c.1931 Marx 4pc. Joy Line Mechanical Train Set in Original Box
Superb steel and tin litho 4 piece clockwork "Joy Line Sparkling Mechanical Train Set" in original box with inserts. Manufactured by Marx and sold through Montgomery Ward it grades excellent overall and works great! Steam Locomotive (106) - early version made from stamped sheet steel and tin plated spoke wheels. Later versions, which are more frequently found, are red and black electric pressed steel, or cast iron. This is solid black throughout. Greenberg's Guide (2nd ed. 1985) includes a description on page 49, but no photograph of this model. Clockwork motor contained within polished steel housing. Nickel plated key screws into position. Powered by coiled wire spring with unwinding speed controlled by a "flop-out" type governor. Designed with bullet shaped boiler positioned at a slight incline (which is correct for this toy). Also features notched firebox, dummy metal headlight, non-ringing nickel plated bell, side rods, and tin plated drivers. Boiler stack emits huge amount of sparks as it moves forward. Size: 7". Tender (351) - black painted pressed steel body with polished tin metal wheels. Twin couplers, embossed side panels. Size: 3¼". Joy Line Coach (357) - green tin litho body on black pressed steel frame, orange roof, and polished tin wheels. Side windows are die cut trimmed with gold and have black details. Metal couplers front and rear. Size: 5". Joy Line Observation Car (458) - green tin litho body on black pressed steel frame, orange roof, red awning with brass finished railing. Polished tin metal wheels. Side windows are die cut trimmed with gold and have black details. Metal coupler on front only. Size: 4¾". Track: 6 straights, 4 curves. Total: 10 ft.+. Box: All text printed in red and blue. Includes patent number for locomotive engine. Indicates "Steam Type No." which I haven't seen before. Remnants of original Montgomery Ward price sticker still adhere to the cover. Unlike later boxes which have separate cover and sides, this example has the box components glued together with two large interior tabs. Includes both original inserts. Size: 13" x 10" x 4". Sold: Jan. 2012
Price Sold: $ 355
