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.
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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.
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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.






