1960s Marx Figaro the Cat Ramp Walker – Disney Character Toy Made in Hong Kong

A 1960s Marx ramp walker depicting Figaro, the black cat from Disney’s Pinocchio, playfully holding a red ball, produced in Hong Kong during the golden age of plastic ramp walkers.

This delightful 1960s Disney Figaro the Cat ramp walker was manufactured by Louis Marx & Co. under licence from Walt Disney Productions. Figaro, best known as Geppetto’s mischievous pet cat from Pinocchio (1940), also appeared in various Pluto and Minnie Mouse shorts throughout the 1950s–60s.

The toy is made of injection-moulded plastic, featuring Figaro in glossy black with a blue bow, cream paws and tail tip, and a bright red ball held between his front paws. Measuring approximately 100 mmlong x 80 mm high x 40 mm wide, this ramp walker operates on a simplegravity-powered mechanism—when placed on a gentle slope, Figaro “walks” forward while appearing to push the red ball.

Although unmarked, its design and proportions are consistent with other Marx Hong Kong-produced Disney ramp walkers of the era, such as Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, and Goofy. These toys were popular export novelties in the mid-1960s, combining licensed cartoon characters with clever movement engineering. This example remains in good condition, with some light paint wear and minor scratches typical of age and play. The mechanism remains intact, and the bright colours are still vivid—making it an appealing piece of early Disney 1960s toy design.

Features

• Manufacturer: Louis Marx & Co.

• Country of Origin: Likely made in HongKong

• Material: Injection-moulded plastic

• Mechanism: Ramp walker (gravity-powered movement)

• Dimensions: 100 mm long x 80 mm high x 40mm wide

• Character: Figaro the Cat (Disney)

• Markings: Unmarked, consistent with MarxHong Kong production

• Condition: Good – light paint wear, working mechanism

• Era: 1960s

Designer and Brand

Designer: Louis Marx & Co. (USA)

Brand/Company: Marx Toys / Walt Disney Productions

Made from the following materials

Hard plastic dolls and toys emerged as a significant innovation in the toy industry during the mid-20th century, revolutionizing the way dolls were designed and manufactured. Hard plastic is a type of thermoplastic, characterized by its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to breakage. This material became popular for creating dolls, action figures, and various toys due to its versatility and ability to hold intricate details and vibrant colors.

The development of hard plastic allowed for the mass production of toys that were not only affordable but also more resilient than earlier materials like composition or porcelain. As a result, manufacturers were able to produce a wide variety of designs, from classic baby dolls to trendy fashion figures, each with detailed facial features and movable limbs. This material also enabled the incorporation of new techniques, such as molded hair and painted eyes, which enhanced the realism and appeal of the dolls.

Among the earliest forms of hard plastic used in toy manufacturing was **Bakelite**, created in the early 1900s by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland. Bakelite is one of the first synthetic plastics, made from phenol and formaldehyde. Its properties, including heat resistance and electrical insulation, made it ideal for various applications, including toys. While Bakelite itself is not commonly used in doll-making today, its introduction paved the way for the development of modern plastics in the toy industry.

**Catalin** is another early form of hard plastic that emerged in the 1930s and was often used for creating vibrant toys and dolls. Like Bakelite, Catalin is a thermosetting plastic known for its durability and ability to hold color well. Catalin toys often featured bright, translucent colors and intricate designs, capturing the imaginations of children and collectors alike.

As hard plastic became the standard for many types of dolls and toys, it solidified its place in the industry, leading to the creation of iconic brands and beloved characters. Today, hard plastic dolls and toys continue to be popular, appreciated for their longevity and the nostalgia they evoke. Collectors value vintage hard plastic toys for their craftsmanship and the unique place they hold in the history of toy making.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of hard plastic dolls and toys, highlighting their role in shaping the modern toy industry and their enduring appeal across generations.

Country:
Hong Kong
Produced by:
Louis Marx and Company - Marx Toys
Produced by:
Louis Marx and Company - Marx Toys
Louis Marx and Company, commonly known as Marx Toys, was one of the largest and most influential toy manufacturers of the 20th century. Founded in 1919 in New York by Louis Marx, the company became known for producing affordable, mass-market toys that combined durability with play value. By the 1950s–60s, Marx was producing everything from tin wind-ups and plastic figures to playsets, dolls, and licensed character toys, including popular lines based on The Flintstones, Disney, and The Lone Ranger. Their products were made in the USA, the UK, and later Hong Kong, where lower-cost production helped them flood the global toy market. Collectors today value Marx Toys for their nostalgic charm, wide variety, and role in shaping mid-20th-century toy history. Marx Toys no longer exists as an operating company. The original company closed in the early 1980s after being sold to Quaker Oats and later to Dunbee-Combex-Marx (DCM).
Designed by:
The Walt Disney Company
Product Code:
T0115
Dimenions:

80(h)

x 60(w)

x 100(d)

Estimated Item Value
60
Produced from:
1960
to
1969
Markings:
-
Condition:
Good
Virtual tour location:
M26

Additional Product Images

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