Charmed: Gerry Anderson Jewelry by Jim Lewis

Bringing  a close to my series of pieces on 'girl related' merchandise Iwanted to share some imagery and info on the various items of jewellery sold for girls in the 1960s. Not all were 'sold' in the sense that a parent could buy one for their child in a shop though. Many were offered as gifts or promotions in the pages of TV CENTURY 21 sister publication LADY PENELOPE comic. Issue 1 gave away the Lady P signet ring and from then on girls enchanted and intrigued by Lady Penelope's mysterious and alluring world would clamour for these cheap and cheerful pieces of body adornment.

All were quoted as being gold plated but none had any real value in these terms. However as years have passed all have become much sought by collectors and I am particularly fond of the charm bracelet which I have the good fortune to own myself. The tiny representations of the International Rescue vehicles and Penelope's own crest are beautifully done despite their size. The metal has some weight to it and much of the 'gold plating' isstill there so it displays nicely.

A second wrist bracelet was also made available though the comic but lacked the charms and was more of a wrist-band in style. The various items were promoted on an almost weekly basis for the first year or so of LADY PENELOPE comic so it is surprising that more examples of these items don't crop up with any regularity.

THE ANGELS, who themselves were featured extensively in LADY PENELOPE, enjoyed a more commercial release for their jewellery. The Century 21 produced pendant with 'Gold Coloured Chain' features a tiny Spectrum emblem replacing the more standard clasp most would expect on a necklace. Another extra yard gone by Century 21 to make an appealing piece of merchandise. The 'true love' of The Angels and all female Anderson fans was clearly Captain Scarlet himself so the indestructible agent is seen in colour in the small round portrait photograph in the clear plastic locket.

The illustrated card again promotes Destiny as the leading Angel and she  is seen in a similar portrait photograph too as opposed to an artwork representation. I hope this short series of pieces has proven of interest to some of you. It is always a pleasure sharing this stuff. I don't know or own everything so if any other readers have stuff rarely seen please do send something over to Paul so we can all check it out!

Jim Lewis