In the early 1930s, Marx and Kuramochi released very similar aeroplane games based on the theme of air defence: an aircraft flies over a military airfield, anti-aircraft guns recoil under fire and then reposition themselves.
In the United States, Marx offered two versions of “Coast Defence”, one with an airship, the other with a plane.
The first was decorated with a diorama.
1930- Lithographed sheet – Clockwork – 19 x 23 cm
1930- Lithographed sheet – Clockwork – 19 x 23 cm
In Japan, Kuramochi is more aggressive, and the characters on the biplane’s wing can be translated as “Here I am! The biplan wears the roundels of the Japanese Empire, while the soldiers wear the flattened helmets of the American Army. Did you say premonitory?
First half of the 1930s – Lithographed sheet metal – Clockwork – 42 x 26 cm
It is likely that the Japanese manufacturer was inspired by Marx’s toys with a larger diameter base.