Dear Woodsy,
Been meaning to send this for ages, in case it's of use. I know someone put a picture of these on the forum, but I have since found better images. Can't remember where I found the images, sorry [let me know if they're yours and I'll credit them, Woodsy].
The spacemen illustrated here were probably the first space models I had come across, certainly the first space free gifts I had seen, as a youngster. A boy living up the road had them, and I never managed to get any. Perhaps as a result, they continue to fascinate me.
One site says these were released by a company called Charben (in the US?), and also attributes them to Kelloggs. My memory may be poor, but I think they were actually given away by a Nabisco cereal, probably Shreddies, around 1963?
The back of the cereal packet had a lunar landscape on, I think designed to be cut out.
I don't know why one figure lacks hands, but I think the sculptor well anticipated how bulky space suits would be.
It would be good to know more about these figures.
All the best,
Andy B.
Nice pics, Andy!
ReplyDeleteThese were given away in packets of Kellogg's Rice Krispies back in September 1960.
You can see the ad here: http://tinyurl.com/4xbz73o
They were made by Crescent Toys, and as I understand it were made specially for Kellogg's - ie, they were not reissues of already existent Crescent figures as had been the case with some other Kellogg's - Crescent giveaways.
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ReplyDeleteI'm sure Maverick can tell us the name of the sculptor. My collectors' guide isn't to had right this moment.
ReplyDeleteMaverick? You there? Over to you ....
Thanks Toad, thought I was rather young when they came out.
ReplyDeleteSorry, forgot to sign last posting.
ReplyDeleteDon't know the sculptor, and they weren't 'typical' Crescent styling so it won't be the 'known' sculptors!
ReplyDeleteYou're right about the 'only for Kellogg's' though.
They also produced the Thunderbirds figures both for Kellogg's and Tom Smith, the cracker people, who issued the crackers for a few years with little card Thunderbirds glued to the outsides of the crackers and a dice-race game to cut-out of the back of the box!
Do you have a copy of that dice-race game, Mav? I know the figures, but had no idea there was a game.
ReplyDelete