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Jumpin Jeep
The description below is from Greenburg’s Guide to Marx Toys vol 2.
“Jumpin Jeep 1947: 5-3/4” long X 4-1/2” high.
The Jumpin Jeep was probably developed by Marx in response to the countries patriotic feelings of Post-World War 2. Advertised for 79 cents in 1947 Sears Christmas Catalog, the toy is described as (running) in all directions, backwards, forwards, tips back on rear wheels.” The Jumpin Jeep ad also appears in the 1948 Montgomery Ward catalog and is priced as two cents less than the 1947 Sears Jeep.
This khaki car has large black and khaki or black and rust metal rear wheels with stamped tire treads. The tire treads of the smaller wheels are lithographed in black and khaki, black and red, or black and rust, similar to the lithography on the Dagwood Car. The jumpin Jeep is shorter and narrower than the Dagwood Car by about a ¼”. The noticeable spring is on the underside. Even more than the Dagwood car, the Jeep is closer in size and shape to the later eccentric cars.
A New feature for the eccentric cars, the car has a driver with three passengers, all soldiers. Only their heads can be seen. (The same heads were also used in marx Racers). In most of the later eccentric cars, the bodies are lithographed. One soldier drives while the other three hold guns. Lettering on the hood reads “ Jumpin Jeep” and “22C”. The Marx Logo is on the side of the jeep.”
Until a few months ago I was unaware of a second version or variation of the Marx “Jumpin Jeep”. I purchased the box years ago and held onto it hoping another example would surface with the toy. Fortunately for me earlier this year one did just that at a Milestone Auction. After reviewing the toy I noticed the coloring was slightly different. Upon further investigation I found that there were two distinctive versions of this toy. The first version is lithographed in O.D. Green, the second version is lithographed in a mint green color. All other lithography remains the same.
This toy is readily available and is also inexpensive.
As it sometimes happens this box was purchased on its own. It took several years to identify what toy actually went into ths box. After doing years of research and having had countless conversations with collectors all over the world, 2 other boxed examples have now been located confirming that this toy and box marriage is correct.
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