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     The links on this page are the ones that I personally use often.  Some of these links have more extensive link pages that will take you to additional toy soldier manufacturers and retailers.  PLEASE NOTE that I do not endorse any of the dealers listed below.  Some provide better quality than others; some are more expensive than others.  Again, they are on the list only because I have purchased from them at least a few times.  And even if you do not purchase anything from them, it can be fun to browse their web sites just to see what items are available if you get the urge to buy.
     A note to those buying Marx re-issues or copies:   Some companies list the manufacturer of Marx re-issues as Marx, because the figures were originally made by Marx and the re-issues were made using the original Marx molds.  If the item description does not specifically state that an item is original Marx, there is a 99.9% chance that it is a re-issue.  In addition, some companies use re-issued items to create playsets identified as Marx, but include some items which were manufactured by other companies.  There is generally nothing wrong with those other items, and they add some variety to the playsets.  However, you need to be aware of these practices if you want to be sure of what you have: the more expensive original Marx or the generally less expensive re-issue Marx.  
     Re-issues -- made using the original Marx mold -- are a good way to obtain items from Marx molds without paying the higher prices for originals or to fill out your collection until you buy the originals.  There are some very nice re-issues out there, some that might be considered better than the original (though it is almost sacriligeous to write that!).  BUT there are also some poorly made ones.  Copies -- made without using the original Marx mold -- are a different story.  They are generally made by creating a new mold of a Marx figure.  P&P Productions makes some very nice copies of Marx character figures, but for the most part, copies are poorly made.
     If you care to learn a little more about me or to see more of my collection, click here (not working right now, back soon).

Magazines, books, and videos
Playset Magazine	Rusty and Kathy Kern	Today's premier magazine for collectors of toy soldier figures and playsets.  Full of information and beautiful color photos.  Web site includes list of toy soldier shows.  No collector can be without this magazine.
Plastic Warrior	Paul Morehead	The English magazine on plastic figures and playsets, which was first issued in 1985.
Plastic Figures and Playset Collector  (PFPC)	Tom Terry	The former premier magazine for collectors of plastic toy soldier figures and playsets.  It published 76 issues from 1989 to 2002, in the "early" days of the hobby.  That was not that long ago, but it was "early" as far as information on Marx playsets.  A huge amount of information on Marx playsets has been brought to light and diseminated to collectors over the past 15 years or so, but these magazines still offer invaluable information for collectors.  All but the earliest issues of PFPC were still available from the editor until his death in 2010.  His web site is still up, but I am not sure if the magazines are still up for sale through the site.  All the issues are sold frequently on Ebay.
Marx Toy Kings, Volume I	Rusty Kern	Released in late 2009, this book provides a history of Louis Marx and his toy company from his birth to the mid-1950s.  An attractive hardback book with plenty of fascinating information and photos.  Available from Playset Magazine.
Marx Toy Kings, Volume II	Rusty Kern	This book follows up Volume I, covering Marx playset operations from 1954 to the company's demise in 1982.  About a third longer than Volume I, it again includes a ton of information and photos.  Available from Playset Magazine.
Marx Western Playsets, The Authorized Guide	Jay Horowitz	I'm not sure if this book is still being published, but it is at least occasionally available from such sources as Ebay and amazon.com.  Like Marx Toy Kings above, it is an attractive hardback book with great information and photos.  The book concentrates on the playsets themselves, rather than the history of the company.
Collecting American-Made Toy Soldiers	Richard O'Brien	A large-format, 720-page paperback book with 81 pages on Marx.  Includes numerous photos of figures with price guides, as well as a listing of playsets, again with price guides.  I believe Edition No. 3 of 1997 is the latest version.
The Westerns DVD	Rusty Kern	A 1-hour video on wild west playsets, primarily those made by Marx.  Segments include Custer's Last Stand, Wyatt Earp, and Wagon Train playsets.  Available from Playset Magazine.
The TV Sets DVD	Rusty Kern	This video features Marx playsets based on television programs.  These include such wild west programs as Roy Rogers, Zorro, and Gunsmoke.  Available from Playset Magazine
Small Wonder:  Worlds in a Box	David Levinthal	A soft-cover coffee table book, it includes about 25 pages on Louis Marx and his company and about 125 pages of creative color photography of playset figures and accessories.  Very well done, and a must for any serious collector's coffee table.  It is available on amazon.com.
