1951 Marx, G-Man Sparkling Sub-Machine Gun In Original Box
The Marx G-Man Sparkling Sub-Machine Gun has to be one of the best looking toys produced during the early 1950s. Characterized by its detailed tin litho metal frame, separate bullet drum, and plastic stock and barrel it looks great even when its not being used! I sold this exact toy four years ago and was fortunate to reaquire it (and shoot new photos). It comes complete with its beautifully illustrated original box. As awesome as this toy is, 60 years after it was manufactured it quite frequently suffers a common problem; loosening between the metal and plastic components. Rough play takes its toll as the plastic components wear, break, and crack from constant grinding against the metal frame. Finding an example which is still solid, stiff, and hasn't any loosening is difficult. Over the years this is one of only three G-Man Sub-Machine Gun's (with original box) that I found which was still strong and unyielding. There isn't any play, or loosening between the metal and plastic surfaces. It still winds-up and sparks like it's supposed to. Plus it still has all six original red plastic rivet heads which hold the frame to the stock (located just above the trigger). As already mentioned it's a combination of plastic (stock, trigger guard, front grip, and barrel), and metal tin litho (frame and bullet drum). The trigger is plated steel. It runs using a spring wound motor with attached metal key. Due to age and metal fatigue you have to wind it a couple times for the spring to build up enough tension to work properly. If it's not wound enough squeezing the trigger will do nothing. It produces a loud RAT-TAT-TAT sound while sparks fly out from the barrel tip, for maybe 10-15 seconds. The flint is easily replaced by lifting up the front gun site. It originally sold for $2.29. The box was printed in high contrast colors; yellow, red, black, and white. The two main panels show the machine-gun from an angled view set in front of concentric circles reminiscent of a large target. The name is prominently featured in the upper left corner, as well as its use of "Modern Plastic" (upper right corner). The front apron includes text as well as a drawing of three lads sporting rather "malevolent" grins. The rear apron again includes the text along with an instruction schematic for assembling the canister drum and replacing the flint. The box has both of its original endflaps which are quite often missing. Size: 25¾" Date Sold: Mar. 2011
Price Sold: $ 250
