Hi. I'm afraid I discovered this GREAT forum 10 days and possibly a hundred dollars too late. I'm totally new at collecting the original Marx monsters, so I'm not up on prices yet. I just purchased a set of 4 tan/beige allegedly original Marx monsters (Mummy, Wolfman, Phantom, and Hunchback) for about $25 each. After checking out this forum, however, I'm starting to quickly think I've been had. These items all have LOUIS MARX & CO INC MCMLXIII encircled on the bottom and in a separate circle on the bottom, UNIVERSAL PICTURE CO INC with a circled C copyright mark (except for the Hunchback, which does not have the Universal marking, just a blank circle). Call me naive (I certainly am), I took this to mean these figures were made in 1963 by the Marx company. Am I wrong to think these are authentic and from 1963? And by Marx?
Welcome to the UMA, PepitoB22 !
OUCH! I just sold a set (all 6) of the tan ones for $20.
The Marx monsters are being pumped out in Mexico in any color you can think of. Some have both original marks, some have one and some none. These are being cast from the original Marx molds. In the '90s a co. called Uncle Milton produced a paint 'em set that had the tan ones and a series (6) of carded glow-in-the-dark ones.
If you want original 1963 Marx monsters, there are (for all practical purposes) 2 colors. Teal blue and orange. There are blue and orange Mexican Marx's, but I haven't seen any that match the originals, so it's pretty safe getting the real thing.
There are several threads on the Marx's with more info. Just search "Marx monsters".
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/8167/S2GO2q.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img537/4876/IgtJ8x.jpg)
Welcome aboard, Pepito, you came to the right place.
Wow. As painful as this is to hear, I'm very grateful for your quick and knowledgeable response. I am the wiser for it. I'm not sure if I'll try and get a refund or not. The figures have great detail and, after all, I can't blame them for my ignorance. And from some of the posts I've read, even Mexican reproductions are collected. Thanks so much for the photos. They inspire me to keep looking!
Quote from: PepitoB22 on March 15, 2015, 05:28:32 PM
. . even Mexican reproductions are collected.
Some people like getting them in all those different colors. The green ones (for obvious reasons) always seem to sell for more than the others.
Don't forget to visit our vintage toy museum!
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?action=media (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?action=media)
Well, Mike, I wasn't expecting and certainly didn't want my initial experience with collecting original Marx monsters to be so negative, but this seller isn't budging regarding the figures he sold me. It's not so much about the money to me as it is the truth. I really need to defer to your expertise here. I am in a royal battle with this seller over the facts. He INSISTS these tan/beige figures of The Mummy, The Phantom, the Wolfman, and the Hunchback--again, ALL stamped LOUIS MARX & CO INC MCMLXIII in one circle and UNIVERSAL PICTURE CO INC with Copyright mark in the other circle (except for Hunchback)--are genuine. He claims, "...the reproductions are not stamped with a date. These [referring to the 4 figures he sold me] are real and are dated." I keep telling him, that from my research and from the collector forums I've been reading, some reproductions are indeed stamped with the Marx name and the 1963 date, and besides, Marx simply did not produce this color (tan/beige) for these figures in 1963--therefore, they are reproductions from a later date (DEFINITELY NOT from 1963). First of all, am I 100% right so far? Secondly, I was wondering what you meant when you said "...for all practical purposes" there are only two colors if I want original '63 Marx monsters? It sounds like when you say that there's some wiggle room here with the facts. The '63 Marx monsters were either teal blue or orange. But DEFINITELY NOT tan/beige. Is it that black and white? As I'm getting Ebay involved now, I really need to know what I'm talking about. I promise not to bother you again with this issue, but if you could respond to this last plea I would really appreciate it. X.S. I did check out the Monster Museum for reference and that was great. Thanks...
Quote from: PepitoB22 on March 16, 2015, 07:53:47 AMHe INSISTS these tan/beige figures of The Mummy, The Phantom, the Wolfman, and the Hunchback--again, ALL stamped LOUIS MARX & CO INC MCMLXIII in one circle and UNIVERSAL PICTURE CO INC with Copyright mark in the other circle (except for Hunchback)--are genuine. He claims, "...the reproductions are not stamped with a date. These [referring to the 4 figures he sold me] are real and are dated."
Many, even most, of the Mexican repros have the original date. This is easy enough for them to do since they have the original molds.
