G.I.Joe

Action Soldier 1964

Period: Original GI Joe

Dates: 1964 until 1968

Cat No: 7500

G.I.Joe Action Soldier Typical Contents:

Shirt ('regulation cut army denims')
Trousers
Brown Boots (tall)
Cap (green)
Metal ID Tag

Selection from:

Army 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 Soldier 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.

The GI Joe figure, unlike Action Man, came with rank stickers (available here)