Its strange how sometimes things come together when you least expect it. Years ago, around 2006, I bought the above plastic toy at a car boot sale. Having been in the process of attempting to complete a Marx Man From Uncle Counterspy set I bought it because it was labelled Marx. I had no idea what it was except that it was battery operated and clearly a radio/ walkie talkie of some kind.
On the rear was a Morse code chart and a copyright mark ITC/RAI 1977, from which I was none the wiser, but in hindsight, I should have been!
The side revealed a hidden spring-loaded firing mechanism, which took red toy bullets also cunningly hidden away inside.
The top included an aerial, a horn and light switch and various buttons and dials, along with a compass and viewfinder on the front.
It was only last Summer, a good six years later, that I stumbled across it's identity whilst leafing through Dennis Nicholson's Gerry Anderson Guide. Pictured in black and white [above] on its original card, at last I knew what this strange Marx device was, the Space 1999 Communicator! ITC and 1977 should have given the game away back in 2006 but it's not the first or last time I don't know what's under my own nose!
Anyone else got this toy or any other Space 1999 stuff?
Always something new to discover, all new to me as well. Well spotted, Woodsy!
ReplyDeleteBesides Thunderbirds, Space: 1999 was the other major Gerry Anderson production shown here in Finland, and the one to coincide with my formative sci-fi years so it holds a very special place for me.
I have collected Space: 1999 merchandise yet selectively, my pride and joy being a full set of Mattel Space: 1999 dolls (all four of them).
Cheers Arto
Got the Dinky, Konami and PE Eagles, the paperbacks, the Airfix Hawk and the 2 poster magazines, oh and some badges and greetings cards.
ReplyDeleteI put a picture of that item in my book "Rack Toys" according to the person I obtained it from, it's a very rare item.
ReplyDeleteyour book looks a great read plaidstallions. wheres the best place to get hold of it?
ReplyDelete