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Rare Vintage 1930s Gotham Pressed Steel M-F-9 "Rapid Fire" Pursuit Plane Marble Shooter – Pre-WWII USAAC Military LiveryUp for sale is an incredibly rare piece of American toy history: a 1930s Gotham Pressed Steel Corp. M-F-9 Rapid Fire Pursuit Plane Marble Shooter. Proudly manufactured in New York, USA, as part of Gotham’s celebrated "Little Giant Line," this toy mechanical fighter plane is a prized crown jewel for pre-war tinplate and military collectors alike.Authentic Pre-War Military Detail:
Historic USAAC Markings: Features the iconic pre-World War II United States Army Air Corps insignias—vibrant yellow wings adorned with the classic blue circle, white star, and center red dot.
Bold Lithography: The cream-colored fuselage boasts crisp, deep blue "M-F-9" designations on both sides, paired with a striking patriotic red-and-white striped tail assembly.
Key Features & Condition Details:
100% Functioning Mechanical Spring: The internal rapid-fire marble mechanism functions flawlessly. Pulling back the original red wooden handle compresses the spring perfectly to launch marbles out of the front barrel assembly.
Complete & Structurally Solid: Includes the factory-original yellow metal propeller, which is rarely found intact. All construction tabs holding the wings and landing gear are exceptionally firm with absolutely no wobbling.
Original Undercarriage: Features the original black-painted wooden main wheels with a clean factory-crimped axle, alongside the original operational metal tail wheel.
Excellent Preservation: The lithograph graphics remain remarkably strong. There are no major dents, chips, or structural flaws. To be completely transparent, there is a minor 1" x 3/4" spot of light surface patina/chrome rub on the underside just forward of the tail wheel, which is purely cosmetic and expected for a 90-year-old pressed steel survivor.
Specifications:
Manufacturer: Gotham Pressed Steel Corporation (New York, USA)
Model/ID: M-F-9 / "Little Giant Line"
Era: Mid-1930s (Pre-WWII)
Material: Heavy Pressed Steel & Tin Litho
Dimensions: Approx. 10" Wingspan x 8" Length
Please view all high-resolution photos carefully to appraise the exceptional condition of this mechanical toy. Marbles are not included, but standard vintage glass marbles fit and cycle perfectly.Shipping & Handling:
This historic artifact will be packed with utmost care using thick collector-grade bubble wrap and shipped inside a rigid, oversized shipping box. Fully insured domestic tracking included, ships via USPS ground advantage.