Quote from: PepitoB22 on March 16, 2015, 07:53:47 AMMarx simply did not produce this color (tan/beige) for these figures in 1963--therefore, they are reproductions from a later date (DEFINITELY NOT from 1963). First of all, am I 100% right so far? Secondly, I was wondering what you meant when you said "...for all practical purposes" there are only two colors if I want original '63 Marx monsters? It sounds like when you say that there's some wiggle room here with the facts. The '63 Marx monsters were either teal blue or orange. But DEFINITELY NOT tan/beige. Is it that black and white?
1. Teal blue and orange were the standard colours in which Marx produced these. Variants in the brightness of these two colours can certainly be found though.
2. A catalogue ad for these monsters in vile green, creepy yellow and bilious rose exists. Whether these were actually produced in any quantity is a "hot" subject of debate though. Zombiehorror may have a green one but they are certainly rare in these colours. Frankenstein73 also has a swirly green one that appears to be a Marx factory error.
3. Marx like any other kid toy manufacturer in those days was sloppy about standards. I'm sure if they were out of a certain colour plastic at the manufacturing plant one day, they would have continued production using a different colour, although probably another bright, gaudy colour that would have appealed to kids. Tan/beige would not have been a likely alternate choice. Moreover, we've not seen hard evidence of production in any other colour with the possible exception of Zombiehorror's figure.
Quote from: PepitoB22 on March 15, 2015, 05:28:32 PM...I can't blame them for my ignorance.
Yes but somehow I don't think that the seller was ignorant.
:-\
For more info/detail, look over these threads:
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=1070.0 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=1070.0)
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=15098.0 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=15098.0)
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=2159.0 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=2159.0)
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=17452.msg277304#msg277304 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=17452.msg277304#msg277304)
http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=25673.msg417376#msg417376 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=25673.msg417376#msg417376)
8)
Wow, Hepcat. Can I put your name in for a promotion to Lieutenant? You went above and beyond the call of duty for me specifically and monsterdom in general. And I will check out all those links. X.S. I wasn't referring to the seller being ignorant. I was referring to myself being ignorant. Thanks so much.
Hi Pepito!
Don't worry about bugging anybody. That's what we're here for, is to help each other out! :)
I think Hep, and at least one of his links, answers your "other '63 colors" question.
I couldn't find your auction(s), but here's a couple of pics of the Uncle Milton paint set that clearly shows both marks on the bottom of the toys. Do these look like the color of yours? There are also slightly darker tan ones (might be Mexican) with only the Universal stamp on the bottom.
Like Hep said, they didn't make beige bin toys in the '60s. :laugh:
click for large pic
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/8731/yd1AYP.jpg)
(http://imageshack.com/a/img538/580/1smtYp.jpg)
Unless the guy said these are definitely from 1963, in his listing, he may have you. Don't be fooled by the word "vintage"! It can mean whatever you want it to!
If you need more help, just scream like Fay Wray! ;D
Quote from: Hepcat on March 16, 2015, 08:43:11 AM
Well.... Somehow I don't think that the seller was actually ignorant.
He
could be, but he's also being stubborn when faced with the facts. At
least every other person selling Marx monsters, on ebay, says they are from 1963, because that's what it says on the bottom.
Hey Pepito! Don't feel too bad.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-6-Vintage-1963-Marx-Universal-Studios-Toy-Monster-Figures-Frankenstein-/301436770807?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item462f0819f7&nma=true&si=MTRNm5xhuBfGdDMnPuLtJ7IyhB0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-6-Vintage-1963-Marx-Universal-Studios-Toy-Monster-Figures-Frankenstein-/301436770807?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item462f0819f7&nma=true&si=MTRNm5xhuBfGdDMnPuLtJ7IyhB0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)
Quote from: PepitoB22 on March 16, 2015, 09:31:14 AMWow, Hepcat. Can I put your name in for a promotion to Lieutenant?
Won't work. This board is run like a closed club by the founders.
:-\
Quote from: Mike Scott on March 16, 2015, 09:48:39 AMHe could be, but he's also being stubborn when faced with the facts. At least every other person selling Marx monsters, on ebay, says they are from 1963, because that's what it says on the bottom.
And some of these sellers know they're not, and the rest don't care to know.
