Squirl Collection: G. I. Joe Collection

Group Shot

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

From left to right Action Nurse, Action Marine, Action Pilot, Action Sailor, Action Soldier, Black Action Soldier.

Group Shot

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

One of each of the basic figures from the four branches. From left to right: Action Marine, Action Pilot, Action Sailor, Action Soldier, Black Action Soldier.

Action Nurse

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Showing the equipment that was included with her. There is an even rarer version that came with a white medic bag instead of the green version.

Action Nurse Armband

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

The armband for the Action Nurse differs from the Marine Medic version in that it is slightly shorter and has a snap closure rather than the hook and eye, as shown.

Action Nurse

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Close-up of face showing rooted hair and eye lashes. Also visable in the red cross is the small pin that holds her hat on. This and the small safety pin in her medic bag used to fashion a shoulder sling would NEVER be included with a child's toy today.

Action Nurse

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Another angle of this rare figure. The hat, stockings and shoes are very hard to find in good condition.

Action Nurse

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Unofficially called "G. I. Jane" by collecters today, this was Hasbro's attempt to add little girls to the fold of G. I. Joe fans. She was a dismal failure. Girls didn't like her because she was not nearly as attractive as Barbie, boys didn't like her because she was a girl and therefore a "doll". She was only produced for one year and is consequently now one of the "Holy Grails" of Joe collecting.

Action Soldiers of the World Japanese Imperial Soldier

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Probably the rarest of the Foreign Soldiers, owing to it's unique figure and easily broken bayonet, shown here in a recent manufacture scabbard to protect it. Note Order of the Kite Medal on Chest.

Action Soldiers of the World Australian Jungle Fighter

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:14:08 +0000

Shoulder bag did not come with the figure, it's just a good way to carry his hand grenades. Note Victoria Cross medal on chest. Other unique features are the flame thrower with cammo detailing (not visible) and the socks, which can be hard to find.

Action Soldiers of the World German Storm Trooper

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Has a wooly backpack unique to the set. Note Iron Cross medal on Chest.

Action Soldiers of the World Russian Infantry Man

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Hat has ear-flaps that fold down and a real metal red star. Note Order of Stalin medal on chest.

Action Soldiers of the World French Resistance Fighter

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

The sweater for this set is unique and different than the ones for the Aquanaut or Spy Island sets, It is much thicker with an open weave. Note Croix de Guerre medal on chest.

Action Soldiers of the World British Commando

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Although it isn't readily visable in this picture, the gas mask for the British Commando differs from the ones made for the Marine and Army sets in that it has a smaller cannister just above the large cannister at the bottom connected by a short hose. Note Victoria Cros medal on chest.

Action Soldiers of the World

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

This was Hasbro's first change to G. I. Joe's look. These figures have what has been described as "European" or "Nordic" faces without the traditional scar, with the exception of the Japanese Soldier which has a head with Asian features unique to that figure. Group shot of the six figures. From left to right: British Commando, French Resistance Fighter, Russian Infantry Man, German Storm Trooper, Australian Jungle Fighter, and Japanese Imperial Soldier.

Action Soldier Bunk Bed

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Two bunk beds could be stacked together, one on top of the other.

Action Joe Police Officer

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Hasbro manufactured two uniforms under the name "Action Joe" one was this Police Uniform which came with a blow-molded Police Bike, and a Racecar Driver with a racecar. This figure has all original equipment, except handcuffs.

Action Joe Police Officer on Customized Motorcycle

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Another angle of vintage uniform and figure on custom bike.

Action Joe Police Officer on Customized Motorcycle

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Uniform, figure and equipment are vintage '60s. Bike is my own creation.

Palitoy Action Man Figures in Cherilea Motorcycle and Sidecar

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Palitoy "Action Man" Battle of the Bulge figure and German Officer. Cherilea made vehicles for "Action Man".

Hasbro Adventure Team Desert Jeep Customized to "Rat Patrol" Jeep

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Jeep, figures and uniforms are vintage. Red Kepi, glasses and machine gun are custom.

Action Sailor Sea Sled

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Uniform is not original.

G. I. Joe Motorcycle and Sidecar

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

View of the other side of the bike.

G. I. Joe Motorcycle and Sidecar

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Made by Irwin for '60s era G. I. Joe.

