This is the more rare and desirable variation of this toy, with the dog sitting on the running board of the auto. The tin lithographed and hand painted wind-up toy by the Louis Marx Company of New York City, circa 1930, was undoubtedly influenced by Mack Sennett’s Keystone Kops series featured in silent films.
The toy portrays a New York City policeman, seated behind the steering wheel of a car with his dog by his side riding “shotgun” sitting on the on the running board; driving erratically; forward and backwards, left and right; doing “popping wheelies”, while spinning his head around in utter confusion attempting to negotiate traffic.
The toy works great; just as it did when new, (request to see the 40 second movie by attachment). Simply wind up the fixed clockwork key in place a few times (do not over-wind) and watch the action described above.
This “Komikal Kop” example is in completely, excellent and original condition with no restoration of any kind and no touch up or repaint anywhere. The original surface has a wonderful patina and is in bright colors of blue, black, yellow and flesh tones, with a tan and white dog.
Louis Marx (manufacturer of this toy) was the leading American dealer of tin toys during this golden era of toy manufacturing. “Beat it”; “Louis Marx Company”; “200 5th Avenue New York N.Y. USA”; “Traffic B”; “Komikal Kop”; “P.D”; the number “7” are all “marked” on the toy.
In addition to most examples not having been made with the dog, many are “missing” the dog as a result of the aggressive nature of the action, making a complete example as this one, that much more collectible.
Dimensions: 8″ long x 3″ wide x 6 1/2″ high
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.