Rare blue art deco Marx model 3650 "Toy" electric phonograph, powers up & spins!

Description

This little beauty is a most unusual piece of phonographic history:
It’s a little electric tabletop machine produced and sold by the famous Louis Marx Toy company in the late 1930’s.
Since it was made by Marx, I assume it was originally marketed as a toy, but it’s appearance and design are so striking that I imagine it quickly became popular with adults, too – especially since it’s a real, working phonograph that plays 78’s of all sizes!
It’s a real gem, an instantly commands your attention as soon as you walk into a room, no matter what else is in there.
The design of this little phonograph – it measures just 13” x 8.5” x 5” at its longest, widest and highest points – could not be more streamlined and modern.
At a time when art deco was still all the rage, Marx took this little piece in a strong Machine-Age direction.
With its rounded edges and louvered grille, it looks a great deal like a classic 1930’s locomotive or automobile in motion.
The tone arm and reproducer are magnificent in their design.
It’s a surprisingly sophisticated phonograph, too, complete with a sound damper for volume control, and cups for needle storage.
Best of all, the original metallic flake paint is in great condition; the steely periwinkle blue catches and refracts light to gorgeous effect.
It will look even better with a little gentle cleaning, as will the brilliant red turntable, which contrasts with the blue body beautifully.
This phonograph – identified on its underplate as a model 3650 – is very hard to find in any color, but when you do come across one, it is almost a reddish-brown color; the blue is
extremely
rare.
You can play Little Wonder records on this (it uses steel needles, like a Victrola), but as I mentioned, it can handle 78’s of all sizes, up to 12 inches.
The motor turns on and spins just fine and the switch works as it should.
This stunning little machine never fails to attract attention and elicit compliments from everyone who sees it; it will instantly become one of the jewels of your collection, one you can display proudly and play every day.
I have enjoyed it for many years, but now I am running out of space, so it’s time to pass it along to another collector who will appreciate it as much as I have. If you’ve always wanted one of these but feared you’d never find one in such nice condition, this is your lucky day; you’ll look long and hard before you find another one nearly as nice. Best of all, I offer it here with NO RESERVE – high bidder takes it!
I will ship this item ONLY within the United States. If you live elsewhere and are interested in it, please contact me BEFORE bidding so we can discuss the shipping charges, which can be very expensive outside the U.S. I ship once a week (whenever possible). Having received, over the years, some items that did not survive shipping, I always take care to pack very carefully. If you prefer, I will be happy to drop it off at a nearby UPS store and have it professionally packed and shipped at your expense. I reserve the right to raise or lower the shipping charges should they prove to be significantly different than those determined by the shipping calculator. I reserve the right to refuse sale to anyone with excessive negative feedback or an otherwise suspicious history. Payment is due within three (3) days of the auction's close. Due to its age I am selling this item without any warranty. All sales are final. I am not a dealer, and don’t have a big operation with a staff, so I would appreciate your patience while I take the time to pack your items with the care they deserve.
Be sure to see all the pictures! I'll be happy to answer any questions you may have, but please try to ask as early as possible, as it sometimes takes me a while to get to my email. Please see my other listings, as I am running out of space and am thinning out my collection considerably. I have several fine items up on Ebay right now, and will be listing many more in the weeks and months to come, so please keep checking. Good luck and happy bidding!