“Knockout Champs” was manufactured by Louis Marx & Co. in New York about 1930. The toy is made of lithographed tin, the boxers are hand painted celluloid, and the rope around the ring is string. All of the parts are original and in excellent condition. The box is also included and is in excellent original condition with all of the flaps intact (see images).
The toy operates as follows:
with the key wound up (original key) press in on the lever on the side of the toy. The boxers swing their arms back and forth and rotate as if boxing. After several seconds the bell rings ending the round and the boxers stop boxing. The action is somewhat aggressive and it is surprising that the celluloid boxers are in such excellent condition.
The lithographed scene around the ring is that of a crowded boxing arena with 1920’s – 1930’s type characters.
Markings on the side of the toy say “To-night–Knockout Champs” “Louis Marx & Co. N.Y. Made in U.S.A. Pat’s Pdg.”
Toy is 7 1/4″ wide x 7 1/4″ deep x 7 1/4″ high
Note: Short one minute video showing operation of the toy is available as an
attachment via email upon request.
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; important considering the fakes and reproductions in the marketplace