One of the more interesting and unique toys is this well detailed ‘California-style’ motorcycle. Produced by Hasbro circa 1971 this battery-operated motorcycle came with jointed rider – manufactured to appear he is wearing black leather suit while the helmet is affixed to the head. This toy was manufactured in Hong Kong but sold in the U.S. market.
This battery-operated toy came in two pieces – motorcycle and motorcycle rider. As mentioned the rider has jointed arms and legs so he can be mounted or removed from the motorcycle with ease.
The motorcycle itself is brick-red in color with accents of chrome colored plastic and opaque windshield. The rider has a black suit with a helmet with yellow goggles. His hands have ‘gripper’ holes so that he can be attached to the handlebars of the motorcycle steadying him and keeping him from falling off when the motorcycle was in operation.
While this battery-operated toy was manufactured primarily of plastic parts, some metal parts were used. These metal parts are the handle bars, sissy rack bar, and small parts in the battery housing.
Two (2) AA batteries were needed to power the motorcycle. In addition, it also has an on and off switch located by the left foot of the motorcycle rider that was integrated into the design to look remarkably like a kick-start. Plastic stabilizers underneath the engine keep the motorcycle in an upright position whether it was operating or not.
This battery-operated toy motorcycle manufactured by Hasbro would be a great addition to any collection of toys – battery-operated or not.
From the early days of Buck Rogers and his space adventures, robots have been a favorite toy. The earliest robots were made of tin with later models being constructed of plastic and combinations of metal and plastic. The vintage robot pictures here – Mighty Mike – was manufactured in 1984 by a Japanese firm. Like most robots, he performs actions. Some of the older robots were powered by a wind-up mechanism; however, this more modern robot is battery-operated. He even ‘talks’. When the yellow button on top of his head is pressed he says, “I am the atomic powered robot. Please give my best wishes to everyone.”
In addition to talking, this 11 inch Mighty Mike has:
Flashing red eyes
Gripping hands
Mystery bump-and-go action
There are hundreds of robots that have been manufactured over the years – here in the states and around the world – as such they make a fun, challenging collectible…especially if you can find one in working order or with the original box.
The ‘Golden Era’ of the Japanese tin lithographed toys began after World War ll in the early 1950′s and continued through the 1960′s and into the early 1970′s.
Even though these tin toys were very popular because of their colorful exteriors and attention to details, there was pressure to discontinue production from groups that felt toys manufactured in tin were more dangerous to children. The pressure from these groups eventually won out and resulted in companies discontinuing the manufacturing of these great toys.
During the ‘Golden Era’ there were many different models of toys, like automobiles made in the United States, as well as many robots, character toys, ferris wheels, race tracks, play sets, etc.
Many of the toys had unique modes of action, i.e.,
Friction drive
Wind up
Battery-operated
Combination of both
These brightly painted, litho toys can be found in sizes ranging from eighteen inches all the way down to a very small 1-inch in size.
In today’s market, the collecting of tin toys is still one of the largest segments of toys that you can still find and enter into at very low cost. In my opinion, I would recommend that you buy a current toy price guide so that you can be come familiar with, properly identify and purchase your toys at a good price. Not knowing the market value can really cost you in the long run if you don’t do your homework with a good price guide.
Posted 2 years, 1 month ago at 3:47 pm. Add a comment
Thanks !
