ACTION MAN
Action Soldier 1975-76
Period: Flock Head
Dates: c.1975 until c.1977
Cat No: 34052
Action Man Soldier (1975) Contents:
Jumper (woollen)
Trousers
Boots (short)
Beret (either last of woollen elasticated green, or new black plastic Tank Regiment)
Muffler (either widthways weave or lengthways)
Belt (no slider)
SLR Rifle (elastic or plastic strap)
Star Card L513
Instruction Leaflet L575*
Hand Cup (plastic)
Equipment Manual 1975 or 1976
Soldier Description:
The basic Action Man Action Soldier figure from 1966, was replaced by a flock haired Action Soldier figure in 1970, and then the introduction of 'Gripping hands' version in 1973. The uniform was improved around 1975 - the materials changed and the plastic formulation for the hands must have changed. Any Action Man Soldier could be accessorised further by equipment card sets. Palitoy won the National Association of Toy Retailers 10 Year Gold Award in 1975 and many boxes from that year can be identified by the application of a celebratory gold foil sticker. Price new c.£2.50
Notes:
The original Gripping Hands were introduced to the Action Man Soldier figures for 1973. The second issue I.D. or 'Dog tags' are thought to have stopped being added to the contents by 1975. The early Action Man gripping hands figures suffered from the hands going hard, and orange, but now they were beginning to get a new compound that lasted longer and retained its suppleness longer. The belt had no adjustment slider. The SLR Rifle would either have an elastic strap or the new plastic strap - this is possibly the cross-over year. This is the tail end of the green woollen beret figures. The 'new' plastic Tank Regiment beret badge is susceptible to partial damage - top or bottom often missing.
Action Man Soldier of 1975 - cross over to new improved uniform
Action Man Soldier of 1975 rear view
Action Man Soldier of 1975 black beret
Action Man Soldier of 1975
Action Man Soldier box c.1975 (now states Hong Kong origins)
Action Man Soldier box c.1975 (with 10 years gold award sticker)
Action Man Soldier box variations by year:
1973: New box 'Now with Gripping Hands' (1) Note word 'Gaitors' in contents list although not included.
1974: (2) word 'Gaitors' disguised by black amendment on at least one side
1975: (3) 'Gaitors' text removed, (4) Gaitors edited from trousers, (5) pouch edited out, (6) Beret badge removed and shirt collar, (7) Soldier replaces retired 'Commander' illustration. Also 'Head, clothes and Accessories made in Hong Kong added to foot of box.
1976: (8) National Association of Toy Retailers Award sticker (of 1975) applied to boxes
1977: (9) Oversticker announcing new 'Eagle Eyes' feature.
1978 - totally new box
1975 Action Man Official Equipment Manual
1976 Action Man Official Equipment Manual
Action Man Soldier - Hands that really grip (c.1975 translations) L575. *N.B. c.1976 there is a third type of reprint leaflet. The 'Ltd' was deleted on the print (at the foot) when the Palitoy lost the limited designation.
Action Man Star Card L513 (c1973-77)
Action Man Star Card L513 (c1973-77)
Price when new: £2.50
Action Man replacement cap badges
Replacement scarf available:
