This circa 1930 “George, Drummer Boy” brightly colored lithographed tin wind-up toy capitalizes on the popularity of marching bands, spawned from the military and World War I victory, in addition to the preponderance of patriotism taking place in America at that time. The operation is simple and it works great; simply wind-up the attached key; release, and “George, Drummer Boy” raises and lowers his left arm alternately smashing two symbols together; one in his left hand and one attached to the drum; all this while beating the bass drum with his right hand; the sounds are simulated by the wind up mechanism (please request to see attached short video with this listing). There is also a subtle sound of a bell.
It is in excellent and all original condition with no restoration and no touch-up paint; symbols are original; factory original surface has a nice patina and minimal wear. It is brightly colored with no fading. Very collectible and depicting traditional Americana, this toy was manufactured by the “Louis Marx Toy Company” in New York City, as indicated by the circular logo with “MAR” in the middle located on the back of the drummer’s uniform (see image). “George The Drummer Boy” is brightly lithographed to both sides of the large bass drum.
This is a more difficult to find and larger, more pronounced version of Marx’s later made “Drummer Boy”. It also has the blue movable eyes rather than fixed eyes. This bass drum version with “George The Drummer boy on the drum is the rarer version than the drummer boy with the snare drum; especially when found in this excellent original condition. To further validate and authenticate this toy please note that I have located the cover and end flap to the original packaging box (photographed and included) describing the genesis of “George, The Drummer Boy”.
Dimensions: 3 3/4″ wide x 4″ deep x 9″ high
Provenance: Recently acquired from an esteemed collection of tin toys in Los Angeles
Note: After 40 plus years of dealing and collecting toys, I am justly qualified to guarantee and present the authenticity of antique and vintage toys and children’s playthings; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace. My toys operate properly and are as stated and accurately described.
it would behoove an enterprising collector, dealer, or decorator to take advantage of the opportunity to buy as many of the vintage tin toys that I have listed for sale; it would create an immediate quality collection, as most of these toys came, either from a long time premium California collection or from my own shelves. It would take quite some time and effort to accumulate toys this clean, authentic, original, operable and in excellent condition.