The invention of the telegraph, telephone, and broadcast signals gave kids in mid-20th-century America a new way to play. Speak into a device, push a button, turn a knob, and you were instantly communicating with friends around the block or across the planet. In most cases, it was imaginary, but adults were actually doing it-and with the right "equipment," you were too! The 150 color images in Do You Read Me? Vintage Communication Toys captures the excitement of these new technologies. The art deco and futuristic designs from the '30s through the '70s convey the wonder and optimism of the ever-evolving communication world. String and wire may have carried the signal, but it was the power of imagination that really carried the message. Toy collectors, nostalgia buffs, and retro-future fans will appreciate the price guide and build-it-yourself communicator included with this beautifully photographed and designed volume.

Take a look back at the Golden Era of wrestling with some of the spectacular merchandise from that awesome time. Featured here is the story of the wrestling merchandise that could be found as pro wrestling took the world by storm. Featuring action figures, gym bags, whacky T-shirts, VHS tapes and much more, this is merchandise that excited a generation. Kevin Williams, also the author of Wrestling Action Figures of the Early 1990s, will take you back in time to grapple with your wrestling passion.

Celebrate Christmas with the Griswolds with this unique station wagon and tree collectible with a fun sound element. SPECIFICATIONS: 3-inch station wagon and tree collectible figurine on a base with sound button FEATURES FIVE SOUND CLIPS: Audio includes iconic quotes and songs from the film BOOK INCLUDED: Includes a 32-page mini book featuring memorable quotes and color photos OFFICIALLY LICENSED: Authentic collectible NATIONAL LAMPOON'S CHRISTMAS VACATION and all related characters and elements (c) & (TM) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. (s22)

The book presents a description of work on a model Ju 88 A-4. The author shows step by step each element of the modelling workshop.

The supersonic fighter in the Polish Air Force of the MiG-21MF is described in unparalleled detail. Includes many unpublished photos from the private collections. Color schemes and markings are described and illustrated in a series of specially commissioned color profiles.

Marketed as the fastest metal cars in the world, Hot Wheels*r revolutionized the die-cast toy car market. Collectors throughout the world recognize the Hot Wheels*r brand. The models produced between 1968 and 1972 represent the vintage years for this line of toy vehicles. The bright Spectraflame*r paint colors and redline tires, unique to Hot Wheels vehicles, identify these models. These original models still drive the collecting hobby today. The 221 wonderful color photographs provide a complete visual guide for collectors. The 118 unique castings produced during this four-year period are explained in detail and a complete variation and price guide is provided to expand knowledge and interest in collecting Hot Wheels. Also included is coverage of the Gran Toros*t cars, launched soon after Mattel bought the Italian company Mebetoys. Introduced in 1970, the line was continued until 1973, though the name continued to 1980/81. This new book is a welcomed addition to Hot Wheels literature by one of the world's foremost experts in the field.

As interest in Russia increases, increased value and attention are focused on its history-rich ethnic dolls, and this is the only comprehensive resource available. For those who collect, deal in, or appraise dolls from the 1920s to the 1980s, here are essential tips on identification; helpful resource documents such as rare postcards, advertising, and press photos; and over 800 photos of Russian dolls dressed in costumes representing Russian historical periods, as well as those featuring various ethnic cultures. Begins in the 1920s with antique dolls of bisque and cloth stockinette, then travels into the 1930s and 1940s for the composition dolls, and moves on to the 1960s through the 1980s, when the USSR was showcasing its fifteen republics with dolls of plastic. Also covers dolls representing various folklore characters, as well as the popular Russian tea cozy dolls.

Junkers Ju 188 - German bomber during World War II, successor of the Ju 88) was flown in January 1943. In February 1943, production lines launched three Ju 188E-0 planes powered by BMW 801ML engines. The first seven serial Ju 188E-1s received the BMW 801C-2 engines. Airplanes powered by Junkers Jumo in-line engines were to be marked A, B, C and D, while those powered by BMW, F, G and H radial engines. The identification variant of the E-1 version was the Ju 188F-1, equipped with two cameras.

