Old Marx Coupler

It's the prewar automatic coupler. Collectors call it the "one way coupler," because one end of the car has a male coupler and the other end has a female.

Marx sold sets with these couplers, plus an uncoupler and a switch, so you could do switching moves. They look clumsy, but they work very well if they are clean and adjusted properly.

Here is a picture of the post coupler that it would attach to.

Here is a uncoupler section. The came with or without the light on top.

Thanks, RoyBoy and Steve!  Very interesting set up!  This one seems to have all of it's parts and bits.  Might be interesting to put together a consist with this coupler.    Any of you guys use these much?

Looks like you have your answer above.  These were used in the late 1930's on six

inch cars.  They kind of remind you of the Standard Gauge American Flyer one way

couplers, which I think preceded them.

Jack

I have a pretty large fleet of the 6" cars with 8 wheels and one way couplers. Just got a boxed set in the mail today to add to the menagerie.

Steve

I appreciate the responses, Gents! 

quit bragging....