1933 Marx, Electric Lighted Lincoln Highway Set in Original Box
From the estate of the original owner comes this magnificent, three piece, electrically powered, lithographed tinplate auto set by Marx. Every component (tin, glass, wire, and even paper) is all original. Nothing has been replaced. It comes complete with one of the highest condition boxes of its type I've seen along with its original cardboard inserts. Both the toy and box conservatively grade near mint. Although this "Lincoln Highway" is documented in Greenberg's Guide to Marx Toys, Vol. II, it's the only one I've ever seen in any condition (as of Nov. 2005, but remains the highest grade example as of Sep. 2012). It's accurately described in the book, however they did not have an example for photographic reference. The set includes a large lithographed tinplate filling station consisting of two gas pumps (Motor and Ethyl), a posted "IN" sign, a posted "OUT" sign, and an embossed oil-grease cabinet with swinging door all mounted onto a crescent shaped island. The white opaque "GAS" globes are electrically wired underneath the island and connect to the battery which is hidden inside the grease rack. Both GAS globes, the pump tubing, pump handles, and electrical wiring are all original. Both pumps do work, however the globes do not. The globes can be replaced, but I wanted to make sure the originals stayed with the set. Secondly, it includes an 8" lithographed tinplate coupe with battery powered headlights. The lights are the original flat style lamps and both work beautifully with all original wiring. It has a windup spring motor with attached key, a battery holder underneath the hood, headlamp lever, and spoke tin litho wheels. The position of the front axle can be moved into three different slots so it'll move straight, right, or left. A small wire clip holds the axle in place. It's the first time I've found this coupe with the clip still attached. This car was also sold separately by Marx without the pumps. There are also two other lithographed versions of it. A small hole in the right rear bumper accommodates the gas pump handle during "filling". When sold separately the car was called the "Speeding Coupe, Electrically Lighted". Lastly, the set includes a 7" tall, 4-way traffic light with lever controlled red and green lights. Actually the colors are changed by switching the position of colored strips of papers inside the top housing. A light bulb inside the housing allows the beam to penetrate the paper. Metal strips prevent the opposite color from showing. It's wired through the stalk to the base where the battery is clamped inside. It works fantastically using the original bulb, wiring, and paper strips. It's archaic, but it does work! It's the only piece in the set which does not have the Marx logo, which makes it's unidentifiable without having the box. It's also frequently missing from the set. The two piece box is a simple text printed style. It's complete with the original separators, insert, and even remnants of the glassine paper used to store the GAS globes. The set originally sold for 98¢ and that included three batteries! Size: Gas island 9½" x 3" x 6½". Traffic light 7". Coupe 8". Box 12½" x 9¼" x 4". Sold: Nov. 2005
Price Sold: $ 3606
