During U.S. Steel's 1966 automotive presentation of "Innovations in Steel" to officials of the motor car industry, the Jack Brokensha Quartet and the Lenore Paxton Trio provided a distinctive jazz background for the occasion. Their particular jazz style is high-lighted in the theme selection, "Steel Blue" which was created especially for the show as a musical tribute to U.S. Steel's concept-in-steel, Sports Station Wagon, Innovari.
We like the originality of "Steel Blue" so much that we invited the two groups to a recording session so that this album could be made for you. We hope you enjoy it.
UNITED STATES STEEL
Recorded January 11, 1967
Detroit, Michigan
U.S. Steel really put a lot into their 1966 and 1968 Innovari & Innovan campaigns. The autos never saw production but the company sure did make a good case for their concepts.
Innovari I::
'Innovari is an experimental sports station wagon. It was innovated by U.S. Steel to show steel's unlimited design potential for automotive uses.'
'Style, stamina, and a preview of things to come.'
Innovari II::
In 1968 U.S. Steel brought back their favorite Innovari music makers, The Jack Brokensha Quartet and the The Lenore Paxton Trio with the album, Holiday Innovations. The album has fifteen holiday tunes including an original piece by Lenore Paxton and Loretta Balowski written exclusively for US Steel - Trimming The Tree At Christmas.
The foldout album cover design featured the Innovan II - this time using a taxicab concept to demonstrate the versatility and cost savings of designs in steel...'Because a taxicab has to behave like a car, and wear like a truck.'
An unusual limousine-type look: alligator-grain embossed steel sheets for the textured roof and wide easy open doors on a single stamped steel hinge.
'The 'interior styling creates a completely functional "people" package designed to provide the utmost in rider convenience, comfort and safety.'
As always, Syd Mead's prototype illustration makes the Innovari a symbol of elegance and success. (From Mead's book, Steel Couture - Syd Mead - Futurist Sentinel.) Originally created for the U.S. Steel book, Innovations (1968).
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
'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
'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
'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
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.
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.
This auction goes live at 10:00 AM PT today, 10 December 2015. It was hoped that this post would be up before the day but other things did not permit. The items below are just a few of interest. The comments about them are what might be considered for each one. Unfortunately, a strick budget prevents myself from jumping in to the bidding fray so I'll just blog about it. If you're catching this post in time, like any of the items, and you've got cash to spare, the auction is live at liveauctioneers - to get there click here.
This is 'The New Astro Boy' ('Shin Tetsuwan Atomu') battery-operated figure based on the 1980 animated series and manufactured by Yone, Japan for the Japanese market in 1981. He's 9" tall, made of hard plastic, can walk on a hard surface, or he can hang from the ceiling by a connection on his belt and fly around propelled by an add-on propeller that attaches to the bottom of this feet. This Astro Boy is hard to find with all the parts and the original box. Like almost all listings for this auction, the seller doesn't provide a lot of details on the item. The starting bid of $450 is a bit on the high end but considering how hard he is to find it may be a worthwhile investment for an Astro Boy collector (and there are a lot of them).
The 1973 Corgi Batmobile with Batman & Robin in the first black tire 'whizzwheels' version.
This looks like an outstanding example of this Corgi classic. The car and box appear mint. The seller has even left the contents of the instructional envelope intact. The estimate for this item by the seller is $1,000 – $1,100 with a starting bid of $850. That's pretty close to what you'll find for the 1973 Corgi Batmobile with collectors. It may be just a tad on the higher end but this particular example might be worth it. I did locate an eBay listing for $474.19 (including shipping) here. That's a big savings and although it's in good shape it doesn't impress as much as this example.
This is a difficult set to find in complete and working condition. Besides including figures, vehicles, a helicopter, and a working rocket launchpad, the command center building doubles as a neat record player. Two records feature actual NASA recordings that can be listened to with the 'Electro-Phone' headset. The estimate is $500 – $600 with a starting bid of $400. I saw a complete set sell on eBay for $130 relatively recently but that is a very rare occurrence. This Astronaut Base is a Space Age gem and would be worth inquiring about with the seller.
A very prized vintage robot. The starting bid is $1,950. That's pretty competitive with the average collector's value, if the betting doesn't drive it up too high. Below is a photo of ST1 with the trolley from Strenco manufactured in 1956. So much super.
In 2009 Hake's valued the console in mint condition with original instruction sheet at $100 to $200 - it sold at $126.50. In this auction it's valued at $300 to $400 and a starting bid of $275. Kind of iffy about this investment, but it's a cool item to own.
