Lassie (AKA My Lassie) (Gabriel Toys)

Lassie (AKA My Lassie)
Gabriel Toys
1976

The female collie dog character of Lassie has been around since the 1940's when she started in short story format by creator Eric Knight.  From their the character soared into the movies, radio, and eventually it's most popular iteration, television.

What's interesting to note about Gabriel Toys Lassie toys is that when they were produced no version of Lassie was actually being produced in either television, movie or radio.  The original television series ended in 1973.  The radio series hadn't been heard since 1950, and the last movie released with the word "Lassie in the title was in 1963.  However, with that said, the 1971 movie Big Jake is often considered a part of the Lassie cannon even the the animal featured in that film was simply referred to as "Dog."

Back on point, it's interesting that in 1976, when there appeared to be a dry spell for the character that Gabriel Toys would come forth with the toys you see below.  Granted, there weren't many.

The first piece, Lassie and Her Friends included the dog, and a small boy.  Though the boy isn't named on the package, it's assumed by many that this is a depiction of the character Timmy from the original television series.

Lassie and Her Friends

The second piece was entitled My Lassie, and featured the dog, a cart, and a smaller dog in a basket which a handle that fit into Lassie's mouth.

My Lassie

The last piece, and largest was Lassie's Farm.  Yes folks, Lassie was so rich that she owned her own farm which included a horse to lug that cumbersome cart she has above.  That's called outsourcing.

Lassie's Farm

Though it's rather common to find the single dog on secondary markets, not many people appear to be selling the actual sets, let alone complete in the box.  While you would think that this would make them fairly valuable if found in the box, sadly this isn't the case.  We've seen the entire playset sell for as little as $32.00.

Join us next time when we take a look at Bugs Bunny Playhouse!

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Zorro (1982) (Gabriel Toys)

If you remember our post on The Legend of the Lone Ranger, you may remember that we mentioned this series.


Also part of the Filmation cartoon The Adventure Hour, the Zorro figures shared a common design to the previously mentioned Lone Ranger toys.

The bright orange packaging depicted the character bucking on his horse with his sword raised. A common depiction from the cartoon itself right as the hero would ride off.

The back of the card, which showcased the entire series of toy’s shared the spotlight with The Legend of the Lone Ranger figures (displayed at the bottom).

Two horses were also produced along with the four figures which were released. Prior to the series being cancelled, a two pack of Zorro and his horse Tempest were released. This particular two pack remains the rarest item in the series.

Most dealers on the secondary market ask between fifty and sixty five dollars for each mint on card piece, though they rarely sell at these prices. Rather, it appears that most collector's are only willing to pay between fifteen and twenty-five per piece. As a result, most secondary market products remain unsold.

Join us next Monday for our look at Corpse Bride!

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The Legend Of The Lone Ranger (Gabriel Toys)

The Lone Ranger has been around since 1933 where the character was first introduced on public radio as a serial. The series was such a huge success that the character was quickly adapted into film, television, comic, and full story books.


In 1982, Gabriel Toys produced a small line of figures based off the iconic hero of the West. The figures were based off the Filmation cartoon The Adventure Hour which depicted The Lone Ranger, Tarzan, and Zorro. Unlike most cartoons of the 80's, this series took a page straight out of historic context to produce a much more mature show for its time, while at the same time following the standard Filmation theme of having moral lessons for each show.

The five figures produced for the series were depicted on black cards with The Lone Ranger's face, while at the bottom it depicted him riding off into the sunset. The back of the card showed the five figures available as well as the three horses (Seen below).

Three horses were released for the series. Later, as the series developed into a mix match mash up of The Lone Ranger and Zorro, the horses were re-released with their respective figures.

While the card backs for the single packed horses were the same as the figures, the ones for the two packs were split in half. On the top half were the Lone Ranger toys, with the bottom half showing the Zorro figures (card back not shown). Some collector's don't fell these pieces to be a part of the series, but rather their own separate series.

A free mail away playset, "Western Town" was produced for the series. It was nothing more than two, two-sided cardboard cutouts. It was mailed to recipients in flat brown mailer envelopes which also contained a two sided instruction sheet for putting it together. Another sheet of cardboard cutouts was also included which depicted the wood plank flooring, as well as "accessories".

The series never saw the popularity as other Filmation shows, but to date remains a great series for collectors.

It's difficult to find these figures at a reasonable price. The majority of second hand dealers are asking between sixty and seventy-five dollars for each figure, which as a result leaves them unsold. Full sets of the series (without the two packs) have sold for a more reasonable price of between three to four hundred dollars (mint on card).

Join us next Monday for our look at Zorro (1982)!

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