The Louis Marx and Company 'Presidents of the United States' Figures.

Beginning in the early 1950s, the Louis Marx and Company (1919-1980) embarked on an ambitious semi-educational series, the Presidents of the United States. The idea for this line may have evolved from Louis Marx's friendship with then-President Dwight D. Eisenhower. 

1953 MARX Presidents of the United States.

Marx was already producing detailed plastic representations of notable individuals of both current and past historical importance. These included the great Generals of World War II series, the Queen Elizabeth Coronation set, the Great Canadians, Jesus & the Apostles, and others. Louis Marx even made a figure of himself, which he liked to give to friends and business associates.

The Marx Presidents of the United States series was produced from the Eisenhower administration up to the 1968 Presidential election. During the 1968 election, Marx made figures of not only the major party candidates (Richard Nixon and Hubert Humphrey) but some of the leading contenders, such as Nelson Rockefeller (then-governor of New York), Robert F. Kennedy (NYS Senator) and Ronald Reagan (then-governor of California). Prior to election day, Marx created President-series figures of both Richard M. Nixon and Hubert H. Humphrey, hedging his bets over the winner of the election. Nowadays the Humphrey figures still frequently turn up mint in a bag on eBay (as well as do most of the Presidential figures), whereas the other 1968 candidates such as Ronald Reagan, Robert F. Kennedy, and Nelson Rockefeller are somewhat harder to find (and more expensive).

What makes all these figures notable today is their excellent sculpting and their uncanny likenesses to their models (in most cases). They were also considered educational toys that taught children about U.S. history and current events. The Presidents, like the Jesus & the Apostles figures, were sold initially in hard white plastic and later were available in handpainted versions.

Like many Marx items, the Presidents were produced in numerous versions. There are four: white unpainted 2¾" versions, handpainted 2¾" versions (with gold bases), miniature-sized white figures, and miniature handpainted figures.

The Kennedy, Johnson, and Nixon figures were added to the line in the 1960s. There was even a Jackie Kennedy figure available in white plastic only. 

The figures were given out as a premium at Jewel Food stores in the Chicago area were 2¾" tall and were hand-painted, unartistically, which was the charm of these collectibles.

A different figure would be given out every week when you spent a certain amount or more. The styrofoam rotunda with columns was sold separately.

I personally had all the Jewel Presidents and the rotunda. But as it happed to most kids, parents tossed out stuff they thought was no longer wanted... but, I still have #16, Abraham Lincoln!

Compiled by Neil Gale, Ph.D.