Marx Lithographed Tin Spinning Top “Ballet Dancer” Gyroscopic Ballerina Set *SOLD*

Marx Lithographed Tin Spinning Top “Ballet Dancer” Gyroscopic Ballerina Set  

We have for you a set of unusual tin, lithographed spinning “Ballet Dancer” tops manufactured by Louis Marx & Company of New York City, New York.  

These beautiful, fragile, tin ballerinas operate by holding the ballerina in your hand and inserting the spinning rod as far as it will go into the slot on her dresses edge. To start the motor spinning you pull the spinning rod out quickly and place her on the floor or a flat smooth surface. To adjust her spinning you would have adjusted a small wire or spring at her feet. While her spinning motor does still operate the delicate spring that used to be at the dancer’s feet to control the spinning of the dancer is no longer there. Marx apparently produced this toy based on an earlier Einfalt toy. 

Our example of these Marx “Ballet Dancer” spinning tops are in great all original condition with no breaks, restorations, repairs, or touch ups. These pieces show the usual patina, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. They are approximately 5 ¾” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.  

A brief history of Louis Marx & Company of New York City, New York:  

Louis Marx and Company was an American toy manufacturer in business from about 1919 to 1980 founded in New York City by Louis & David Marx. Its products were often imprinted with the slogan, “One of the many Marx toys, have you all of them?” Arguably, Marx was the most well-known toy companies through the late mid-20th century. Best known for their lithographed tin windup toys Marx was also one of the big four among American electric train manufacturers. An interesting fact is that Marx also successfully revived the Yo-Yo in 1928; it sold well even through the Depression.