Largest Marx Toy Playset Collection in the World on Display (George Kroll)

[@d.pierce.6820]

For many years, it wasn't Christmas without getting a Marx playset. Between my brother and I, we had most of them.

[@paulknappcollections]

George has so many store displays its amazing.

[@jerryprice5484]

Same here, this vidio really brings back the memories

[@alcalderini161]

15 years ago I was given a few weeks to live due to having melanoma (obviously I defied the time frame) and before I was scheduled to die I made a pilgrimage to the old Marx museum in Moundsville, W Va. Watching this video was almost as good as being there again. Thanks so much Paul for posting this and to George to allowing us to see your fabulous collection.

[@paulknappcollections]

Well glad to hear you're still among us and glad you watched the video. I made 2 of his place. I meet him every year at the Gettysburg show.

[@johnjohnstone5258]

Oh....WOW!

[@paulknappcollections]

It's an amazing collection

[@TheSteveRobinson]

I am speechless.

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@TheSteveRobinson]

@@paulknappcollections I just sold a Sears / Marx Custer's Last Stand playset.

[@TheSteveRobinson]

@@paulknappcollections I just sold a Sears / Marx Custer's Last Stand playset.

[@davidhay6235]

I could live there. I loved those toys. Have a few left. Thanks

[@paulknappcollections]

You and me both!

[@scottschmittmusic]

Have That...Don't have that.. have 2 of those..and wish I had that one! HA!... Marx is my Jam

[@paulknappcollections]

His collection in awesome. Thanks for watching

[@bradfordduarte1269]

By far, that is the greatest collection of Marx toys I've ever seen!

[@paulknappcollections]

It's pretty cool. I visited it 3 times. Amazing

[@thomasavery1708]

The good old days

[@paulknappcollections]

No more toys like this anymore

[@greatesttoysevermade3693]

I’ve heard from other collectors about how amazing this collection is, they weren’t kidding! Quite possibly the nicest vintage collection of Marx toys in the country. Wow!

[@paulknappcollections]

Yes sir, my second time there and he has more than he did 4 years ago, just amazing.

[@johngeraci3887]

Wow that is amazing collection

[@paulknappcollections]

Yes its amazing and he's a great guy.

[@toastnjam7384]

Awesome collection. I had a few Marx sets and they are probably my fav toys. I played the hell out of them. Seeing all these war set reminded me of an episode of Thirty Something. A mom refused to buy her son any war toys, so she bought him a toy farm and when she saw him playing with it, he was having a war between the pigs and cows.

[@paulknappcollections]

LOL that's awesome

[@cherriberri7161]

Absolutely amazing!

[@paulknappcollections]

I made 2 videos of his collection now.

[@cherriberri7161]

@@paulknappcollections oh I have to check them out. My dad always talks about a Marx set he had with a fortress, there’s photos of him on Christmas morning opening it. Thank you for sharing, I can’t wait to look those videos and send the link to my dad. Have a fabulous day!

[@woosta1]

Simply amazing!

[@paulknappcollections]

Glad you think so!

[@proudcanadian5713]

I don't feel worthy of watching this incredible video showing some things I played with as a child. This has got to be one of the finest collections on the planet. Thank YOU for making this and George for having collected everything and saving them.

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching.

[@hmecpropagandaandevents6920]

Seen it in person, best Collection I've ever seen!

[@paulknappcollections]

Yes, and great humble guy.

[@hansfranklin5070]

Can I come over an' play! Wow! Amazing!

[@paulknappcollections]

His place is pretty amazing. He built the 2 story garage just for his collection

[@chrisyother4870]

Easily one of the finest displays I have ever seen. Gives a great overview of just how cool and diverse Marx' sets were. Id love to see those types of massive playsets return but I think those days are gone. Thanks for sharing.

[@paulknappcollections]

Unfortunately kids have very little imagination. Everything is online and video games now. Sad. Thanks for watching.

[@kprimm1967]

Just incredible! nothing more needs to be said!

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@jerryprice5484]

What a video, One of the last playsets I had was the Big Ceasar ship. The civil war, WW2 hand painted warriors of the world, The Untouchables, the construction camp the Alamo, Ben Hur, Tales of Wells Fargo with the train, the farm set, the Dinosaur playset. No doubt about it Marx was OUR toy company

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@faithjacobson8830]

Alot of work to maintain this hobby--Love it Thanks for the video--Thanks for sharing

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching!

