Description #1

From the famed Donald Kaufman collection (founder KB Toys) comes this superb 5pc. clockwork steel litho Tractor and Trailer Set with copper finish complete with its original box. Acquired from Bertoia Auctions as Lot 5121, however I've misplaced the original auction hang tag. 

Set is comprised of a wind-up clockwork steel litho tractor, all metal, with brilliant copper finish. The key is attached and it has a stop/start lever near the driver. It has both of its narrow style original black rubber treads. The tractor is unmarked (i.e., no manufacturer name). Also includes a polished steel V-shaped plow. This implement is especially difficult to locate in high grade.

Again, this piece is unmarked. Driver is early style tin litho wearing blue work shirt, red trousers, knee-high boots, and straw hat. Trailer is two-piece with removable front axle. This is the only piece which is stamped Marx. It's silver painted pressed steel with black wooden wheels and red metal hubs. 

When I purchased the set the clockwork motor was not working. This explains the incredible unused condition of the toy. I've since had it repaired and it works great. It was also missing the original driver. I've found and included the correct driver for this toy.

The two piece box has printed green text without any illustrations. It includes the manufacturer name, address, and toy name.

Size: Tractor with plow 12". Trailer 8". 

Sold: Oct. 2011

Description #2

Awesome Marx pre-war tractor and trailer combination set with scarce V-shaped plow plus original driver; all in original box with insert. Set is all pressed steel (except for the driver). Later post-war Marx tractors were tin litho or plastic. 

Early tractor design features an all-copper finish on the wheels and body. It's unmarked. The narrow rubber treads are characteristic of the pre-war era. The plow still has its upright metal rod which fits into the tractor's hood. It originally had a polished finish which has long since worn off on most of the exterior (however, it's not rust). The trailer is silver painted steel with rubber tires and lithoed metal hubs. The trailer bed was stamped with the post-1939 type Marx trademark. The driver style was infrequently used on pre-war sets and although a genuine Marx piece was probably a replacement.

The tractor is powered with a strong clockwork motor and has a forward control lever with brake on its right side. The motor easily pulls the combined weight of the tractor, plow, and trailer. Best of all it works great!

The box is two piece with a hinged lid. The cover is text printed which includes the Marx trademark. It also comes complete with original insert. 

This set was available only through the 1939 Sears Christmas catalog. It sold for 98¢.

Size: 20" overall. Tractor 8½"

Sold: Jan. 2011