1931 Marx, Liberty Bus in Original Box
Amazing example of the early tin litho friction drive Liberty Bus manufactured by Marx. Beautiful crimson red and black, with striped roof panels and deep blue disk wheels. By far the highest grade example of this toy I've seen. Comes complete with its original box (which is also the first box I've seen for this toy). The Liberty Bus was originally sold separately and as part of several early Marx play sets. The box for the individually sold toy (as in this auction) is nearly impossible to find. The driver's visor is lithoed "Limited" on the outside. The body, roof, running boards, fenders, and hood were all stamped from a single sheet of tinplate! Three components were separately added; wheels with hubs, front grille assembly, and fold up bus driver silhouette. It's also one of the few bus toys which include lithographed curtains in every window. *The toy features an inertia driven "friction" motor attached to a third axle. The motor is actually a weighted inertia wheel which is geared to the rear axle causing it to rotate for a longer period of time. The very interesting box was originally printed red and blue over a white background. The colors have all darkened, but the illustration is clearly visible. Two panels show the Liberty Bus entering Washington, D.C.. The cityscape can be seen off to the left, while the Capitol Building fills up the entire upper right corner. Directions for using the toy were printed on the other two panels. All eight endflaps have been replaced. As of July, 2012 it remains as the only box I've seen for this toy. Size: 5". Sold: Jun. 2006
Price Sold: $ 1183
