c.1939 Marx, Black & White Tricky Taxi in Original Box
Extraordinary black and white example of Marx's classic tin litho Tricky Taxi. In amazing excellent+ to near mint condition (actually closer to near mint). Works great and comes with original key. Also comes with superb high grade original box. Advertised as "the daredevil metal taxi with sturdy clockwork motor, it whirls and dashes about". It supposedly makes an abrupt turn whenever it nears the edge of its running surface, but that didn't always pan out. For this reason, although fairly easy to find, the Tricky Taxi is usually found in well played with condition. High grade pieces like the one below can be as scarce as some of the 1920's Marx vehicles. Awesome two tone coupe with embossed chrome plated V-style grille assembly accentuated by its low, streamlined front hood and sloping rear trunk. The rear tires, one rimmed with rubber and the other tin, along with a third vertically placed tire, are responsible for moving it randomly in every direction. The two front tires are dummies. Lithoed with a pre-1939 Marx logo on the car (although a post 1939 logo on the box), it also includes an LM license plate and patent number. The key is an original old Marx key. The underside has a single, solid plate chassis which has been tabbed at the rear. The car actually performs its erratic movements by pivoting on the metal bubble located on the front left corner on the chassis. The box is a simple text style. Two panels declare the vehicle's table top trick abilities. The toy name, company logo, company name and address are printed on the remaining box panels. A post-1939 style logo was included on the box. It still has its original 25¢ price sticker from Woolworth. Size: 4½". Sold: Jan. 2007
Price Sold: $ 382