This is a super find. As is pointed out in the listing, the 'Robby' version of the Marusan Bulldozer is more rare than any other. The estimate is $1,200 – $1,400 with a starting bid of $1,150. Christie's sold one of these beauties in November 2005 - their estimate: $343 - $515. Realized price: $350. And Christie's came with an original box. Go figure. There is currently an eBay listing with a 'Buy Now' price of $479. It will be interesting to see if this one sells.
This is a listing that would be so much better if there was a photo of the actual robot. Apparently there are two styles of this Horikawa video robot. The two are pictured below. The robot on the left has 'VIDEO' under the screen. The robot on the right has dials. Mr. Mercury at the Collecting Toy Robots site believes that the 'VIDEO' robot is more in keeping with the original box which suggests that it's the earlier one.
Strangely, although the 'VIDEO" robot is seen less frequently, I find that the robot with the dials is more often than not more expensively valued. Whichever the case, this is a listing I would definitely consider - if I had the moola. I've wanted one for a while. Just look at this...ponder the coolness of the 'video':
A vinyl version of Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the Soviet Union from 1990-1991. When his stomach is squeezed his mouth mouth moves up and down. Historical and too cute - complete with topside birthmark. The starting bid is $150. You can save lotsa dollars by grabbing this one on eBay for $24 (including shipping) here.
1995 'BATMOBILE of 1950' - Highly Detailed Solid Model Kit, 1:24 Scale, Sculpt by Sen Maruyama. Officially licensed by DC Comics.
Great sculpt based on the 1950 DC Comics way cool Batmobile design. High detailing makes for a fun model to assemble. Starting bid of $120 is competitive with a common 'buy now' price of $150 - $170.
Another interesting listing. This Space Patrol Drink Mixer looks very sturdy and the red/yellow colors are fab. It's the one I've seen a couple times in the past. Recently another version's been popping up. It's made out of a see-thru pink plastic with a clear plastic straw included. The one below is up for sale here on eBay for $125. I'd personally want the red/yellow rocket as it displays nicer and seems more heavy duty - this one has a starting bid of $250. Although not knowing about the differences between the two I would definitely inquire with the seller..
And finally, the 1977 Star Team ZEM-21 Zeroid Poseable Action Figure From Ideal
This was the Ideal Toys' Star Team universe answer to C3P0. He's intended as a companion to the ZEROID robot. The vinyl plastic head design really makes ZEM-21 way cool. The original window box looks a bit worn but the humanoid looks in good shape. The estimate is $100 – $150 with a starting bid of $74. A very lightly used ZEM-21 with a near mint window box is selling on eBay for $80 (including shipping) here.
So there ya have it. Some neat stuffs in the Laurie Maoz XX C Toys Auction Part II. There are 792 items in this auction, if you want to check out the others you can view them at liveauctioneers by clicking here.
The wonderful and very rare 'Lune Fin de Siècle' (The End Of The Century Moon) Musical Smoking Automaton by Vichy, c. 1891:
Depicting a young man with large full moon face leaning against a fluted column, a cigarette between his lips and a walking cane in his right hand, with plaster-composition head, articulated brown glass eyes and wire monocle, dressed in burgundy satin tailcoat, cream silk waistcoat, yellow tie and pointed shoes. The figure tilts his head from side to side, rolls his eyes and twirls his cane as he inhales from a lighted cigarette placed in the holder and blows the smoke out through his nose.
The 'Lune Fin de Siècle' - one of Vichy's most recognisable automata - draws on the popularity of the moon as a motif in French literature and visual culture during the late 19th and early 20th century. Gustave Vichy and his son Henry both used the face of the 'Lune Fin de Siècle' as a registered trademark on the company's letterheads, labels and advertising. The original model may have been sculpted by Henry Vichy himself. Certainly the figure shows signs of Henry's influence, including the shapely modeling of the slender body and a sense of the unexpected in the large round head that appears to rest upon it. Another indication of Henry work is the pencil date "9.12.91" found on the figure's bedplate (sic?).
'Lune Fin de Siècle' was part of the Atracciones Apolo, an indoor amusement park opened by Josep Vallés Rovira on Parallel Avenue, Barcelona, in 1935. Atracciones Apolo was a popular destination and featured in two films: 'Apartado des Correos 2001' (1950) and 'El fugitivo de Amberes' (1955). Alongside the magic grotto, the 'Autogruta' ghost train and other rides, the park also contained the 'Museo las Maravillosas Figuras en sus Dioramas' (Museum of Marvellous Figures in their Dioramas) featuring automata exhibited as scenes in floor-standing cabinets.