Little Big World: Collecting Louis Marx and the American Fifties	Jeffrey Hammond	Written by a professor of English who seems to have fallen in love with the Marx 60mm Dale Evans, this book discusses the psychology, philosophy, and inanity of collecting toy soldiers.  A bit slow at times, it has many pearls of wisdom that make the book a worthwhile reading.  Collectors will certainly recognize themselves being discussed in the book as Professor Hammond takes us through his childhood obsession with playsets and his adulthood addiction to them (thanks to the wonder of Ebay).  You can find it at amazon.com.
Major Sources of Original Marx Figures
Toy Soldier Headquarters	Kent Sprecher	Sells original figures, playsets, and accessories from a large number of the old plastic toy soldier companies.  Its web pages also offer a huge amount of information on what figures the companies made and are invaluable in identifying figures.
Marx Toy Connection	Francis Turner	Operated by the owner of the Marx Museum in West Virginia, this site sells original Marx figures, accessories, and playsets in exceptional condition.  Expect to pay top dollar, but if you want certain items in top condition right now, there is not much of anywhere else to go.
Ebay (of course!)	--	Keep looking and it will show up sooner or later!
Major Sources of Marx Re-issues or Copies
Classic Toy Soldiers	Dave Payne and Tim Geppert	Produces and sells a wide variety of Marx re-issued figures.  Also manufactures and sells some original figures that have been created specifically to be compatible with Marx figures.
Forester Enterprises	Willie and Rosa Forester	The Foresters have have tons of Marx re-issue items and a variety of other toy soldiers and related items.  They are at the West Coaster Toy Soldier Show every year, as well as other shows.  Their web site does not do them justice -- call or e-mail them if you have specific needs that you do not see on their web site.
Hobby Bunker		Manufactures a wide variety of Marx re-issue items, including sets of Marx town furniture.
Michigan Toy Soldier Company		Inventory of many manufacturers includes wide assortment of re-issued Marx figures and accessories.  The company had legal issues in early 2011 and may not be in business at this time.
Battlefield Legends	Greg Schene	Sells a variety of toy soldiers, including a large variety of Marx re-issues.
Nostalgia Tox Box	Phil Rosner	Sells re-issue Marx play set boxes.  Not identical, but very close to the originals.  Also sells custom play set boxes.
P&P Productions	Larry Patterson	Produces copies of several hard-to-find Marx figures.
The Toy Soldier Company	Jamie and Jenny Delson	Produces and sells a wide variety of Marx re-issued figures.  This 25-year-old company claims to be "...the largest mail order company in the world specializing in new and old plastic and metal figures."  Its 104-page catalog includes a brief history of toy soldiers.
Ebay (of course!)	--	Keep looking and it will show up sooner or later!
Major Manufacturers of New Plastic Figures and Playsets
Barzso Playsets	Ron Barzso	Manufactures and sells a wide variety of new playsets and figures.  Production of each playset is limited; if you want them, get them when you see them.  Has some great adobe buildings and a large Alamo reproduction for wild west displays.
Build-A-Rama	Mark Vuncannon	Manufactures primarily structures and scenic items in various scales.
Classic Toy Soldiers	Dave Payne and Tim Geppert	Manufactures original figures, including Mexican poses that go well with Marx Mexicans.  Also sells new figures produced by other manufacturers.
Conte Collectibles	Richard Conte	Manufactures and sells beautiful new playsets, though mostly metal.  Production of each set is limited, so get them while they are available.
P&P Productions	Larry Patterson	Manufactures a wide variety of unique figures, as well as a few accessories.  From what I understand, Larry makes his figures individually, so it may take a while to get your order filled.  However, I think you will find the wait worth it.
Toy Soldiers of San Diego (TSSD)	Nick and Deanna Versteeg	An expanding producer of playsets, figures, and accessories.  Also sells many products from other companies.  Web site includes a wealth of information.  Has a large Alamo reproduction for sale and sponsors the annual Texas Show in San Antonio.
