c.1955 Linemar, Donald Duck with Huey and Voice in Original Box
Exceptional example of an elusive mechanical tin litho "Donald Duck with Huey and Voice". One of handful of toys produced with an automatically wound "pull back" mechanical motor. Holding Donald in one hand and Huey in the other, and then pulling the two apart tightens the cord connecting the two which winds up the motor. Problem was the cord would break easily and it was not a simple thing to repair. This explains why it's shown without the cord in Pinskey's book on Marx toys volume III. This awesome toy is in pristine near mint condition, complete with both figures still tied with original cored, AND complete its original box! Looks like it was never played with. Once Huey is pulled back Donald starts wobbling forward propelled by the two rubber rimmed tin friction wheels. The legs provide no power, but they do look realistic. As Donald moves forward his lower beak opens and closes. The motor generates a course intermittent sound which is the "voice". It can be heard distinctly especially when his mouth is open. The name of this toy is ambiguous because you might be led to think that it's Huey who has the voice. Or possibly that the voice is a separate thing all by itself. Maybe they should've named it Donald Duck with Voice and Huey. It doesn't matter because after a few tugs from some demanding kid and now nobody has a voice. I tried it briefly and everything worked fine. The box has a very nice graphic of the pair, however the cord and friction wheels were noticeably left out of the drawing. The side panels include a one-line schematic instruction how to use the toy. Size: 8" long. Donald is 5" tall. Sold: Aug. 2005
Price Sold: $ 427
