1926 Marx Honey Moon Express In Original Box
Although the Marx company produced at least 40 variations of their Honeymoon Express toys this one, from 1926, was the very first. I purchased it from the estate of the original owner. It had been over wound almost immediately after it was first used. It was put back inside it box and promptly made its way into the attic. It's been repaired and works great. And although it does have some condition issues it has none of the fading which is so commonly seen with this version. And it still has its original box. Maxine Pinsky in her Greenberg's Guide to Marx Toys, Volume 1 describes it as "a British steamer train runs on an open circular track with three tunnels. The predominately green base has a pastoral scene with a gristmill, castle, and other buildings [around the edges]. The station has a brick design with lettering that reads "Richmond" [on one side]." The center base of the toy shows the old swimming hole with "lotsa" kiddies. They wave to an approaching touring car. In the foreground are several paths leading to the station. A bull terrier pup lithoed in the lower left has a surprised look [from the train]. The original box shows the departing train with two adults (presumably honeymooners) and several animals in pursuit. Children in the trees some bare foot, on top of the trestle, and inside the station smile and watch. The rear train has a circular sign with HE (Honey-Moon Express) in the center. It's a bucolic scene which has gone the way of the dinosaur. The bottom box panel is completely blank. The toy sold for 59¢ in the 1926 Fall/Winter Montgomery Ward catalog. Size: 9½" diameter. Date Sold: Aug. 2009
Price Sold: $ 133