Toy OTD: Marx Porky Pig Tin Wind-Up (1938)

I love old tin toys, and a tin toy of a classic cartoon character is just icing on the cake! Marx was one of the tin toy kings back in the day, and this wind-up is just one of the many great examples of their craft.

Porky here is similar to many wind-ups Marx produced - a simple mechanism enables it to waddle across the floor, while also producing a secondary motion. In this case, Porky twirls an umbrella as he strolls.

It's a decent likeness, as far as being on-model goes. The technology of the day limited the amount of 'sculpting' possible with the tin form, but it's still a reasonably complex shape. The character is buttressed by the lithographed artwork, which helps preserve the cartoon-drawing feel. There's some awkwardness with Porky's left arm, but otherwise the overall look is quite appealing. Happily, any necessary indicia is printed on the back - it keeps the front looking simple and clean!

There's no balance issues to deal with, as the toy's design (like almost all older toys) is solid and well-proportioned.

This toy also has a few interesting variations. A different version has Porky holding the umbrella and a top hat (on a separate arm), and another with completely different artwork - Porky as a cowboy, twirling a lariat! The top hat/umbrella version may have been the original design, as the addition of the left arm on the umbrella-only litho art looks very much like an afterthought.

The packaging is very attractive - it's a great range of colors, considering the limitations of the period. The artwork is a sweet (though a little awkward) scene. The branding is almost overpowering, but it's firmly separated from the rest of the art. There's even a hint toward one of the variants in the background! A great sense of style presented in a straightforward manner.

It's a lot easier to find a Marx Porky than to buy one. Due to its age and Porky's popularity, expect to pay around $150.00 (minimum) for this piece. Its value will vary depending on whether the box is included or not, and the toy's condition. Here's one selling through Bonanzle for $139.99 + shipping. Cowpuncher Porky is for sale here for $122.00 + shipping. Snap 'em up!

Toy OTD: Schylling Rover The Space Dog Wind-Up (Reproduction)

I love the original 50s Japanese tin toy, so it's great that Schylling released such a nice replica of it. If you're expecting an exact replica, though, be warned - there's a lot of differences in this design from the first version.

The replica has an antenna - it looks great, but the Yoshia toy doesn't have one. A lot of the new litho details seem bolder and simplified as well. Some vents on the Yoshia version seem to be die-cut, while the new dog's are replaced with lithos. The tail has been altered from a metal rod to a more flexible spring, and the chest now sports a "Rover" nameplate. I'm assuming that these tweaks are to help protect collectors from potential fraud - I suppose I'd be more of a purist if I'd grown up with Rover but, I think Schylling improved on the original!

The modern Rover comes in two colorways - red and silver. The new litho quality seems a little bit glitchy, and the flint element doesn't spark all that much when it's operating. Otherwise, it's a great toy!

The packaging is appropriately retro, with period box art and no cellophane window. Since it's a limited edition, it also comes with a certificate of authenticity.

I can't find the fifties version for sale, but the Schylling Rover is easy to get at a very reasonable price. Bonanzle.com sells it for $12.50 + 8.00 shipping. Snap it up!

Toys OTD: Schylling's Electra Robot Girl, Proton Robot

These toys were given to us as a wedding gift! There's a lot of different tin wind-up robots (and still more reproductions of the older designs) so it can be really tough to identify one if you don't have the packaging to help you out. I did a lot of digging to discover their names!

These are both reproductions of older robot toys, though I'm not sure precisely which ones. The designs are appealing, and the body/innards are assembled in the classic, no-nonsense manner. The litho work is sharp, with no registration problems.

It's nice to see old-school robots with no plastic parts anywhere. Reproductions sometimes do this, either to save money or to acknowledge changes in safety guidelines. Thanks to Schylling, these new versions are intended for older audiences than their predecessors, so they look and work just fine! Wind them up, throw the switch, and off they wobble, grinding all the way.

These are still very affordable for a beginning collector or robot fan - Electra sells for $18.99 + shipping, while Proton Robot costs $12.50 + shipping. Have fun!

Toy OTD: Schylling Reproduction Flash Gordon Rocket Fighter (2004)

I've never been a purist in terms of original toys vs. "repros" - if it's well-made, I'll happily buy a reproduction (of course, it helps if the value of the original is in the ionosphere). Still, this sparking friction toy is a great example of how good a replica can be!

It's huge - 12" long - and looks a great deal like the real thing (I can't be the best judge, as I've never seen the original toy in person). It sparks and rolls around like the real thing, and the colorful artwork's terrific! It's great to be able to own one without having to shell out thousands of dollars.

Indeed - you can still buy one at robotisland.com for $16.95 + shipping!