TEXAS TOY MAN

Major Matt Mason – Vintage Mattel

While going through some of my old stuff that I had packed away many years ago – Voila! – I found my Mattel Matt Mason Man in Space and his Satellite Locker (with 2 other figures).The three figures are in played-with condition but with a little TLC they should   look pretty good.

Mattel's Matt Mason - c1968

I kept digging hoping for more Matt Mason stuff and found my 1968 Mattel’s Man in Space ‘Talking Command Console’.

I was very surprised to find it in good condition as well, especially after all the years of storage.  The console lights still work, the space arm is in working condition as is the pull-string ‘talker’.  Sadly, the seats have some rough spots – but all in all what a great find with lots of  fun memories.

Let me know if you have or collect any Matt Mason stuff.  I have lots of toys on my site at www.txantiquemall.com – as well as some Toy Price Guides with pictures.  Free, of course.  And, I’ll be back with more of what I find while going through those old boxes out in the barn.

c1968 Mattel Man in Space Talking Command Console

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU

6 Original Figures - 1977

Who doesn’t remember the huge impact Star Wars made on how movies were done – all those special effects and terrific alien characters.

The ‘Star Wars’ box office hit of the late 1970’s offered new – and soon to become very popular – collector items. Most of the original toys were supplied by Kenner Products – and included not only figures but great representations of the vehicles.

Until 1980 the Star Wars logo (20th Century Fox Studios) was on every item. However George Luca managed to gain control of the merchandising rights and started using his new log – Lucasfilm, Ltd. before the second movie in the series came out.

Although there have been many figures produced over the years based on the Star Wars sequels – the first action figures introduced back in the 70’s are by far my favorites – Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, C3PO, R2-D2 and Chewbacca.

These original items are by far the most desirable (look for the Kenner logo) and if you are lucky enough to find any of these they can command quite a price. For the less serious collector, it goes without saying if you find one in a package – don’t open it. Doing so can lower the value in some case up to 90%.