Q: I have a rare 1950s Murray Mercury baby stroller made by the Murray Ohio Mfg. Co. in Cleveland, Ohio. It says “Merry-Go-Round” on the back of the seat. It’s approximately 30 by 20 by 16 inches. It’s in very solid condition, with age-associated wear, and original paint. What’s the approximate value of this collectible item?

 

A: Murray Ohio Manufacturing Company was started in 1919 by J.W. Murray. The company made fenders, running boards, hoods and gas tanks for automobiles. It began making children’s toy cars in 1923 and bicycles in the 1930s. Viktor Schreckengost, a famous artist and industrial designer, worked at Murray from 1936 to 1972 and designed all their products, including strollers, pedal cars and other children’s toys. Murray moved to Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and has been part of Briggs & Stratton of Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, since 2004. Collectors buy many Murray pieces designed by Schreckengost, especially the realistic pedal cars. The stroller is an interesting example that sells for about $100.