Action Soldier 5 Star Jeep and Trailer

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

G. I. Joe's first vehicle produced by Hasbro. Also showing rifle rack and sandbags. Flag on Jeep not original.

Footlocker Interior

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Note VERY rare green camo field phone. I got mine soon after I began collecting G. I. Joe in the early '90s in a box lot that was a real dream come true. With the exception of the Foriegn Soldiers and the Nurse, most of the uniforms and equipment you see in my Joe section came from that one lot, purchased for the grand total of $50. (Of course it took me years then to find figures for all of the uniforms and equipment) Since I was new to the hobby, I didn't have any idea the green cammo field phone was anything special. I just knew it was what was shown in the picture in the footlocker, so that is where I put it, and it has remained there since. I had it for years in this locker never knowing of it's rarity. Since then I have seen examples of just this little field phone selling for as much as the complete Nurse.

Footlocker

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

With various manuals

Rifle rack and Rifles

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Left to right M-1, M-1 Carbine, M-79 Grenade launcher, M-16.

Boxed Action Soldier

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

With Manual and full paper work.

Boxed Action Marine

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

With Manual and full paperwork.

Boxed Talking Action Marine

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

With full paperwork manual, and instructions. Also has the Beachhead Assault Backpack set.

Boxed Figures

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

From left to right: Talking Action Marine, Action Marine and Action Soldier

Tan MP

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:40 +0000

Italian Made version of tan Airborne MP uniform. Much more common and less detailed than Hasbro version

Action Soldier Army Airborne MP

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

This is one of the rare Airborne MP sets missing the black MP radio. Uniform came in two versions. The green one seen here and a tan version. Both much rarer than the regular MP uniforms.

Action Soldier MP and MP Small Arms

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:04:51 +0000

Like the Marine Medic sets, MP Uniform and helmet sets were sold seperately. Never really understood why this set came with the duffle bag. I mean, he's on duty as a police officer, and he's carrying arround his duffle? Must be something going on as the SP came with his sea bag also.

Action Sailor Shore Patrol

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Uniform is full zipper version. Also has the Dress Parade set with white billy club.

Action Pilot Air Police with Dress Uniform

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

The AP came with no uniform, just the helmet, radio, and other equipment. Hasbro also made a rare AS or Air Security set with a blue helmet and radio with AS stencil on both. These, along with the Striped SP helmet with white radio, and the Black MP helmet and radio are some of the most hard to find Joe items.

Military Police for all branches

Wed, 18 Apr 2007 00:01:50 +0000

A grouping of the various law enforcement divisions of the United States Armed Service branches. Two different MP's, an SP and an AP.

Action Sailor Annapolis Cadet

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

The rarest of the cadets, owing in part to the unique sword and scabbard. The tunic has real brass anchors on the neck and real brass buttons.

Action Pilot Air Force Cadet

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Closer detailed picture of the Air Cadet. The sword for it and the West Point Cadet are identical.

Action Soldier Action Pilot and Action Sailor Miliary Cadets

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Hasbro never made a Marine Cadet. Of course this might be because there is no such thing as a Marine Cadet, as there is no Marine Academy.

Talking Sailor with Navy Attack and Navy Life Preserver

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Set has rarer yellow life jacket. These are not simply faded, but an actual color variation.

Action Sailor Landing Signal Officer

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With complete headgear and headphones.

Action Sailor Deep Sea Diver

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Hoses hook to helmet and figure can actually be made to rise to the surface by blowing into them, supposedly. One year for Valentines Day, my father ordered the Adventure Team version of this set for me from Montgomery Wards, where he worked. Sadly, it was out of stock. I never got it as a child. So this was one of the uniforms I was most set on getting when I started collecting.

Action Sailor Navy Deep Freeze

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

I know I am mixing my branches, but also shown is the Army Mountain Troop set, as well as a Palitoy sextant and a bear trap... just in case.

Action Sailor Breeches Buoy

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

A differnt shot showing the uniform.

Action Sailor Breeches Buoy

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:57:59 +0000

Since taking the photo I have finally found the matching yellow slicker pants.

Talking Action Sailor Navy Attack Helmet and Navy Attack Machine Gun

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Bad lighting makes the blue helmet look green in the photo. Machine gun set differs from other versions in that it has a blue ammo can with U.S.N. stenciled on the side.

Action Marine Backpack with Bivouac Tent and Poncho in place

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:56:37 +0000

This time it's the Marine version of the backpack with the entrenching tool, tent, and poncho in place as shown in the manuals. The pegs and tent poles are rolled up in the tent before strapping it to the pack, and the poncho is rolled and stowed in straps underneath. Again the tent and poncho differ from the Army version in that they are camouflaged.

