Battery-operated Popeye and Olive Oyl tank made by Linemar, the Japanese post-Second World War subsidiary of Louis Marx & Co – estimate $30,000-40,000 at Milestone.
The ensemble includes a particularly rare example: a battery-operated Popeye and Olive Oyl tank made by Linemar, the Japanese post-Second World War subsidiary of Louis Marx & Co.
When activated, Olive Oyl’s head emerges from the turret with a surprised expression on her face as Popeye flips the tank over.
The toy, which measures 11in (28cm) in length, is in complete and original near mint condition and additionally comes with the original illustrated box. It has an estimate of $30,000-40,000.
The Popeye collection also includes an original boxed Popeye Air-O-Plane featuring him as a pilot and another boxed toy showing him as an acrobat (both also by Linemar) that are estimated at $6000-8000 and $4000-6000 respectively, and a Chien clockwork toy showing him as a strongman hitting a fairground bell estimated at $5000-6000.
