The above mystery ship recently appeared on fleabay[seller neuelectro]. It was described the Space Master Spaceship Made in England by A. Barrett & Sons, 6.5 inches long and complete with box and figures. The overall look and particularly the rear engines reminded me personally of Stingray. Anyway, having heard of neither the toy nor the maker I asked several blog readers for thier ideas.
Mike B recognised it immediately as similar to a two man escape craft used in Dan Dare’s Operation Saturn story from around February 1953. He kindly sent me the two scans shown below, the top one depicting a shorter version described as a "small two-seater spaceship" and the bottom 'cards' showing a longer version, bottom left, called the M.H. Test Ship, which for me is the more similar of the two compared to the toy.
Reader Paul V kindly explained a little about the toy company. Before the war, Taylor & Barrett were competitors to Britain's in producing metal figures. Also competitors to Meccano Ltd in making railway staff and small lineside items (which Meccano made for their 0-gauge Hornby trains, before the cars and some of the figures evolved into Dinky Toys). I think I have some platform equipment of theirs amongst my Hornby stuff. When the war ended and toy production could resume, Taylor and Barrett operated separately, both with sons. Still producing metal toys, though turning to plastic in the 60s and continuing production until the early 80s I believe. The figures in the bag are mentioned on the box flap [below].
Thanks everyone for help identifying this toy. NB. Please note that the item has been relisted this week on Ebay as a metal reproduction made in 1994! Woodsy
If you look on the box art, you will see that the "Skylon" form the Festival of Britain makes an appearance!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah Andy, I see it! I love the Skylon. Never saw it in real life -I'm too young! I did see a fabulous documentary a few years ago about somebody tracking down the Skylon in the present day. It was in bits and in a sorry state I seem to remember. Did you see it? They should erect it somewhere as it's easilly as impressive as the Angel of the North or the London Eye! What do you think?
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