[@georgepasymowski2508]

What a wonderful collection. I had several marx playsets myself including the rare Untouchables set. But alas they are all gone. Thanks for the memory's.

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for checking out my channel. More to come.

[@randallroberts8045]

that is an amazing collection

[@paulknappcollections]

One of the best I've ever seen. Thanks for watching

[@luisangelramirez7883]

Just two words magical amazing

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@richa7970]

Thank you both for sharing! I would pay to see that live very cool!

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching my channel.

[@robertodell3366]

Awesome miss those days my best friend as had a few sets played entire weekend s

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for the visit

[@e-4airman124]

thank you for sharing the photos!

[@paulknappcollections]

No problem!!

[@jamessloan6899]

Enjoyed it, but the camera was moving too fast for these old eyes to see some of the sets, especially at the beginning. That said, I didn’t realize how many sets Marx made. My brothers and I had a few of them. Will have to watch the video again…and again.

[@paulknappcollections]

Most of the sets in his collection are Store Display boards. It's amazing how many different types they made.

[@manlymcstud8588]

such an amazing collection. plus a big frankie!

[@paulknappcollections]

It really is!

[@ArtimulColeccionista]

The dream of any collector. I don't know how much all those sets and figures rescued in that state have cost, but I do recognize the passion and effort of a heart dedicated to professional activity. Very good material .. Thank you for uploading this video.

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@patricksmith5282]

My favorite Christmas was 1963. I got the Civil War set, the Custer’s Last Stand set and I think it was the D-Day set.

[@paulknappcollections]

That's an awesome Christmas WOW. Thanks for watching

[@albertoortiz3574]

Great George! Great collection Wonderful display, indeed Marx was the greatest player in toys manufacturi g of any one May ha doubt about they must see this. Thanks for sharing tour collection with us. Got some ideas too Thanks!!!!

[@paulknappcollections]

Well said!

[@donaldwiller9238]

Great video. 👍

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks 👍

[@xray86delta]

What an amazing collection! That brings back a lot of memories! Some of those I had as a kid in the 60s!

[@paulknappcollections]

He built the buiding just for his collection. Crazy

[@robertwaid3579]

That was Simple Wonderful too Experience, again even in Just Your Video of so few Minutes. The Long Dormant Memories? That these Videos bring Back to Me are Priceless. Thank You so Much for Sharing 🙂😌🙂😌.

[@paulknappcollections]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@darrellmann7468]

Awesome collection wow 👌

[@paulknappcollections]

Glad you liked it

[@naturalobserver1322]

Man, I wish I could get my old civil war play set back that I got for Christmas in 1961. Best Christmas ever! 😃👍

[@paulknappcollections]

I'm sure it's out there somewhere. I see a lot at the toy soldier shows.

[@ronhoover5516]

Great video Paul. I too had many of the Marx playsets and knowing what I know now, 50 years later, I'd have had more of them. From Battleground, to the Heritage Sears Civil War and Alamo sets, to Daktari-still, I didn't know there were so many others.

[@paulknappcollections]

Yes there was a bunch. I'm sure you had a cool collection as a kid.

[@ronhoover5516]

@@paulknappcollections I'm actually thinking of collecting again. My tastes aren't specific to Marx, though. I've always wanted to create this massive D-Day diorama, complete with chronologically inaccurate vehicles, helicopters that didn't exist in 1944, etc. If I ever do it, I'll send you a video. Again, great job.

[@ronhoover5516]

@@paulknappcollections I've still got most of the Battlegrounds, in played-with (semi broken :)) condition. The German 88 is still intact, though, and probably fires if I still had a shell from my original set. Ditto the 105 howitzer, I've got one that actually fires.

[@paulknappcollections]

@@ronhoover5516 There are so many plastic dealers out there now it would be easy to do.

[@stemikger]

wow! Amazing collection!

[@paulknappcollections]

Yes George is the top collector of Marx playsets no doubt.

[@bentobarreirinhas5702]

Amazing

[@paulknappcollections]

His place is very cool. I've made 2 videos now of his collection.

[@scottschmittmusic]

Was thinking of found that in my attic for my soon grandson.. a Vintage toy wonderland Then making a movie called the Toy man Since all kids today want to play video games And hands on imagination is a lost art

[@paulknappcollections]

No doubt, video games have destroyed imagination.

[@charlesgerhart6532]

Wow, just wow!!

[@paulknappcollections]

I know right, I wish I did a better job with pics and video but I tried.