This book is a compilation of the 4-view color profiles, scale plans, and photo details of the single variant of the NAA P-51B-1-NA. Illustrated are plans in 1/72 and 1/48 scales plus drawings from wartime technical manuals. Also, photos of the details in B&W and color are included.

Would you like to own James Bond's Aston Martin, the Batmobile, the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard, or Luke Skywalker's X-Wing fighter? You can - in miniature. A Star Car is any type of vehicle - car, motorcycle, van, truck, bus, plane, helicopter, boat, ship, submarine, or spacecraft - used in a film or television programme. Many have become stars in their own right. Die-cast models of these motor stars began to appear in the 1960s. Corgi released the James Bond Aston Martin and the Saint's Volvo in 1965, followed by the classic television Batmobile in 1966. Dinky soon began releasing Gerry Anderson models, starting with Lady Penelope's pink Rolls-Royce from Thunderbirds. The success of these initial releases meant many more would follow. These early models were aimed at children, and were packed with gadgets - from ejection seats to missile launchers. Today, both toys and adult collectables are still being produced - often from shows that aired in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s: from the stone-age cars of The Flintstones, to the 23rd Century spaceships of Star Trek. Until now there has been no guide to help novice Star Car collectors build and care for their collections. Film and Television Star Cars is here to help, filled with collecting tips from an experienced collector.

This book on British-produced Military Dinky Toys takes a detailed look at the popular Army, Naval and Aircraft models produced from 1933 until the closure of the Binns Road factory in 1977. The book includes sections on the history of the British-produced military models and on the different scales used. The book is intended to give an overall view of each model produced. The models are shown in numerical rather than chronological order. There is an image of each model with captions showing dates of production, scale of the model where applicable, particular features, information about whether it is a reissued model, and relevant dimensions. In many cases the issue price and the date of its first appearance in Meccano Magazineare shown. Most of the images show the boxes that the models were originally sold in and, where possible, the variants on the box. Packed with rare and interesting examples, this is an essential read both for enthusiasts and those who would simply like to be reminded of the Dinky toys of their youth.

The Cowl is one of the most iconic symbols of Batman, the world's greatest Super Hero. This is a high-quality, one-of-a-kind collectible replica for fans of the Dark Knight. Kit includes: * 6-inch tall Batman cowl with illumination feature at the lenses. Operates with two AAA batteries (not included) * Die-cast metal base * Removable display cover * 48-page hardcover book, Shades of Black: The Many Costumes of the Batman, on the Super Hero's many different looks throughout the years, featuring full-color illustrations

Meet the lovable teddy bears and toys produced by the famous Gebru**der Bing toy company. This engaging text is illustrated with 372 enchanting color photographs. Once among the world's premier toy companies, Bing manufactured teddy bears of many sizes and talents. Some of the bears presented here perform tricks, walk, tumble, and growl to the delight of young and old. Other clever toys produced by this prolific firm include miniature sewing machines and phonographs, train sets and buildings, and other stuffed and mechanical animals. Provided in this book is the history of the Gebru**der Bing company and designers, the tale of Bing's current revival, and information about the modern day bears the company is producing (based on the company's much loved original patterns). Values are included in the captions. This book will delight collectors and dealers of teddy bears and toys, and is intended for anyone with fond memories of a favorite, furry childhood friend.

A required resource for all Barbie (R) collectors, this completely revised and expanded edition features new images and updated prices, all in a handy, easy-to-carry-along format. Now over 1,200 beautiful color photos illustrate this complete listing of Barbie through her vintage years from 1959 to 1972, including her sister Skipper (R) and their friends, relations, and pets. Ken (R), Midge (R), Allan (R), Francie (R), Skooter (R), and all the rest are here. Never before presented in such detail and with so many images, every picture shows all the pieces originally included with the fashion. Values are given for loose and never removed from package items. The listing also provides each item's stock number, date, and value.

