Range Rider

Date1950

Mediumlithographed tin

Dimensions9 1/2 × 2 1/4 × 11 1/4 in. (24.1 × 5.7 × 28.6 cm)

ClassificationsRecreational Objects

Credit LineAlbuquerque Museum, gift of Mrs. Cheryl Touyan

Object numberPC1977.7.1

DescriptionThis tin wind-up toy was produced by the Louis Marx & Company, based in New York. It is a Range Rider, manufactured in 1950, depicting a cowboy on horseback with a lasso. The horse is mounted on a base that rocks back and forth when the toy is wound up. The base platform is painted to depict a Western landscape, complete with mountains and cacti. Text on the base reads "RANGE RIDER." The cowboy atop the rocking horse is missing an arm, which would have originally held a spinning pistol activated by the wind-up mechanism. This charming artifact offers an intimate glimpse into mid-20th century American domestic life. It reflects the types of toys that once brought joy to children and showcases the thoughtful craftsmanship characteristic of early mass-produced playthings.

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