1949 Marx, Dick Tracy Siren Squad Car with Electric Flashing Light in Original Box #2
Fantastic example of the popular tin litho Dick Tracy Squad Car manufactured by Marx. Produced in several variations this toy has a dark green lithographed body, a chrome plated headlight, grille, and bumper assembly, and a battery operated red emergency roof light. Best of all it's complete with it's original die cast metal key, instruction sheet (which I've never seen before) and original illustrated box. Beautifully detailed tin litho occupants in perspective in every window. Tracy's name, badge, "Squad Car No. 1" and "Police Dept" appear all over this vehicle. Rear roof lights, hood searchlights, license plate, tail lights and rear bumper are all lithographed. The front bumper assembly covers a lithographed grille which was another variation. From this you can just make out the edges of the lithoed grille as a stripe of white next to each head light. This vehicle was also constructed with a solid metal plate chassis, two wooden tires in front, and two rubber tires in the rear. The start lever located on the left rear windshield controls only the movement of the car once it's wound. The battery creates the siren sound and lights the emergency light. It does not move the car. The red emergency light bulb is original and it does work. The bulb housing is styrene plastic. The red and white box features two repeating illustrations on the four main box panels. Views of the car from the front and left corners were used. Also included is a small schematic set of instructions for inserting the battery, winding the toy, and making it move. Although I've sold this car several times, it's the first instructions sheet I found with it. I also have remnants of the original envelope for the key. Size: 11" x 4". Sold: Mar. 2005
Price Sold: $ 610