Jazzbo Jim Dancer on the Roof Windup Tin Toy Marx Black Americana

Presented is a Jazzbo Jim Dancer On the Roof tin wind up made by Ferdinand Strauss Co. New York in the 1930’s. Ferdinand Strauss became  the first U.S. company to produce the toy. Marx was the first U.S. company to patent the mechanism. Marx purchased the dies from the Strauss company when they went bankrupt in 1921. Marx also briefly produced a coin operated version.

It features colorful graphics that surround a log cabin used as stage for Jazzbo Jim with banjo in hand, billed as the dancer on the roof. The wind up works with Jazzbo Jim dancing up and down and turns with his arms and legs moving while he holds the banjo. It is in good condition with just some mild but expected handling/aging wear. It measures approx. 5″ x 3-1/2″ x 9-3/4″ Tall. It features a start/stop lever and fixed wind key. It was patented Oct. 1921 with manufacturer markings on the bottom.