Showing posts with label space toys. Show all posts

Sunday, December 20, 2015

They're Not Just 'Toy Robots'

In the 20th century nothing represented the spirit of the new technological age than the robot. Robots were imagined as friends, helpers, liberators, and sometimes frightening rebels waiting for their chance to take control of Earth's destiny. Those images of the robot's role remain in the 20th century psyche, but the wonder isn't quite the same. Below are some examples of classic robot miniatures that rocked the imaginations of children and adults alike. And judging by the selling prices they're still immensely valuable to those who understand their place in modern history.

'1950's Japan Marubishi Co's Scarce Hook Robot - One of the most sought after of all 1950's tin plate Japanese Robots. Called "hook" Robot due to the Hook riveted on the head. Classic Skirted design with Block head. This robot has elegant yet Intricate litho details that inspire that most purist of robot collectors . This is the highly coveted light blue with silver mouth version . The arms roll freely at their sides While the friction power also causes the head to turn.' - Ozzie's Robot Toys & Collectibles

Sold At Auction: $1,900

'1950's Japan KO CO's Rare Spaceman with Rare Original Box - Nice working example of this desirable & rare 50's astronaut. Finished in a light blue & has a moving mouth that operates when the toy is in motion. Much more difficult to find than the red version. This version has nicer lithography details as well. Operates Via crank action.' - Ozzie's Robot Toys & Collectibles

Sold At Auction: $3,750

'1950's Japan Scarce !!!! Aoshin CO's Chime Trooper with Scarce Box- This is a super scarce piece that rarely surfaces. The chime trooper features wind up Bump & Go Action & a sound is also produced that many refer to as the "chime sound". Beautiful all tin lithography graces the classic skirted design. This toy is undoubtedly on the top of many high end collectors wish list..' - Ozzie's Robot Toys & Collectibles

Sold At Auction: $5,000

'1950s Friction Powered Space Adventure Robot with Incredibly Rare Original Box - Made by Yoshiya, Japan. - Clear plastic dome revealing a spinner beneath. This is a version of the coveted 'Space Trooper' distinctive because of its silver color. This is a rare robot that may have been a salesman's sample with a first design box. Certainly the name 'Space Adventure' is unique. Crank operated robot travels forward as the antenna inside the dome turns. Wheels in the base allow the robot to move but they are not eccentric and do not give the robot the waddling walk of the regular Space Trooper.' - Alphadrome Robot and Space Toy Database

Sold At Auction: $8,500

1950's Japan Scarce Deep Sea Robot with Ultra Scarce Original Box - Made by AHI, Japan. Extremely Rare Toy ( the rarest in this series ) & with ultra scarce original box. The Deep-Sea Robot carries an underwater gun and has neat 'piping' into his suit and helmet. There is reportedly only 2 or 3 of the Original boxes for this toy known to exist.

Sold At Auction: $9,500

1958 Scarce !!!! and Highly Desired Radicon Robot with Extremely Scarce Original Box - The first of Masudaya, Japan, 'Gang Of Five' series. The world's first radio remote controlled robot. Radicon has no litho and is instead finished in a steel gray textured finish giving him a true robot appearance. Torso is inset with an electric light and gauge. Controlled by a radio remote. The actions include moving forward & backward while also being able to turn. The eyes, mouth and ears light up. The copter on the left ear spins.

Sold At Auction: $31,000

And there it is: They're not just 'toy robots' - they're valuable artifacts of the 20th Century.

Friday, August 28, 2015

Do You Have A Permit For That Space Gun?

These came out in the 1950s - before they got space gunz off the streets.

Every Space Gun came with a permit which made it way too easy for felons to obtain the weapon.

Space Gunz were also fully automatic with easy to load cartridges - the number of PEZ rounds per minute was just crazy.

(images via Hake's)

Thursday, August 20, 2015

Imagining In 3D: Space Age Cool For Kids

It begins with a box:

The Explorer And Vanguard Tracking Station

Every smart space age kid knew that Explorer 1 was the first U.S. Earth satellite launched on 1 February 1958. It looked like this:

Image via NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) at the California Institute of Technology

Vanguard 1 was the second U.S. Earth satellite to achieve orbit - it was launched 17 March 1958. Vanguard 1 was the first solar powered satellite with six solar power cells attached. This satellite achieved a higher orbit than Explorer 1 and it remains as the oldest human artifact in space. It looks like this:

Image via Encyclopaedia Britannica

So now that you know what to look for, let's get a look at what's inside that box at the top of this post. The Structoys 1958 battery operated Explorer and Vanguard Tacking Station:

You'll first notice the 'radar scope' window - looking inside you'll see Earth which is lit by an eerie green glow when the station is in operation. Revolving around Earth are Explorer 1 and Vanguard 1. On the top left of the station is a rotating radar dish. The red and green lights below the dish on the console alternately blink on and off. On the top left of the console is a telegraph tower topped with a red beacon. Below the tower on the base of the console is a red metal 'code signal key' for Morse code telegraphy. A buzz can be heard as the code is tapped out on the signal key and the beacon atop the tower blinks. A red nob on the center of the base controls the on/off function of the unit.

The Tracking Station is a tin litho beauty with super graphics all the way around.

Tracking Station back view, top view, and left side view.

With a unit like this a kid's imagination could step out of internal space and right into the world of 3D - creating a realism of imagination that could not only be seen and heard, but touched as well. And that's way cool.

The images in this post are via Grand Old Toys - this particular pristine, completely functional unit in the original box was sold online for $610.

H/T to Luis Cesar for reminding me about this fab space age toy.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

What Is There Not To Love About Vintage Tin Toy Rocket Ships? Take These For Example...

Rocket Ships! So many good ones. This batch is from the Alphadrome Robot and Space Toy Database. Each of these gems have a unique feature to them. For instance, the Vispa Rocket is a classic from Argentina. The Universe Televiboat from China has the neat action where the rocket stops, the astronaut operates his camera, the rocket begins its journey again and the action repeats. If you want to know more about any of them just click on the name under the images and you'll be transported to the expert Database. The designs speak for themselves - all one needs to appreciate that is a simple eye for cool. To view a larger image click the pic. Happy rocketeering!