1927 Marx, Limping Lizzy in Original Box (Red Wheels)
Louis Marx & Co. and Linemar intermittently produced several versions of this toy over nearly 30 years, however the Marx, Limping Lizzy was the very first. It was available only through the Sears Roebuck catalog for one year for 25¢. In later versions it was called the "Old Jalopy". This Limping Lizzy is the first complete example of this toy I've found with it's original box. In excellent+ condition it's also the highest grade I've seen. The toy is all tin litho and powered by a clockwork spring wound motor. The ends of the rear axle are "L-shaped" and point in opposite directions. In other words, when the left rear wheel is down, the right rear wheel goes up, and visa-versa (see photos 3-5). This give it a rickety up and down movement while it moves forward. The same feature was used again in 1930 for Marx's, Amos n' Andy Fresh Air Taxi. The all black body features a slew of "white-washed" 1920's jokes and slogans. Some of these have lost their meaning over the past 81 years, but most are easily recognized. It has a separate driver and single bench seat. The running boards and fenders were separately tabbed to the body, unlike many future toys of this type which were cut as a single piece of metal and then bent at a 90º angle. The wheels have embossed spokes and were cut from single disk plates. They're an unusual red color, but they are original to the toy. They were also produced in blue and green, although they're most often found as black or white. The front axle can be adjusted by moving it into one of three notches. This allows the vehicle to move right, left, or straight ahead. The original metal clip which secures the axle is still in place. The box was printed with two knickered lads wearing period clothing. An accurate representation of the car was illustrated between them. The two opposite panels include the slogan "Baby Here's Your Rattle". The endflaps include the manufacturer name, address, and logo. This is the only place in which the logo appears. It's one of the few Marx toys which does not have a Marx logo embossed or lithoed onto it making it difficult to identify without the box. Size: 7½". Sold: Jan. 2008
Price Sold: $ 785
