Searching for Thomas Salter's wonderful 1979 Starcruiser Mission Kit from the worlds of Gerry Anderson [above], I came across this similar set from 1974 by Hasbro, the Ghost Gun.
I would have loved this toy but it was too late for me at age 13. Still it looks wonderful and a clever design.
The thing itself looks quite big in that lad's hands.
It was even big in Japan, seen here modelled by a young Paul McCartney!
Not able to keep those ghosts down, Hasbro also released the Moving Monster Gun.
Parker Palitoy used the same toy design for their Golden Shot set [date?], based on the popular UK TV show of the same name on ATV. In the show it was crossbow attached to the TV camera that was used - Bernie the bolt - and not a pistol, but I imagine a toy crossbow would have been off the table.
Hasbro went on to acquire Parker and Palitoy, a misfire all round, as they closed the factory in 1994.
Did you have any of these toys readers? Know of any other similar designs? Did you watch the Golden Shot!
I had a toy Star Trek phaser in the 70s that used batteries. I remember it had little silhouette discs you placed in front of the lightbulb "emitter." So you were shining "space targets" on the wall. I don't remember anything actually launching from the phaser, though.
ReplyDeleteFascinating Baron. A new one on me that.
DeleteHere it is: https://www.mearsonlineauctions.com/ItemImages/000062/62101a_lg.jpeg
DeleteIn the less regulated world of the 1970s, I often saw fully functional, real crossbows for sale in junk shops!
ReplyDeleteAnd Samurai swords Kev! I would have bought one but my Mum got me a fake one from Kay's catalogue! I still have it!
DeleteThe MP-38 ("Schmizer") and grease guns played a big influence.
ReplyDeleteOn the cover of Starlog's WEAPONS manual--Barbarella has a pistol very like the Mission Kit pistol..
Great spot. I'll check Barbarella out.
DeleteCan't argue with checking Barbarella out... ;-)
DeleteHere we go:
Deletehttps://tr.poshmark.com/listing/Starlog-Photo-Guidebook-Science-Fiction-Weapons-Vol-1-1979-64e10d5634e984416cce0d1d
I don’t remember that in the movie.
The various guns are not pistols, more like sub-machine guns. A hand-held, fully automatic weapon firing pistol (rather than rifle) ammunition. The bit everyone is holding on to is actually the magazine.
ReplyDeleteInteresting Paul, the magazine!
DeleteI suppose everyone has seen the extra features on the Carlton Captain Scarlet DVDs which feature the good Captain on a specially themed segment of The Golden Shot?
ReplyDeleteMaybe time to dìg out those old discs again!
Nope, not seen it Looey!
DeleteI bought the Golden Shot version from a flea market yesterday, thanks for the info!
ReplyDelete