G.I.Joe
Action Marine 1964
Period: Original GI Joe
Dates: 1964 until 1968
Cat No: 7700
G.I.Joe Action Marine Typical Contents:
Camo Shirt ('regulation cut army denims')
Camo Trousers
Brown Boots (tall)
Cap (green)
Metal ID Tag
Selection from:
Marine Manual (Training Manual)
Equipment Manual
GI Joe Collectors Club Leaflet
Rank Insignia Sheets (Stripes + Medals / Name)
Boot Removal Instructions
'How to' leaflet (one of three)
GI Joe Action Marine Description:
The basic vintage GI Joe Soldier figure from 1964 was the forerunner to the Action Man figure of the same name and could be accessorised further by accessory cards. Also available from Hasbro were a GI Joe Action Sailor, Action Marine and Action Pilot. The four original figures came ready-dressed in a simple two piece 'coffin' box adorned by artwork by American Sam Petrucci of the US design agency Thresher and Petrucci. Inside were one of four themed 'Training Manuals' (Army, Air, Navy, Marine), and variations of brochure / posters, instructions of removal of boot, and Collector's club leaflet. He became an instant sensation 1964 but anti-war sentiment was to tone him down for the Adventure Team figures that were to follow.
Price in 1964: $4.00
Notes:
The GI Joe Action Marine figure concept never made it to the UK as a boxed figure, but a 'Beachhead' uniform was available that the US marine wore, so similar outfitting was possible. The GI Joe featured attractive paper rank stickers that helped give some visual appeal to the figure, again not adopted by the UK Palitoy version in from 1966. From the first 'TM' to '©' figures there were many slight detail changes to the copyright information on buttock, and literature included with the figures. Early figures had eyeliner, not seen in the UK.
1966 GI Joe Marine 2 piece Box
c.1966 GI Joe Marine Box art - not adopted into Action Man range
GI Joe Box Panel
This c1966 Action Man combat Paratrooper is closest in detail to the GIJoe Marine
Price when new: $4.00
The GI Joe Marine figure, unlike Action Man, came with rank stickers (available here)
GI Joe Boot removal instructions (preceded by a 'typed' version).
One of the GI Joe Club leaflets
GI Joe Membership Leaflet
Canada also had GI Joes: 'G.I. JOE REG.T.M COPYRIGHT 1964 BY HASBRO ® PATENT PENDING MADE IN CANADA'
Buy GI Joe MP SP and Medic fabric armbands (reproduction)
GI Joe Equipment Manuals from 1964
GI Joe Fold out poster
Early GI Joe Marine Manual (smaller boxed version)