Quote from: Mike Scott on March 16, 2015, 09:59:25 AM
Hey Pepito! Don't feel too bad.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-6-Vintage-1963-Marx-Universal-Studios-Toy-Monster-Figures-Frankenstein-/301436770807?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item462f0819f7&nma=true&si=MTRNm5xhuBfGdDMnPuLtJ7IyhB0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-6-Vintage-1963-Marx-Universal-Studios-Toy-Monster-Figures-Frankenstein-/301436770807?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item462f0819f7&nma=true&si=MTRNm5xhuBfGdDMnPuLtJ7IyhB0%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557)
Ebay is full of ill-informed buyers, and sellers taking advantage of these buyers.
::)
Quote from: Hepcat on March 16, 2015, 10:05:59 AM
And some of these sellers know they're not, and the rest don't care to know.
This is also true!
I'm glad I got the Uncle Miltie glow in the darks. No worries about how authentic they are, just six great monster figures. Now if I can just get one of those Dracula's someone later made to complement this set.
Quote from: Haunted hearse on March 16, 2015, 11:38:21 AM
I'm glad I got the Uncle Miltie glow in the darks. No worries about how authentic they are, just six great monster figures. Now if I can just get one of those Dracula's someone later made to complement this set.
Those Uncle Milties are all authentic (albeit from the early nineties). I have their "Monster Studio" set. Love it!
Quote from: Mord on March 16, 2015, 12:29:38 PM
Those Uncle Milties are all authentic
Yeah, they're
licensed. But they're not from the '60s
Quote from: Mike Scott on March 16, 2015, 12:40:16 PM
Yeah, they're licensed. But they're not from the '60s
Not being from the '60s does not diminish their authenticity (just changes their birthdates).
Quote from: Mord on March 16, 2015, 12:43:47 PM
Not being from the '60s does not diminish their authenticity.
But if someone is
claiming that they are from the '60s it's a problem.
I used to be able to catch a lot of shill bidders when e-Bay allowed us to see who was bidding and look up their bidding history. I miss that sometimes.
That 2nd bidder bid 17 times and drove the price up - but has only 9 feedbacks to his name?
The poor sap that bought these for $256.00 had another bid in that topped his final purchase price!
Caveat Emptor.
Quote from: Mike Scott on March 16, 2015, 12:59:46 PM
But if someone is claiming that they are from the '60s it's a problem.
Absofrigginlutely!
I have said it before, I will say it again, the creamy "pumpkin orange" or "butterscotch" color (as opposed to the common popscicle orange) is a genuine Marx 1960s Monster color. I have a full set of them, some of which I have had since I as a kid.
They were referred to as the "promo" color for Marx Monsters by toy figure collectors back in the 1980s. Not sure exactly what that means, but the figures are legit 1960s vintage. I believe a couple of the ones I have sport a purple store stamp or similar, which shows they were sold in stores, too.
So there at least three authentic colors of 1960s Marx Monster figures- popscicle orange, teal blue, and pumpkin orange.
Quote from: Monster Bob on March 16, 2015, 02:30:19 PM
I have said it before, I will say it again, the creamy "pumpkin orange" color (as opposed to the common popscicle orange) is a genuine Marx 1960s Monster color.
Thanks, Bob! I sure I've read that, before, and forgot about it. Are there pics of those in one of the other threads?
Here is a fresh pic comparing the three colors...all 3 of these have original store markings, so these particular figures were store bought and unplayed with, basically...
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g107/backlotcharlie/IMG_3200_zpsoysokvcm.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/backlotcharlie/media/IMG_3200_zpsoysokvcm.jpg.html)
Thanks, Bob! :)
Do you ever see the pumpkin ones on ebay?
Quote from: Mike Scott on March 16, 2015, 03:10:16 PM
Thanks, Bob! :)
Do you ever see the pumpkin ones on ebay?
That's where I got my "pumpkin" Phantom but that was 6+ years ago.
A very timely thread as I just purchased a set of the beige ones. The seller was advertising them as original 60's figures with pics of the base that showed the 1963 stamping. The seller sold a total of 5 sets over the course of 2 listings and they sold out fast. Here's the last listing.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Studios-Monsters-Figure-Marx-Set-Lot-of-6-Model-vtg-Toy-Frankenstein-/391075548138?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b0deb4bea (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-Studios-Monsters-Figure-Marx-Set-Lot-of-6-Model-vtg-Toy-Frankenstein-/391075548138?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5b0deb4bea)
I honestly don't think the seller was being deceptive, I just think he didn't know any better. I knew they were reissues because of the UMA boards but I still felt that $40 was reasonable as the beige ones still sell for ridiculous prices and people are paying it. Not as good as Mike's $20 selling price but I felt they were worth it as they are brand new, made from the original molds and are still fun to own if your not willing to shell out the big bucks for originals which I am not. I was sorry to see that PepitoB22 over paid but it can happen to anyone at one time or another as my new friends here can testify when I bought my "Authentic" Aurora Frankenstein. ;)
(http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah232/Glenn_Burtis/Marx%20figures%204_zpsxgirtyfo.jpg)
I like those beige ones. The details really show up well on those. The teal are the best & most iconic, while the details were hard to see on the orange ones.
