There are many vintage British toy pistols associated with Gerry Anderson's TV shows but only two rifles made in Britain that I can think of.
Both are real things of beauty!
First up, the wonderful Lone Star Captain Scarlet Rifle.
I've posted a few things about the pistol used [check out the Flash Gordon connection] but any more info or pictures about the whole rifle would be most welcome. The box is at the back.
Second, the amazing Crescent Toys Thunderbirds Rifle.
This black and white advert is the only picture I can find of this toy gun. Was it ever in production? Is it made from an older toy?
Again, any other pictures of info would be welcomed.
What do you think of these toy guns?
[let me know if you know more British rifles! There is for instance a Fireball XL5 rifle but I don't know who made it.]
The Captain Scarlet gun is very nice, but to me it looks more like a sub-machine gun than a rifle, perhaps the British Sten ? Except that the magazine on the side has been replaced by a handle.
ReplyDeleteThe photo of the Thunderbirds rifle is not very clear, but the general shape is similar to the US Army M-16 assault rifle. The stock seems to be a slightly different shape, or is the cut-out a piece of cardboard holding the rifle in place in its box ? A large scope has also been added to the top. A clearer photo would make it easier to identify, but all the mentions I could find of this gun were illustrated by the same photo from an old advertisement.
Sorry, did it again, the above comments are mine.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your insights Paul. These two toys are uncommon to say the least. I've been trying over the years to work out if the Captain Scarlet rifle was made up of other Lone Star toy parts. The red pistol has been recycled. The Crescent rifle is much harder to find out anything about as you say. Thanks for the info. I wonder if Crescent recycled any older parts to make it?
ReplyDeleteA recent post from Will O. shows a much clearer image of the Crescent Thunderbirds Rifle, from a trade magazine advertisement. This is clear enough to identify the rifle. It is the SLR, or F.N. FAL, which Crescent called the Patrol Rifle, not the US M16 as I thought. Toy No.202/S. A scope has been added. At least one part of the mystery has been solved.
ReplyDelete