The Holy Grail of Popeye toys according to Milestone Auctions (Willoughby, Ohio) is the battery operated Popeye & Olive Oyl Tank made by Linemar and one came up at their April auction. The battery-powered tank was made by the Japanese firm of Linemar, the post-Second World War subsidiary to Louis Marx & Co, measures 11in (28cm) in length and comes with the original pictorial box. With an estimate of $30,000-$40,000 there was incredible interest and the amazing toy eventually sold for $87,500.

Lot 245 “THE HOLY GRAIL OF POPEYE TOYS” Linemar battery operated Popeye and Olive Oyl Tank. All original and complete. Popeye still has his original pipe and red plastic caps holding his legs to the tank. Olive Oyl figure in the tank is all original and complete with her nose. The tank is in wonderful condition with super bright colors. The battery box is perfectly clean. You will NOT find a better example of this RARE toy. The toy worked when tested. Comes with its impossible to find Original Box!! The box is all complete and crisp with 1 minor tape repair on interior. This is by far the finest example of this toy known!! 11″ Excellent-Near Mint.

For more information visit https://www.milestoneauctions.com/.