EBAY OVER EASTER: Century 21, JR21, Durham and Hoover Toys

Besides quite a smattering of project SWORD toys (e.g. Moon Bus, Scramble Bug, PF2, TF1, badge) and some direct descendants (the wonderful Space Tract Glider and Spacex MLP), there have also been a number of interesting tangents appearing on Ebay of late, which extend our knowledge of important toy companies in the wider SWORD world.

First up is this interesting 1960's hardback by CENTURY 21 called ALL ABOUT CARS as mentioned earlier on the blog by Shaqui. It went for a song. At some point I would like to add this to my Century 21 bookshelf. Are there any C21/JR21 toy cars pictured inside?

Speaking of which, Ebay also threw up this interesting blue JR21 Motorbike and Sidecar in the 'Typhoon' style more often found in Scalextric. I'm pleased to say that I already own a green version in great shape, unlike this blue one missing the pillion's head, which as you'd expect, also went for a song. There's a similarly battered purple one up now. The much better condition red version went for considerably more. Still never seen the packaging for this JR21 toy! Anyone got it?

And adding to the already complex relationship between Tarheel and Durham toys, this DURHAM ZOO TRAIN is identical to the Tarheel version that appeared several months ago (which I was lucky enough to win but alas never recieved). Both toy companies seemed to use the same palette of bright pastels in all thier toys with the lime green and the pink being particular favourites of their's.

Similarly this DURHAM RABBIT from 1976 is identical to the Johnny Tarheel version, which was part of their Target set as blogged earlier in the year. Marx also made a version of this and I am left tantalised by the thought of a Marx SWORD toy with the Durham/Tarheel copied Space Glider being the likeliest prospect!

And saving the best till last is this amazingly detailed battery-operated HOOVER ROMAN CHARIOT. The toy and boxart are both stunning and does a lot to dispell the misnomer of cheapo plastic. Alas no model number was given but interestingly the seller said Hoover was from China, which is different to the Thailand location on my Hoover helicopter. What's Roman for WOW!