Marx 1926 American Tractor

American Tractor:  1926. 8” long x 4 1/2” wide x 5 1/2 “ high

 There were two versions of this tractor produced; the one pictured is the first version. The following description was taken from the Greenburg’s Guide to Marx Toys Vol. 2, 1989.

“First Version: This tractor, the earliest one identified as Marx, is illustrated in the 1926 Montgomery Ward catalog. Along with a wagon, rake, and a harrow, it is listed for 98 cents. (A very similar tractor, with the same attachments appeared in 1925, but the motor details are different). The side design of the tractor, as illustrated in the Montgomery Ward Catalog, varies slightly from the actual toy.

This colorful treadles tractor is green with red and yellow stripes. “American Tractor” appears on the radiator although this name is not shown in various advertisements. The two large back wheels and two small front wheels are embossed with red-lithographed spokes. Several ads show the red, yellow and green wheels with open spokes, but these spokes have not been seen on the actual toy. Around the hubcaps are simulated rivets. The dotted rivet design, reminiscent of the wheels found on circus wagons, continues around the edges of the spokes. The front wheels can be set to travel in a circle or straight. As in many ads that refer to a strong Marx Spring, this toy has a large, Sturdy Spring. 

The motor is lithographed on the side, “Louis Marx & Co, New York, USA” is in red on the back along with the logo and “Pat’s Pend’g Trade Mark”.

The driver, is dressed in a red shirt and pinkish-tan overalls, wears a hat with a striped brim. He is similar to the driver in the Marx Balky Mule toy. (See vol. 1)

Its various trailers are detachable. The 6 ¼ wagon is the largest trailer, with green, red, and yellow-striped design on the outside and a blue interior. The wheels have the same pattern as those in some of the Marx eccentric cars, such as the Funny Flivver. The wheel pattern is repeated in the harrow, and rake. The 4 ½” long seven-disc harrow (also known simply as a disc) is green with red and yellow stripes. The yellow two-wheeled rake has red accents.