Linemar Marx Tin Lithographed Windup Popeye the Sailor “Mechanical Popeye Cyclist” *SOLD*

Linemar Marx Tin Lithographed Windup Popeye the Sailor “Mechanical Popeye Cyclist”

This tin, lithographed, windup “Mechanical Popeye Cyclist” 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 Popeye rides around in circles while the bell rings. The bell shows Olive Oyl & Wimpy, and is marked “King Features Synd.” There is the usual fading, discoloration, and wear to his pants.

This piece is in very good 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 play. This is approximately 5″ L x 7″ H. 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.

Line Mar was founded in the 1950s as a manufacturing and import subsidiary of the successful American toy manufacturer Louis Marx & Co.

The Japanese company was responsible for overseas manufacturing and distribution relationships involving the importation of mechanical and battery-operated toys made in Japan.

Marx was able to secure several important character licenses, such as Popeye and the Flintstones, and had the toys made in Japan to keep the cost down. This meant huge profits when the tin toys were sold in the US. Linemar continued to produce a variety of character toys until it went out of business in the late 1960s.

Mechanical toys produced by Linemar include a variety of licensed character toys that performed multiple actions when the toys were wound. The packaging was always colorful and eye-catching.

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.