My friend and uber-Project SWORD collector Arto has recently bagged from Canada something entirely new to him, me and blog, the Probe Force 2 released by Hover.
It may well be the only one known!
Always likely but never before seen, this Probe Force 2 completes Hover's trio of Probe Forces. The boxes can be seen as direct copies of the American Tarheel photo-box versions of the Century 21 Toys originals.
Note there is no mention of Project SWORD on these Hover toys. For views of the other two then just click on the labels.
Thanks Arto for sharing this unique find with us!
Have you got anything like it readers?
What a phenomenal find, Arto! Fantastic to know this boxed rarity has touched down in your collection. I'm very pleased for you, especially knowing your passion for collecting. Thanks for sharing it here :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Tony, the Sword range and its many variants under different brands is the kernel of my collection, so I've been chuffed to still find new additions like the carded Japanese Scout 1 and this Hover PF2.
Deleteyou must have the definite collection now Arto! Bill
DeleteIncredible discovery! Just goes to show that SF/Space toys of "The Golden Age" is a bottomless pit of obscurities and rarities, just waiting to be uncovered. This one is a real beauty...
ReplyDeleteExactly my words Zig, and that's what makes it all so exciting!
ReplyDeleteThere are similar-but bloated-Space Max toys on U.S. shelves now.
ReplyDeleteJust when you thought it was safe to go back in the water up pops a brand new SWORD toy! Well spotted Arto and well bagged! I wonder what will be next?
ReplyDeletea Moon Base naturally!
ReplyDeleteWhen were these sold? Are they the leftover stock at the factory when C21 pulled out, with rebadged boxes (they still have the Sword stickers), with production continuing with Hover/Hoover/NASA stickers/branding. Or did the moulds and stock get bought up and production shifted elsewhere?
ReplyDeleteAs far as I know they were all Late Sixties toys. There are lots of SWORD clones. Loads. Most are clones I think and some like Japan's issues were deadstock I guess. The whole SWORd toy range is likely to have begun with T in a Circles/ Tai Hing's deal with Century 21 Toys in 1967 for the Moon Prospector and Moon Bus. Collecting SWORD clones us great fun but could take a lifetime, there are so many.
Deletenaturally a Moon Base !
ReplyDeleteI guess so!
ReplyDelete