The “Milton Berle” car is one of a series of “Crazy Cars” manufactured by the Louis Marx Toy Company of New York City; this one being one of the more prolific examples, owing to the popularity and success of radio and television comedian Milton Berle (for whom the toy is named after) during the 1940’s and 1950’s. It depicts the star, seated in the car with all of the euphemisms and expressions expressed and related to the comic; such as “I’ll give you a shot in the head”, “What the hey”, “I’m Milton. Who are you?” ; which are all printed on the car somewhere. Also depicted is an image of Berle pictured on a TV screen depicted on the top rear of the car .The Marx logo appears on the front left of the car (see image).
To operate: (operational video available upon request):
*wind up the attached clockwork key on the underneath of the car and then release on the floor;
*the car will go “every which way” haphazardly while Milton Berle revolves his head around,
Make sure you allow enough room to play with the toy and definitely do not use on a table top or it will go flying off!
It should also be noted that the toy comes with an added bonus; that being the original box in which the toy was sold. It is in “so so” condition with some tears etc., but nevertheless, it is great to have, as it is completely covered in great “Milton Berle caricature”; colorful and bright lithography of the star himself in fabulous colors. The toy itself is in colors of yellow and orange with a blue shirt and a red hat; with black, white, and grey oversized wheels. to the back, and smaller orange wheels to the front.
The toy is in completely all original condition with no restoration and no touch up paint of any kind; and as with all of my toys, it is as I have described it. This example is difficult to find in this condition and impossible to locate with the elusive box!
It would make a wonderful addition to a collection of vintage toys for the discerning collector.
Dimensions: 5 1/2″ long x 4″ wider x 6″ high
Provenance: Recently acquired from a fine quality West Coast collection of vintage tin wind up toys
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
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.
See my other listings of vintage toys.