Steve Weston's Toy Soldiers	Steve Weston	Manufactures and sells various figures and playset accessories, as well as new production from other manufacturers.  Has figures and structures that resemble the Magnificent Seven and some creative Mexican peasants.  Is official distributior of Replicant figures, which include many wild west figures.
Major Retailers of Mostly New Plastic Toy Soldiers
Build-A-Rama	Mark Vuncannon	Sells new production from dozens of companies.
Hobby Bunker	Matt Murphy	Sells new production from dozens of companies.
Michigan Toy Soldier Company		Sells new production from dozens of companies.  The company had legal issues in early 2011 and may not be in business at this time.
Treefrog Treasures	Staci	Sells new production from dozens of companies.
See also companies listed above as Sources of Marx Re-Issues and Manufacturers of New Plastic Figures and Playsets; many of them also sell other companies' items!!
Museums
The Official Marx Toy Museum, Moundsville, West Virginia	Francis Turner	Plan to spend most of the day.  Playsets galore on display.
Kruger Street Toy & Train Museum, Wheeling, West Virginia	Allan Miller	A vintage toy museum with a heavy emphasis on Marx.  Hosts the Marx Convention each June.
Major Toy Soldier Shows (with a west coast bias)
OTSN	Don Pielin	This is the big one.  Held near Chicago each September, you don't want to miss this one.
West Coaster	Craig McClain	The big show on the West Coast held late February/early March.  It's mostly metal, but has plenty of plastic also.
Texas Show	Nick and Deanna Versteeg	A big hit in San Antonio in its inaugural year of 2007, this has been a huge success.  Held near the Alamo, its occurs on Memorial Day weekend, so there is no reason not to attend.
Marx Convention	--	Held in late June in the Krueger Toy Museum in West Virginia.
Indy Show	--	Mike Kutnick and Roger Ross insist it is the best!  Held in March, in Indianapolis of course.
East Coast Show	--	In Hackensack, New Jersey.
Plastic Warrior Show	Paul Morehead	Held during May in Surrey, England.  This is the big one over there and is honchoed by Paul Morehead and his Plastic Warrior magazine.
Other web sites of interest
Yahoo Marx Playsets Group	Pjr51	Join the group for messages board discussions, photos, links, and other information about collecting toy soldiers.  Mostly Marx, but other manufacturers are also discussed.
Paul Stad's Blog	Paul Stadinger	A running commentary of activities and thoughts from a long-time collector and expert of toy soldiers.
Wresman's World of Toys and Models	David Schafer	An incredible photo album with beautiful pictures of several hundred toy soldiers, playsets, models, and similar toys by many different manufacturers.
Figures of Louis Marx and Company	Denis (from Russia)	Incredible, beautiful photos of individual Marx figures.  The text is in Russian, but the photos make the web site a must-see for any Marx fan.  The site has mainly 6-inch, 60mm, and 54mm figures, with several photos of many figures from different angles.
Ponylope Horses and More	Penny Seuss	A small but fun site where you can purchase vintage horses and related figures and accessories manufactured by Marx, Stuart, Beton, and others
Knights of Avalon	--	A beautiful web site that shows a huge variety of medieval figures, as well as photos of many wild west figures.  This site is invaluable in identifying the manufacturer of figures, including both metal and plastic.  The site creator lives in Great Britain, so there is no information on Marx.  However, there is plenty on major European manufacturers, such as Britains, Timpo, Crescent, Cherilea, etc.
Realm of Rubber Dinosaurs	--	A fantastic web site.  Absolutely everything you want to know about dinosaurs made by Marx, MPC, and others.
Dinosaur Toy Collectors Guide	Barry Jaeger	A superb web site on toy Dinosaurs.  The link goes directly to the Marx page, but browse around the site to see information and photos about products from several toy companies and lots of information about dinosaurs.
Disneykins.com	--	This site has voluminous information and photos of Marx Disneykin figures, including store displays, advertising cards that show all 36 figure poses of the 101 Dalmations, and a page on the Disneykins Dream House.  It also has a page on the Marx Nativity Set and the figure set of Jesus and his apostles.
Stewart's Best of the West	--	A beautiful site on Marx' 12-inch action figures such as Johnny West.  It includes an incredible amount of information.