American. 1930s. Lithographed tin. This Marx plane is powered by a key, designed to make the propellers spin and the plane move. It is a twin-engine biplane with "Balloon" tires (marked with fictional dimensions) and a prominent split tail fin, all modelled after real U.S. Mail aircraft. The toy was made in a number of colour variations and was sometimes associated with TWA (Trans World Airlines), such as the one offered here. This is an early piece of tin toy aviation history. Marked, "Marx Toys Made In U.S.A.", on top of plane. From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.

Size
4" x 18" x 14".

Condition
Very good condition. Pinpoint area of oxidation to one wing. Minor paint nicks. Tested and working.

Medium
Lithographed tin.

Signature
Marked, "Marx Toys Made In U.S.A.", on top of plane.

Provenance
From the Yvan Lalonde Collection.