Marx ca. 1920s Tin Lithographed Windup English Version “Marx Merry Makers” Mouse Band Toy in Box *SOLD*

Marx ca. 1920s Tin Lithographed Windup English Version “Marx Merry Makers” Mouse Band Toy in Box

We have for you a ca. 1920’s tin, lithographed, windup “Marx Merry Makers” mouse band toy in box that was manufactured by Louis Marx & Company of New York City, New York in Dudley Worcestershire, England.    

This British version of the Merry Maker set is the iconic Marx windup toy that everyone wants.  It was a close (but not quite) rendition of Mickey Mouse and tapped into Mouse Fever in the late 1920s and 1930s.   

When wound and switched on this working Merry Maker has 4 mice that simultaneously perform; one mouse plays the violin, one mouse drums, one mouse dances a jig, and another mouse  plays piano. Marx was ingenious. The windup works perfectly as does each mouse.  

The box is original.

This is approximately 9 ½” L x 5” W x 9” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.       

Click here for Info: New Toy Auction January 12th and 13th, 2024 via Liveauctioneers!

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

1919 – 1979

Founder: Louis Marx

Specialty: 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 company 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.

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.