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 16, 2015, 04:42:20 PM
That's where I got my "pumpkin" Phantom but that was 6+ years ago.
And I wouldn't be surprised if the seller didn't just call it "orange". I'm not sure I could tell the difference, without having the two of them side by side.
Quote from: Monster Bob on March 16, 2015, 02:30:19 PMI have said it before, I will say it again, the creamy "pumpkin orange" or "butterscotch" color (as opposed to the common popscicle orange) is a genuine Marx 1960s Monster color. I have a full set of them, some of which I have had since I as a kid.
...the figures are legit 1960s vintage. I believe a couple of the ones I have sport a purple store stamp or similar, which shows they were sold in stores, too.
So there at least three authentic colors of 1960s Marx Monster figures- popscicle orange, teal blue, and pumpkin orange.
Quote from: Monster Bob on March 16, 2015, 03:01:33 PMHere is a fresh pic comparing the three colors...all 3 of these have original store markings, so these particular figures were store bought and unplayed with, basically...
(http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g107/backlotcharlie/IMG_3200_zpsoysokvcm.jpg) (http://s54.photobucket.com/user/backlotcharlie/media/IMG_3200_zpsoysokvcm.jpg.html)
Freddie Poe also has these Marx originals in a popsicle/electric/neon blue colour posed here with a teal figure on the right for comparative purposes:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/mxmummys_zpse3adc855.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/mxwolf_zps201d24e9.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/mxmummy_zps60195a43.png)
:)
Quote from: PepitoB22 on March 15, 2015, 05:28:32 PMThey inspire me to keep looking!
Quote from: PepitoB22 on March 16, 2015, 07:53:47 AMAs I'm getting Ebay involved now, I really need to know what I'm talking about.
Other than by "known" colours, long-time collectors use two methods to differentiate original Marx figures from more recent Mexican repops.
1. Despite what I said about Marx being sloppy about standards, Marx did do a good job of keeping the molds clean and trimming excess plastic from the figures. The Mexicans are much sloppier in this regard and Mexican repops frequently sport excess plastic a.k.a. flashing around the edges of the figures.
2. The old Marx plastic had a very characteristic smell. The new figures just don't smell like the old Marx production.
So have fun, but be careful!
;)
Maybe someone could develop a cologne that duplicates that original Marx smell.
Quote from: Hepcat on March 16, 2015, 06:04:22 PM
The Mexicans are much sloppier in this regard and Mexican repops frequently sport excess plastic a.k.a. flashing around the edges of the figures.
Especially on the Creature's hands!
I believe the "pumpkin orange" and "popsicle blue" colors are original '60s colors as evidenced by the pics from Bob's and Freddie's collections. Marx changed it's plastic to the semi-translucent version sometime in 1964 as evidenced by series 3 of the Nutty Mads. Prior to that the plastic was matte (flat) colored. Most common are the Marx Monsters in flat teal blue and "popsicle orange", because the blue ones were made in 1963 and the orange ones in 1964 and perhaps later into the '60s. There seems to be some rare "overlap" pieces from late 1963/early 1964 in the form of the "pumpkin orange" and "popsicle blue".
This may have been the first use of the so-called "Heritage" type plastic that Marx used later with various playset pieces. I'm more familiar with the Marx Prehistoric sets and the first set made after 1963 was the #3398 from 1971 which used the Heritage plastic for the dinos and cavemen. The newer plastic was supposed to mold more efficiently and did not contain the lead-based paint in the older plastic mix. Most collectors preferred the older plastic for the variations in color (and the distinctive smell... *huff, huff* :laugh:).
