1936 Marx, Popeye & Olive Oyl Jiggers in Original Box
One of the more difficult to find Marx-Popeye toys is this lithographed tinplate "Popeye and Olive Oyl Jiggers". Even more difficult to locate is its original box which is also included. The condition of the toy and box are impeccable; near mint- toy, excellent+ box! This mechanical wind-up toy was one of the earliest Marx toys to feature an Olive Oyl figure. Both Popeye and Olive are on the roof of a cabin. Wind-up the attached key and set the front lever down. Popeye "dances" up, down, and turns while Olive sits on a spinach crate, sways side to side and "plays" the accordion. Popeye's articulated at the shoulders, hips, and knees. Olive is a solid figure. Popeye still has his original pipe. Olive's rubber hair bun is a replacement and looks great. The cabin was beautifully detailed with different illustrations on every wall. Many of the original Thimble Theater characters, the comic strip where Popeye originated, are depicted. This includes Swee' Pea, Wimpy, Olive, a Brutus character, The Goon, Sappo, and The Sea Hag. The roof was lithoed with wood planks. The underside is mostly bright yellow with a small black and red Marx logo in the center. The two large box panels were illustrated with an awesome "live" depiction of the actual toy. The cabin is nearly identical to the toy. However it shows Popeye wearing a top hat and Olive singing. Neither appears on the toy. The side panels include a lengthy set of directions for operating the toy. It's interesting that it calls the cabin a "Jigger House" and the metal rod which supports Popeye a "support wire". The top and bottom flaps have identical locking tabs. A 1934 copyright date in the lower right corner refers to character licensing, not the actual toy production. Best of all the toy works great! The toy was sold wholesale for $4.15 a dozen in 1936. One other interesting point; this toy was recently found by a mid-western clean-up crew who were throwing out trash from abandoned homes. It was in a box unopened for many years which was on its way to the dumpster. Just by chance a crewman opened the box and found this toy perfectly preserved in ancient newspapers. Size: 4-5/8" long x 3-1/8" x wide x 10" high. Sold: Nov. 2011
Price Sold: $ 1600