Scale plans in 1/32, 1/48, and 1/72 of the British Fairey Flycatcher fighter. 8 A3 size scale plans of British Fairey Flycatcher versions.

What child hasn't dreamed of a big red fire engine under the Christmas tree or been fascinated by the sights and sounds of firefighters hustling off to a fire? The desire of children to be close to firefighters has kept toy manufacturers busy over many decades making fire-themed toys that filled children with wonder. As adults, those same children delight in collecting the colorful and exciting toys that so enriched their early years. Presented here, in nearly 600 color photos, are the best and most highly collected firefighting toys from the second half of the twentieth century. Fire engines, fire chiefs' cars, firehouses, fireboats, firemen -- if it has the word "fire" in it, you're sure to find it here! Organized alphabetically by manufacturer, the comprehensive lineup includes toys from Buddy L, Corgi, Fisher-Price, Hubley, Keystone, Marx, Mattel, Nylint, Remco, Structo, Tonka, Tootsietoy, and many more. Also featured are tips on what to collect, places to find firefighting toys, detailed descriptions, and up-to-date pricing information. A treat for "grown up" children everywhere!

40 color profiles of the Hawker Hurricane I and Supermarine Spitfire I. Specially commissioned profiles with a high levels of detail.

PEZ made it OK to play with your food, and now those imaginative, colorful candy dispensers are sought after by collectors worldwide. After PEZ candy and dispensers were brought to the United States in 1952, more than 250 different types of character heads were made. Licensed cartoon characters, movie and TV personalities, and original designs are divided chronologically into five series, usually indicated by patent dates on the dispensers. In this newly revised and expanded edition, most of the variations of PEZ dispensers are shown in 281 color photographs, as well as the premiums and store displays that helped sell them. The captions identify each item and give the current estimated values.

Gumby. Barbie. Slinky. WHAM-O. Spirograph. Hot Wheels. Atari.
These toys--and the stories of the kids, parents, child-rearing experts, inventors, manufacturers, and advertisers they affected--reflect the dynamism of American life.
Senior exhibit developer and best-selling author Kate Roberts, along with senior curator Adam Scher, spotlight forty-five memorable toys, placing them in historical context and examining their development and launch, their impact on kids and the larger community, and their reflection of the social and cultural shifts of each decade.
The book, developed in conjunction with the national traveling exhibit of the same name, will include firsthand stories shared by adults who revered these toys as kids as well as research gleaned from primary sources and toy experts and collectors.
Kate Roberts is senior exhibit developer for the Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) and author of the best-selling book "Minnesota 150." Adam Scher is a senior curator in the collections department at the MHS.

Leia Organa is one of the galaxy's fiercest rebels and greatest heroes-a powerful leader and a force against galactic evil, never to be underestimated. This one-of-a-kind, hand-painted statue comes with a display stand and a 48-page illustrated booklet featuring an illuminating look at Leia's role in the Star Wars saga and insights on Carrie Fisher's portrayal by Lucasfilm Executive Editor Jennifer Heddle, a celebration of the inspiration and symbol of strength the character has become for legions of fans. (c) and TM Lucasfilm Ltd. Used Under Authorization

40 color profiles of the famous Mirage III & Mirage 5, a French Cold-War era jet aircraft. French and foreign users are shown in variety of camouflages.

Feliz Navidad! Your grandmother's ceramic tree has been given a modern, Southwestern facelift in the Teeny-Tiny Christmas Cactus. A bulb inside this fun ceramic cactus illuminates the tiny lights and casts a cheerful glow on your desktop, mantle, or any place in need of a festive touch! This adorable mini kit includes: A 4" ceramic cactus with 20 multi-colored lights A 32-page mini book exploring the fun, quirky ways people celebrate the Christmas season across the world