Here's a link to one of frankenstein73's posts in the other thread which pictures an unusual green Marx Phantom which also appears to be legitimately from the '60s. http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=1070.msg424728#msg424728 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=1070.msg424728#msg424728)
The Uncle Milton figures are cool '90s reissues and because of the 1963 dates on the base bottoms they are often misrepresented and sold as original '60s pieces. I believe the flat green Marx Monsters to be from the '80s/'90s reissued by the Mexican Plasti-Marx company, even though the base bottoms are the same as the original '60s orange ones. Most Mexican repops just have blank base bottoms.
Quote from: Mike Scott on March 16, 2015, 05:15:17 PM
And I wouldn't be surprised if the seller didn't just call it "orange". I'm not sure I could tell the difference, without having the two of them side by side.
It is pretty noticeable but may depend on the seller photo, here is the original seller photo for my Phantom
(https://a2-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/15/90a74abdbb59d02a27797f2cdad322bc/full.jpg)
And the one for my lime green Frankenstein/teal Phantom; I thought the Frankenstein was yellow until it arrived so a photo isn't always the best way to judge color.
(https://a2-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/96/25ea5913f6910d11570103a8c0fe7399/full.jpg)
>I believe the "pumpkin orange" and "popsicle blue" colors are original '60s colors<
HH, I'd go more with the "teal blue" label, but yep - those were the colors of my complete set of originals, picked out of a bin at a Discount Store in Northen Michigan in the '60s. (Of course soon after that, I covered them with now much-chipped Testor's enamel!)
-Craig
This appears to be a pumpkin Creature
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTgzWDEwMzY=/z/fywAAOSw091VBJ8C/$_57.JPG)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Vintage-1963-Creature-from-the-Black-Lagoon-Louis-Marx-Co-Plastic-Figures-/261812099354?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf537991a (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Vintage-1963-Creature-from-the-Black-Lagoon-Louis-Marx-Co-Plastic-Figures-/261812099354?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf537991a)
Quote from: Wich2 on March 16, 2015, 07:37:54 PM
>I believe the "pumpkin orange" and "popsicle blue" colors are original '60s colors<
HH, I'd go more with the "teal blue" label, but yep - those were the colors of my complete set of originals....
Horrorhunter isn't talking about the common teal blue coloured ones though. He's talking about the popsicle/electric/neon blue ones Freddie Poe owns. Read the previous page of this thread.
???
Quote from: Hepcat on March 16, 2015, 08:09:11 PM
Horrorhunter isn't talking about the common teal blue coloured ones though. He's talking about the popsicle/electric/neon blue ones Freddie Poe owns. Read the previous page of this thread.
???
Thanks, Hep. Yes, I just meant there were two versions of the blue and two versions of the orange. The teal blue flat colored ones and the "popsicle orange" ones are by far the most common. The "popsicle blue" ones and the "pumpkin orange" ones are the rare ones, with "popsicle blue" seeming to be the rarest of the two.
Quote from: zombiehorror on March 16, 2015, 07:47:54 PM
This appears to be a pumpkin Creature
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/NTgzWDEwMzY=/z/fywAAOSw091VBJ8C/$_57.JPG)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Vintage-1963-Creature-from-the-Black-Lagoon-Louis-Marx-Co-Plastic-Figures-/261812099354?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf537991a (http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Vintage-1963-Creature-from-the-Black-Lagoon-Louis-Marx-Co-Plastic-Figures-/261812099354?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cf537991a)
That looks more like one of the common "popsicle orange" ones to me. But, as you stated, it's tough to tell sometimes from pics...especially fuzzy bad pics.
Quote from: Mike Scott on March 16, 2015, 03:10:16 PM
Thanks, Bob! :)
Do you ever see the pumpkin ones on ebay?
Yes I have. I have gotten an extra Frankenstein through ebay.
Quote from: Hepcat on March 16, 2015, 06:04:22 PMThe old Marx plastic had a very characteristic smell. The new figures just don't smell like the old Marx production.
Here's a question for you Marx figure collectors. Do the popsicle orange Marx monsters smell the same as the teal ones? If not, is there a noticeable difference in smell between the popsicle orange Marx figures and the more recent Mexican repops?
???
Quote from: Hepcat on March 16, 2015, 08:09:11 PM
Horrorhunter isn't talking about the common teal blue coloured ones though. He's talking about the popsicle/electric/neon blue ones Freddie Poe owns. Read the previous page of this thread.
???
Just crossed wires, Hep!
Best,
-Craig
Quote from: Wich2 on March 17, 2015, 09:23:57 AM
Just crossed wires, Hep!