Action Marine Tank Commander

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:54:48 +0000

The ammo can is unique to this set as the stencil is more orange than other versions which are yellow. Since taking the photo I have finally acquired another radio with all stickers and the elusive tripod. (Yes it is original, purchased just before Palitoy announced they were re-producing this set.) The tank was produced in the '70s as part of Hasbro's "Defenders" line which was a much cheaper, much less poseable attempt to keep the 12" line afloat when manufacturing G. I. Joe became cost prohibitive.

Action Marine Paratrooper

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Rear view showing parachute pack. The Marine paratrooper did not have an actual parachute, just the cloth pack one would come in.

Action Marine Paratrooper

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

First edition cloth first aid pouch just to the right of grenades on belt. Later versions had plastic pouches.

Marine Medic

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Different perspective shot, showing folded stretcher.

Action Marine Medic

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With Medic Helmet set. Often Hasbro's sets required you to buy a second smaller set to get the accompanying helmet. This would usually result in having duplicates of some parts that were included with both sets.

Action Marine Demolition

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Yeah, I know. The Marine is wearing Army fatigues. The mine detector actually works. Battery powered light in backpack illuminates when sweeper goes over one of the included metal mines. When I found this dog, being a dog lover, I decided he was just perfect for Joe, so he was sent for bomb sniffing training and brought into the demolition corps.

Action Marine Jungle Fighter

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Side view showing more detail of shoulder patch and name patch.

Action Marine Jungle Fighter

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

One of the rarest Marine uniforms. It has nicely detailed cloth patches over both pockets and seargants chevrons on the sleeves.

Action Marine Dress Uniform

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Close-up detail of Kellog's mail away hat. They are decorated slightly differently and are usually more supple.

Action Marine Dress Uniform

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Close-up detail of brass buttons. Sorry it is a bit blurry. The buttons are held on with "teeth" that go through the fabric and are then bent over, kind of like a staple. It is believed this was used on early issue versions and then changed to the more common sewn on gold plastic beads.

Action Marine Dress Uniforms

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Uniform on left has real brass buttons. Uniform on right is Kellog's mail away version with unique hat.

Action Marine Command Post Communication

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

The Hasbro ponchos are very detailed, even being rubber lined like the full size versions. This set differs from the Army set in that radio, field phone, and poncho are all camouflaged.

Action Marine Beachhead Assault Tent set

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With helmet, camouflage netting and foliage for both helmet and tent.

Action Marine Beachhead Assault Flamethrower set

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With additional gas mask and machete. Gun for flame thrower is unique as the hose connection is at the very back insead of on the side at the back. It is marked Hasbro.

Talking Action Soldier with Combat Field Jacket set and Bivouac Tent

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Detail of pack with rolled tent strapped to the top and barely visable poncho rolled underneath.

Talking Action Soldier with Combat Field Jacket set and Bivouac Tent

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Also has Combat Field Pack Set and Bivouac Tent.

Action Soldier Ski Patrol set

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Figure shown with custom snowmobile of unknown origin. It was made for use with Barbie, I am sure, as it was hot pink originally. I thought I was NEVER going to get enough white paint on it to keep the pink from bleeding through.

Action Soldier Army Ski Patrol and Ski Patrol Winter Camouflage Helmet set

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Also winter white backpack from Mountain Troop set. Polar Bear uniform was originally intended to be worn over Joe's OD uniform.

Action Soldier Army Sabotage

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Palitoy was the British manufacturer of G. I. Joe under the name "Action Man", and they made several unique items never made for the US market. This vintage Palitoy raft has a working battery powered motor.

Action Soldier Army Sabotage

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With hard to find cloth stocking cap. In '69 Hasbro made a similar set, but with a plastic/rubber stocking cap that was produced for many years after in various forms. This set pictured originally came without a uniform.

Action Soldier Army Heavy Weapons set

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:04:24 +0000

Includes M-60, mortar, and flack jacket. Man those M-60 bi-pods are tough to find unbroken. The mortar is spring loaded and actually fires the three projectiles seen here. You can also see the original instruction sheet for the mortar behind it.

Action Soldier Army Green Beret

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Close-up showing detail of set, including hard to find camo scarf.

Action Soldier Army Green Berets

Tue, 17 Apr 2007 20:06:46 +0000

A collection of Green Beret figures. Originally the Green Beret was sold two ways. In a boxed set including the figure with uniform, M-16, radio, grenades, belt, pistol, and holster; and carded without the figure including the uniform and bazooka. Said bazooka is spring loaded and fires the gold projectiles seen below it.

