1933 Marx, Siren Police Patrol Car, Super Deluxe Model in Original Box

1933 Marx, Siren Police Patrol Car, Super Deluxe Model in Original Box

This is the "Siren Police Patrol" car Super Deluxe version manufactured by Louis Marx. It's powered by a strong wind-up clockwork motor. Although it has been played with it's still one of the best examples I've seen grading excellent to excellent+. However, it's the first one I've seen with any of its original box including fragments.

Like many early Marx 15" cars (similar to Hoge and Girard) the cab is sort of squarish with a long front hood, and an "S-curved: rear trunk. The front radiator grille resembles an arrow quiver and is polished tinplate. The headlights are separate from the grille and are almost bell-shaped. Both front and rear bumpers are wrap around style and solid steel. Unlike later versions with similar body style (i.e., Fire Chief, Ambulance, etc.,) this Police version has no rear license plate or rear red stop light.

The car is made of heavy gauge pressed steel and weighs nearly 3 pounds! The entire automobile except for the black running boards was painted deep emerald green. This was contrasted with bright yellow painted graphics on nearly every surface. This includes:

1) both doors which show a siren emitting lightning bolt sound waves with "Siren Police Patrol". Above this are two parallel stripes near the lower window sills,

2) side panels painted with "1st PCT." and "P.D.",

3) either side of the front hood with POLICE 1" painted on it and

4) the rear trunk which included detailed patent information, company name, "Made In America", "POLICE", and "1st PTC'T".

The underside of the chassis is solid steel plate painted pale yellow.


The heavy duty clockwork motor is encased in a steel housing and is located between the two rear wheels. The single battery cell holder is located on the underside just behind the front wheels. The tires are solid black rubber with polished metal hubs and centers. The front axle can be positioned right, left, or straight ahead.

The key is located in front of the rear right tire can be unscrewed and easily lost. This one, however is original to this car. A switch located above the right running board operates the headlights. A lever near the left rear tire serves as a simple start and stop mechanism.

Four versions of this car were originally produced.

1 and 2) With battery powered motor with battery operated headlights and without headlights.
3 and 4) Wind-up motor version with battery operated headlights and without headlights.

Versions with electric headlights were designated as the "Super Deluxe Model" like this one.

It's important to point out that the head lamps are the original oversize flat head light bulbs. They're not reproductions and they're not the smaller style which are common. They're very difficult to find working or non-working.

The box like so many early Marx toys contained only printed text without illustrations. The model name, company name, address, trademark and patent information were printed on every panel (except the blank underside) including the endflaps.

Size 15". Box: 15¼" x 53/8" x 5".

Condition:

The car grades excellent to excellent+. It's one of the first vehicles of this type that I've seen which does not have ANY roof top wear. That in itself is unusual. The condition points it does have are commensurate with a toy that's seen light, limited play. In this case only the most exposed surfaces show a few nicks and wear; such as the front corner fender edges and lower sides, rear fender edges and sides, curved edges on the front hood near the headlights, a tiny wear spot on one roof corner, and along the rear edge of the lower trunk just above the rear bumper. Except for the motor housing which is bare steel it hasn't any rust or corrosion. In fact the paint is amazing. It's all original without any touch-up or repainting. It also has brilliant gloss, luster, and strong color without any fading. No dents or scratches. And lastly, most of the little white specks you see in the photos are due to light glare.

The tires show almost no wear. The polished tin wheel hubs do have some dulling nearer the center. As already mentioned both oversize head lamps are original.

And best of all everything works exactly at was intended when it was produced over 80 years ago. Motor, headlights, siren, lever switch, brake; all work perfectly and are strong. Occasionally the battery doesn't make full contact. I suggest gently squeezing the terminals together before inserting the battery.

The box was "partially" restored by Randy's Toys. "Partially" because nothing was over sprayed or painted. The surfaces are all original with the exception of one endflap that has been replaced. Creases have been flattened. Plus it had several tears including large seam tears adjacent to the endflaps which ave been repaired. There are two different types of endflaps; locking which uses two pieces of cardboard, and unlocking which is a single hinged panel. The latter, single hinged panel, has been replaced (second to last box photo, right side). The interior flaps are, however original as is the rest of box. It has some spot staining which is light, but darker stains on one panel only. These were due to a long time period in which the car laid stagnant inside the box without it moving. Overall it has very little corner and edge wear although there are several light creases (for example on the single blank panel) that have been flattened. Considering its the only box I've seen in any condition it's incredible that it exists at all. The weight of these cars usually meant the demise of the box after only a short time. It remains in existence today most likely because it was handled infrequently.

 

Coming To Auction April, 2020: Milestone Auction

 

Price: $1800



 

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