Just don't cross the "streams"!
Well, Mike, if you're a vampire, anyway!
Quote from: Wich2 on March 17, 2015, 12:03:41 PM
Well, Mike, if you're a vampire, anyway!
Wrong streams, buy yeah, that too! ;D
Quote from: horrorhunter on March 16, 2015, 06:18:03 PMI believe the "pumpkin orange" and "popsicle blue" colors are original '60s colors as evidenced by the pics from Bob's and Freddie's collections. Marx changed it's plastic to the semi-translucent version sometime in 1964 as evidenced by series 3 of the Nutty Mads. Prior to that the plastic was matte (flat) colored. Most common are the Marx Monsters in flat teal blue and "popsicle orange", because the blue ones were made in 1963 and the orange ones in 1964 and perhaps later into the '60s. There seems to be some rare "overlap" pieces from late 1963/early 1964 in the form of the "pumpkin orange" and "popsicle blue".
I think the production timeline must have gone something like this:
1. Marx was producing the teal blue Universal monsters in 1963 using the lead-based flat coloured plastic.
2. Marx was already considering switching to the brighter semi-translucent lead-free plastic for its figures though and so did a test run on Universal monster production. The test run was successful and therefore the resultant popsicle blue Universal monsters were sold by Marx through its normal distribution channels. I mean why not sell perfectly good production?
3. Given the success of the Nutty Mads in all the wild, weird and wonderful colours, Marx decided to make the Universal monsters in another bright colour. After all, Marx now knew that kids might buy the same figure again if it was in another colour. Hence the switch to orange in 1964.
4. But Marx hadn't yet used up its inventory of lead-based plastic. Therefore the orange figures were initially produced with pumpkin orange plastic.
5. When the old lead-based plastic stock was finished, Marx began producing the Universal monsters in popsicle orange using the lead-free plastic.
8)
Quote from: horrorhunter on March 16, 2015, 06:18:03 PMI believe the "pumpkin orange" and "popsicle blue" colors are original '60s colors as evidenced by the pics from Bob's and Freddie's collections. Marx changed it's plastic to the semi-translucent version sometime in 1964 as evidenced by series 3 of the Nutty Mads. Prior to that the plastic was matte (flat) colored. Most common are the Marx Monsters in flat teal blue and "popsicle orange", because the blue ones were made in 1963 and the orange ones in 1964 and perhaps later into the '60s. There seems to be some rare "overlap" pieces from late 1963/early 1964 in the form of the "pumpkin orange" and "popsicle blue".
This may have been the first use of the so-called "Heritage" type plastic that Marx used later with various playset pieces. I'm more familiar with the Marx Prehistoric sets and the first set made after 1963 was the #3398 from 1971 which used the Heritage plastic for the dinos and cavemen. The newer plastic was supposed to mold more efficiently and did not contain the lead-based paint in the older plastic mix. Most collectors preferred the older plastic for the variations in color (and the distinctive smell... *huff, huff* :laugh:).
Here's a link to one of frankenstein73's posts in the other thread which pictures an unusual green Marx Phantom which also appears to be legitimately from the '60s. http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=1070.msg424728#msg424728 (http://www.universalmonsterarmy.com/forum/index.php?topic=1070.msg424728#msg424728)
The Uncle Milton figures are cool '90s reissues and because of the 1963 dates on the base bottoms they are often misrepresented and sold as original '60s pieces. I believe the flat green Marx Monsters to be from the '80s/'90s reissued by the Mexican Plasti-Marx company, even though the base bottoms are the same as the original '60s orange ones. Most Mexican repops just have blank base bottoms.
Does "Heritage plastic" then refer to the later lead-free semi-translucent plastic? You would think that the original lead-based plastic would merit the "heritage" modifier.
???
Quote from: Hepcat on November 15, 2020, 04:56:46 PM
Does "Heritage plastic" then refer to the later lead-free semi-translucent plastic? You would think that the original lead-based plastic would merit the "heritage" modifier.
???
I believe "Heritage" is just a nickname given to the slightly translucent plastic Marx used when they transitioned away from the flat colored lead-based plastic around 1964. It referred to some of the playsets which started using the new plastic pieces as components and the name started being associated with the new plastic. I'm not sure which playsets were considered "Heritage" because I only collect the Marx dinosaur playsets, but the info could be sleuthed out with some research.