CENTURY 21 TOYS CAPTAIN SCARLET TOOL BELT AND REPAIR KIT

Over the Spring I came across yet another fascinating reference in Dennis Nicholson's superb Gerry Anderson Memorabilia Guide book [what I like to call the 'Bible'].

 

 

The reference was to a Century 21 Toys Captain Scarlet Tool Belt. Being a fan of all things Century 21/ JR21 I was intrigued as I'd never heard of this toy. I consulted various online and book guides to Gerry Anderson toys but could find no further mention of it. I really was intrigued!

 

 

I asked friends, who were equally as non-plussed as me about this toy. Finally, I consulted C21/ JR21 expert Jim Lewis and guess what, Jim knew about it!

 

 

"Woodsy, that Tool Belt thing was mocked up for the Toy Magazine Trade flier thing in 1967, but have never seen or heard or remember it ever coming out for real.

 

 

I don’t think any other ‘SCARLET’ things were planned. The whole Century 21 ‘machine’ was constantly on the move. A year before a show launched it was in place what toys, sweets, books whatever would hit the shops and then as the film-makers themselves were prepping the next show (In this case JOE 90) the merchandising arm were doing the same.

 

 

The shows hit pretty much each year from 1960 to 1970 so they moved on accordingly with merchandise. The weirdest thing though are the ‘Scarlet’ Romney bath accessories which came out later than the other ‘Scarlet’ items and carry a much later date too that the 1967 on all the other stuff. The only things that were mooted that never hit was some ANGELS stuff. A 12 inch doll, a play suit and a beauty kit. Jim"

 

 

And here's the picture Jim mentions, on a page from the Century 21 Toys supplement of the trade journal British Toys dated 1967.  The 'tool belt' image and reference, which I've arrowed, does indeed show a mocked-up backing card for a "Captain Scarlet Tool Belt and Repair Kit" [repair kit? I wonder what repairs they had in mind and to what?].

 

 

So, the tool belt never made it beyond a prototype backing card. It's a real shame there's no toy but I'm pleased that the mystery had been solved. Thanks Jim! result!