[@richardkidwell4134]

My childhood !

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@davidmunday5906]

Love it, a real credit to you. Subscribed.

[@paulknappcollections]

Thank you sir. More to come.

[@bilplaymo6121]

what a collection !! congretulations...here from Europ Marx toys aren't so know as they are in U.S, so a pleasure to see and discovered some treasures ! thanks for sharing, take care of your collection : a witness of 20's century toys ! take care : )

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching my channel

[@e-4airman124]

amazing

[@paulknappcollections]

Glad you think so!

[@jamesjacobs1514]

My gosh that's impressive

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@april9th1821]

Amazing!

[@paulknappcollections]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BOBXFILES2374a]

Still picking up jaw on the floor!! Wow!

[@paulknappcollections]

It is an amazing collection. You need to watch both videos.

[@scottsmith5948]

Omg there is a heaven.

[@paulknappcollections]

Yes and it's in West Virginia LOL

[@ThePlasticGeneral]

FAN TASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@paulknappcollections]

I know right, amazing collection and you only saw probably a small portion, wish I took more pics.

[@komissionkamen]

Это самое шикарное видео по солдатикам что я видел!!!

[@paulknappcollections]

Glad you liked it, Thanks for watching my channel.

[@donaldahern9930]

In 1964 I wanted a Sears, Marx Fort apache that cost $20.00 at the time .Had everything imaginable.Noone seems to know about it.Better than giant fort apache set.

[@paulknappcollections]

Well if anyone would know it would be Rick Eber or George Kroll, they are my go to guys for Marx playsets.

[@petitsoldat1497]

Bonjour merci pour cette vidéo ce n'est pas un musé ni une collection c'est le paradis le nirvana de l'amoureux du jouet félicitation je suis moi même collectionneur et je fais des films pour mettre en scène mes jouets d'enfance mais il faut le dire votre collection est sans pareil bravo

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@abbush2921]

Sweet mother of god !!!!!!!!

[@paulknappcollections]

I know right. LOL

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

Love Marx Warriors of the World series!

[@paulknappcollections]

George has everything.

[@marcusjaquez4267]

What were those toy rifles at 5:13? They really seem interesting. Outstanding collection. Thanks for reading.

[@paulknappcollections]

I believe those are Marx original gun sets as well. He really only collects Marx vintage name brands.

[@miked6335]

How does he deal with dust on those battle displays? If I set up 2 army men on my desk, a week later a cobweb will show up. His collection is amazing. I may have blinked, but I didn't see Captain Gallant or the Flintstones (or my memory is really shot).

[@paulknappcollections]

Oh he had both of those, I wish I made a longer video to show everything.

[@BeeBoooop]

Great video. Question, I have a Marx Military Tank #25 remote control toy. It works great and is like mink with box but I cannot seem to change the flashing light bulb. Any suggestions from your expertise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Ray.

[@paulknappcollections]

No sorry, no idea, I never had that one.

[@uranusimploding9830]

Toy soldiers and Ogauge trains ...... it doesn't get any better !!!!!

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching

[@SlumberBear2k]

the coolest toys are the simplest toys.

[@paulknappcollections]

Old school toys ruled.

[@dpproductionstoys131]

Two words: PLAYSET MAGAZINE! Subscribe TODAY!

[@paulknappcollections]

I did for years, got away from it awhile back but still stay in contact with the owner

[@rickriippi1074]

I love your stuff and would sell anything

[@paulknappcollections]

Thanks for watching, I don't think George would ever selling anything LOL

[@davydigger708]

I'm so sad that Marx went out of business - we need more companies like it! Toy companies seem to have no passion for their products or customers these days! I was born in 2004 and I feel like my childhood could have been a bit cooler if I had toys like this! I didn't even know these existed back then! Marx had the best business model - simply sell the best products at the lowest prices! Which, in this case, means toys that are fun to play with, encourage growth and development, and are built to last and last, but sold at a price that nearly everyone can afford! Only cutting corners when absolutely necessary, but not over-engineering anything either. Just the right balance! Also, I think out government is partially to blame as well since all this inflation and regulation is preventing the good stuff from being made anymore!

