1951 - Flash Gordon Rocket Fighter Ship by Marx (Revised)

[Joe K.]

 

The Flash Gordon Sparkling Rocket (Rocket Fighter) can be found in the Sotheby's/Griffith Auction Catalog on page 128, item #391 in the photo. The description for this item is incorrectly numbered as 392.

This particular 1952 Goodyear Catalog listing is at odds with published info about this particular toy. In Greenberg's Guide To Marx Toys - Volume 1 (page 68) and Vintage Toys (page 8) it states that the original Flash Gordon Rocket Fighter was first produced in 1939 and that the 1950's "re-issue" lacked the "Flash Gordon" licensing name. Two versions were allegedly produced: one with the number "5" on the wings and the other without the number.

[Joe K.]

Here's another sighting for the 1952 Flash Gordon rocket from an Alden's Christmas Book:

http://www.backtothepast.net/ebay/6070.jpg

Specifically:

http://www.backtothepast.net/ebay/6070a.jpg

The text describes the toy as "Flash Gordon steel rocket ship", however, the photo is that of the "Sparkling Rocket Fighter Ship" (with plain, yellow wings and black tail fin). See the Sotheby's/Griffith auction catalog, page 128, item #392.

[Fineas J. Whoopie]

Here's another sighting for the 1952 Flash Gordon rocket from an Alden's Christmas Book:

[attachmentid=11391]

Specifically:

[attachmentid=11392]

The text describes the toy as "Flash Gordon steel rocket ship", however, the photo is that of the "Sparkling Rocket Fighter Ship" (with plain, yellow wings and black tail fin). See the Sotheby's/Griffith auction catalog, page 128, item #392.

[Brian..]

Back to 12 December 1951 in the Daily Independent Journal. Poor picture, but the text is clear enough. It appears elsewhere specifically described as a Flash Gordon rocket ship, but there's no decent picture. The retailer must have got the Flash Gordon association from the manufacturer or distributor.

 

It would appear that the claim that Marx first released the Rocket 5 version and later the Flash Gordon version is not so straightforward. The Rocket 5 is widely available in late 1951 and the Flash Gordon version is widely on sale in late 1952 - BUT they are both referenced in November 1951.