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1978 Berwick Toys Catalog

Most North Americans have probably never heard of UK based Berwick toys before but that should change because they created a lot of fun and inspired toys  for the English market. Berwick’s main items seem to be role play such as their line of play suits and games. 1978 saw the introduction of a toy called […]

1975 Kenner Six Million Dollar Man Catalog

In 1975 Kenner Toys grabbed the license to a popular ABC TV series and found themselves with one of the hottest toys of Christmas 1975! Seriously, my mom recalls almost being trampled at the local Kresges when moms lined up to get their limited supply of these. The line’s beginnings were humble however Kenner put […]

International Bionic People

From the UK I bring you James Austin and Stevie Sommers, the “Don’t Sue Us” Bionic couple. These unlicensed wonders were created by Tomland, a company that seemed to get it’s kicks from knocking off Star Wars and other films. Their Star Raiders and Famous Monsters line are a both a child’s and a lawyer’s dream. […]

1977 Western Auto Toy Catalog

Christmas is that magical time when stores that don’t normally carry toys start selling them in a big way. In my neck of the woods it was Canadian Tire but for many of you in the states Western Auto was the unlikely source of fun. Known year round for Auto parts and fire arms, Western […]

Bionic Advertising

Recently found these smoking trade ads for Six Million Dollar Man and Bionic Woman toys and had to share. I’ve shrunk them down for the blog but you can click on them to see a larger view. A close up of the drool worthy display of Bionic Man outfits. More Bionic Goodness

Almost Bionic

I’d never heard of the Funstuf Electrogenic arm until I started this blog but when it appeared on Ebay I had to have it. It’s a crazy little item obviously meant to cash in on the popularity of the Six Million Dollar Man fad without paying a nickel for the rights. What’s great about it […]

Vintage Toy Stores Part 8

It is always a happy time when I gather up enough shots of vintage and (sadly) no longer in business toy stores from yesteryear. In the latest installment we hop over the the UK for some staggering window displays for Palitoy Action Man (the UK G.I. Joe) then we’ll go back stateside to see some […]