[@paulknappcollections]

Perfectly said my friend. Thanks for watching

[@gfride1]

Meh...Marx went out of business because not enough people were buying their stuff. Simple. You sound like a 20-yr old 'Old Soul', and that's awesome that you can appreciate the magic in these sets. Keep an eye on eBay!! They can be found cheap. As for the government holding back companies from making these types of toys?! Yeah, nah. If they would still sell they would be made. Don't turn this into an indicment of modern society and evil government meddling, lol. 🙄 Nostalgia will only get you so far, and this stuff -- as much as I love it -- doesn't have a fart's chance in a hurricane of being mass-produced like it was in the '50s ~'70s.. Guess what?! That's okay. Times change, and things along with them. At least we have collections, like this, to admire [drool over? 🤤], and if there is something you really want to have -- go find it; there are likely to be a few of them around. In fact, there ARE cottage industry companies currently/recently catering to those who like the Hobby, and are looking for new stuff -- Barzso shown here for starters.

[@carausiuscaesar5672]

Had the castle set but in red trim gates and ramparts not yellow and no ramp as shown.

[@paulknappcollections]

Great memories

[@gfride1]

Most playset themes, like Medieval times, had multiple variations of sets created over the period Marx was making these. Some, like Fort Apache, was such a huge seller that it got updated every year with multiple versions at different price points.

[@coreytegtmeier1129]

Is this collection available to view by the public? If so, where at?

[@paulknappcollections]

Well he does open it for small groups, but he didn't want me to post his address for obvious reasons. He's located in Maryland.

[@gfride1]

This is a private collection acquired over 35+ years, and NOT open to the public, but if you get involved in the Hobby, I'm sure he'd welcome your visit!

[@ryanbarker5217]

random guy: hey, i have an idea for a playse-- marx: we'll do it.

[@paulknappcollections]

Not sure anyone will ever take over Marx fully again. Quaker Oats and Mego tried.

[@gfride1]

If only!! There were SO many cool ideas that got left in the developmental stage. Some, like the Monster Castle set, proposed in 1964, make you scratch your head wondering WHY they didn't give the greenlight. 🤔

[@ryanbarker5217]

@@gfride1 that one baffles me, too. this was back when aurora monster models were hot, and we had shows like the munsters and addams family. dunno, maybe they just thought they were doing enough monster/ghost stuff? by the late 60's, sure, i think a kid's focus was more on space and spy stuff, so i could understand why they might shy away from the genre by that point.

[@MarkNieting]

Did he buy the old museum that was in Glendale?

[@paulknappcollections]

No this is at his home.

[@gfride1]

I'm sure a few pieces from the Marx Museum ended up in his collection. 🤠👍

[@delmondsnipes2102]

Do they have convection like this in nc.

[@paulknappcollections]

Not sure, I usually ask on the facebook toy soldier groups page.

[@raymccarty4612]

From the museum or parts of it?

[@paulknappcollections]

Not sure what you are asking? This is from his private collection not the museum in WV.

[@raymccarty4612]

@@paulknappcollections Thanks. I didn't know how much had been sold to private collectors.

[@gfride1]

​@@raymccarty4612everything at the museum was available for purchase by the public, when the museum closed -- it was the collection of one individual, as well. The museum was privately-held for the first 10 years of its existence, then non-profit until closed, with the collection remaining the property of the original owner.

[@gfride1]

No doubt, a few pieces that were on display at the Marx Toy Museum ended up here.

[@scottmcdonald7577]

great video but the music takes away from the collection....

[@paulknappcollections]

Sorry about that

[@ryanbarker5217]

i think marx is owned by nacelle now, aren't they?

[@paulknappcollections]

No idea sorry

[@gfride1]

It's irrelevant who owns the name, now. The company that made these toys ceased to exist when the factory doors were closed permanently at the end of 1979 -- 60 yrs after Marx was started.

[@ryanbarker5217]

@@gfride1 depends what they did with ownership. any company is just one big success away from making a comeback. even if it's just a name, there's a spirit and mantle that can be taken back up. we can find companies who 'took a break' to return, or who are nothing like the original. granted, sometimes it's just in name only to exploit name recognition.

[@joeymaterese8095]

Dump the music some dialog sir would be awesome

[@paulknappcollections]

Watch the second video on this display. Interviewing the owner.

[@Anatolii_Paszkowec]

Today made Marx toys ?

[@paulknappcollections]

I don't understand your question sorry.

[@gfride1]

No -- vintage toys from the 1950s, '60s, and '70s.

[@vikings2win247]

Coolest house ever! Thanks for sharing. Brought back a lot of memories.

[@paulknappcollections]

Glad you enjoyed it! His Mancave is pretty awesome.