Action Soldier Comand Post Communications and Combat Field Jacket set

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Hard to see, but has first issue cloth first aid pouch on belt just behind rifle. I just noticed I put the wrong radio and field phone with him when I took the photo. They should be solid green and solid brown respectively instead of camouflaged. The camo versions are Marine. I must have grabbed the wrong ones out of the footlocker.

Action Soldier Combat Engineer

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Close-up detail of hard to find Combat Engineer set with transit and tripod. The top of the tripod has a tiny working compass.

Action Soldier Combat Construction and Combat Demolition

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Cloe-up detail of these two sets. The Combat Construction, with the orange hard hat, grey gloves and jackhammer with spring loaded tip is very hard to find.

Action Soldier Army Combat Engineer, Combat Construction, and Combet Demolition

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Combat Engineer has .45 grease gun, helmet, transit and tripod. Combat Construction is with jackhammer, gloves, and orange hard hat. Demolition with dynamite, detonator, pick and shovel.

Action Soldier Black Action Soldier

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

The first ethnic G. I. Joe, it was simply a regular Joe molded in brown plastic. Different times. As un-PC as "Black Action Soldier" sounds, in some materials Hasbro actually refered to him as "colored". Later in the '70s "Adventure Team" era, Hasbro produced a figure with more African-American features called "The Adventurer".

Action Soldier Army Bivouac Tent Set

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With camouflage netting and leaves.

Action Pilot Air Force Scramble Pilot

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

The first fighter pilot uniform made for the '60s era Joes. Like many Joe sets, the uniform and helmet were sold separately.

Action Pilot Air Force Recue

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With real inflatable life raft.

Action Pilot Air Force Fighter Pilot Uniform

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Close-up detail of elusive gold helmet and oxygen mask.

Action Pilot Air Force Fighter Pilot Uniform

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Probably the rarest of the Action Pilot uniforms. Complete with g-pants and working parachute.

Action Pilot Air Force Crash Crew Tools

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Close-up of tools from the equipment belt. Finding an unbroken pair of pliers (which actually open and close like the real thing) can be a task.

Action Pilot Air Force Crash Crew Uniform

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Has a full belt of tools.

Action Pilot Air Force Dress Blues

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With real metal pilot's wings and captain's bars.

Action Pilot Air Force Communication

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Rear view showing blue backpack radio.

Action Pilot Air Force Communication

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

With Air Force flag. The tiny pencils with this and other sets with clipboards actually write.

Action Pilot Space Capsule

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

This is the version with the Sears exclusive flotation collar. The figure has the 2 zipper suit. Not shown is the orange record of sounds from a real Mercury Mission.

Action Pilot Astronaut Uniform

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

This is the three zipper version.

G. I. Joe Action Pilot Air Sea Rescue Diver

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

One of two scuba sets from the '60s Joe series, the other being the black Navy version.

Adventure Team White Tiger Hunt figure and Boiling Lagoon Boat

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Okay, see I have the tiger, but no cage and ever since Roy had his "accident" Joe is a little leery of getting too close to that ol' white tiger. I also have the tent and campfire for the tiger set. The Boiling Lagoon set included the Adventure Team version of the Navy Deep Sea Diver seen elsewhere in the collection.

The Search for the Mummy's Tomb

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Sure the sarcophagus and mummy look undersized, but remember, people were smaller back then.

Adventure Team Helicopter

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

One of the best loved vehicles from the '70s Joe line. Another one of the earliest G. I. Joe pieces I had as a child. This one is my original, though the landing skids and tip on the end of the tail have been replaced. Uniform is Palitoy (British) helicopter pilot.

Talking Adventure Team Commander

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Boxed example of the leader of the '70s G. I. Joe team. This is what started it all for me. Christmas of '71 when I was 5, my friend Jason Sparger and I both received the Talking Adventure Team Commander. Since then Joe has been a constant companion. Jason, however, moved the next year. I wish I could say this was my original figure, but he wore out long ago and this is his replacement.

"Adventures of G. I. Joe" Talking Astronaut

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Has both the white plastic cap and the more rare first issue cloth cap. Also has the bubble helmet from the Flying Space Adventure.

"Adventures of G. I. Joe" Fight for Survival

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

A different perspective of the dog sled.

"Adventures of G. I. Joe" Fight for Survival

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Sled and harness are new Hasbro reproductions. Dogs, figure, accesories and uniform are vintage.

"Adventures of G. I. Joe" Aquanaut

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Second figure in the short run "Adventures of" series from 1969.

"Adventures of G. I. Joe" Adventurer

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 19:36:39 +0000

Hasbro's first attempt at "demilitarizing" Joe in 1969.