. To start the motor spinning you pull the spinning rod out quickly and place her on the floor or a flat smooth surface. To adjust her spinning you would adjust the small wire or spring at her feet. Marx apparently produced this toy based on an earlier Einfalt toy. The spinning rod that makes her go is missing. The box is in great condition and is wrapped and reinforced to preserve the box. 

This piece is in great all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch-ups. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that are to be expected from age and display. It is approximately 5 ¾” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.    

A brief history of Louis Marx & Company 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. Interestingly, Marx also successfully revived the Yo-Yo in 1928; it sold well even through the Depression.