The marquee of Atracciones Apolo is pictured in the right center.
All operated from electric motors but many (including the 'Lune Fin de Siècle') also retained their original clockwork motors inside the cabinets. According to an article published by 'Edición del Domingo' on 19 August 1990, the automata exhibit closed in 1957. The park closed its doors to the public in around 1991 and the bulk of the building was demolished. The Apolo's collection of automata and mechanical effects was eventually dispersed amongst La Fira bar in Barcelona, the Museu de Joguets i Autòmats in Verdú and a well-known antique doll specialist in the South of England. The automaton [shown] here has been restored to full mechanical function at the House of Automata in Forres, Scotland.
Side views show the magical charm of this fantastical figure.
To read a bit more about this outstanding automaton, as well as view pics of the clockwork and pneumatic system, click this link to get to the Invaluable auction listing. On 7 November 2015 this Lune Fin de Siècle sold for €135,264 ($145,004). Below is a video of the fine Dandy at work.
- Original descriptions and photos found in the Invaluable Auction listing -
Yes, that's Stardust on the left - he's a big guy. On the right is De Structo - the image is a preview of what's to come. Meet De Structo - a man with a plan...
So, the megalomaniac sets off his plot to exterminate everyone who holds any power: congress leaders and cabinet members, publishers of newspapers and magazines, members of the FBI, the Secret Service and military intelligence, big bankers, industrial leaders everywhere, the army and navy officers and the enlisted men as well, city and state police. Basically, De Structo's list is pretty much a who's-who of persons who are quite unpopular with numerous folks today.
Things go pretty much according to plan until Stardust 'bursts out of space,' destroys De Structo's tech with his supersolar disintegrating ray, and restores order with his powerful counter-acting ray. There's just one more detail to work out...
Maria and John Torp, newly weds and their traveling Flea Circus, prepare to hit the road and start life from scratch with the performing fleas. (via Sideshow World)
John Torp, Danish flea trainer, and his new bride, the former Maria Dina Gomez of Brazil...They will be one big happy family, John, Marie, and 24 performing fleas. Two of the fleas also wed the same day as did John and Maria.
Using World War I archival footage, CGI, and some reenactment footage as well, this shows what a real Martian War would have looked like in 1914. Found at http://vimeo.com/107454954. The footage is from a fake documentary called "The Great Martian War"
Archive recreation for The Great Martian War documentary by impossible factual for History Canada.
Directed by Christian Johnson, (Plazma). and Steve Maher (impossible factual). plazmadesign.co.uk
Music: "88" by Working for a Nuclear Free City. history.co.uk/shows/the-great-martian-war
Original Cinecolor theatrical trailer for the 1951 Monogram Pictures' space adventure, FLIGHT TO MARS, starring Cameron Mitchell, Marguerite Chapman and Arthur Franz.
A short film by Bill Domonkos (2015)
Music: The Three Suns (Beyond the Blue Horizon 1940s)
Archive film footage from the Prelinger Archive.
Animation, compositing and editing: Bill Domonkos
A brilliant Premake trailer of The Empire Strikes Back (1950 from whoiseyevan on YouTube:
Let's turn back the clock, shall we? Back to a distant time in an alternate universe far, far away... The 50s! It was a simpler age of 3-D movies, and robots named Robby, Gort, and Tobor. A hidden gem of this period in cinema is a little film called "The Empire Strikes Back", the second chapter in a planned three-part epic science fiction trilogy. While the preceding and succeeding episodes were never actually produced due to budgetary constraints, "Empire" shines as an example of 1950s 3-D space opera. The re-release of this trailer coincides with the 60th anniversary of this amazing film.
In 1953 Ralston foods began distribution of Space Patrol premium trading cards inspired by the popular 1950's TV and radio outer-space drama - one random card was included in every box of Wheat and Rice Chex. The complete set consists of 40 separate cards - needless to say, the collectors probably had to buy a whole lot of Chex cereals to get them all. But what good space cadet could resist trying? The collection came in three sub-sets - Space Heroes/Stars, Rockets/Jets and Weapons (it really should have been Rockets/Jets and Tech), and Planets. The three sub-sets are shown below - the full color illustrations are way cool. This full set auctioned at Hake's in May 2007 - the final winning bid was $4,437.62. It was the first complete set ever sold in Hake's 40 year history. (Click on the images to enlarge)
