CATALOGUE: 1951-1969 The Big Toy Box At Sears**

[Joe K.]

From a recently acquired copy of The Big Toy Box at Sears (selected catalog reprint pages from 1951 to 1969), edited by Peter Fritz and John Mautner, published by Toytown Classics, 1987.

 

1952 - Irwin Man From Mars

Sears 1952 Christmas Book

 

See Morita, page 198

 

This catalog page moves the current Time Line date for this toy back a year, from 1953 to 1952.

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1956 - Space Satellites with Launching Station by Marx

Sears Christmas Book 1956

 

See Brian's posted Time Line photo:

 

The toy in this ad is identical (including the litho tin "WARNING" sign) except for the addition of 5 plastic Space Men figures.

The ad copy reads:

" New Space Satellite Station. Launch a satellite! Turn crank on side of "testing Laboratory," stop suddenly -- off whirls satellite into outer space! 10 1/2 inch diameter satellites have transparent plastic domes to show their mysterious workings; safe, soft plastic rims. 5 plastic space men watch the action. Lithographed steel station is 11 3/4 x 9 1/4 inches at base. $2.89".

Perhaps this variation was a "Sears Exclusive"?

There is already a 1958 Time Line listing for a "Space Satellite Launching Base" found in a Meier & Frank catalog. Any idea what the ad looked like?

Perhaps this 1956 find should be a new addition? What do you think, Brian?

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1957 - Two-Stage Earth Satellite by Linemar

Sears Christmas Book 1957

 

See the Sotheby's/Griffith 12-09-00 Auction Catalog, page 110, item #333 for a photo of the toy and box.

 

New Addition.

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1960 - Satellite Intercepter with Ball Blowing Action by Linemar

Sears Toy Catalog 1960

 

See Future Toys, page 175, item 308.

 

Another New Addition, Brian.

[Fineas J. Whoopie]

A copy of the 1952 Sears Christmas catalog just ended on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewI...me=STRK:MEWA:IT

The two space related toys included in the listing are the Irwin Man from Mars (as Joe has stated see Morita pg 98 -or- Collecting the Space Race pg. 63), and what appears to be a Marx Tom Corbett Space Academy playset (see Blast Off pg. 147).