1953 Archer "The War of The Worlds" Playset in Original Box
One of the most sought after science fiction toys produced during the early 1950's was Archer's fabulous "The War of The Worlds Playset". Released to coincide with George Pal's classic 1953 movie it features some of the most extraordinary box graphics ever produced. Available for only a short time and in limited quantities this example is complete with all 31 parts in its original die-cut box. Only the inserts and parts bags have been replaced. The set includes the following: The hinged box (27" x 12¼" x 4") was printed with a fantastic die-cut window display lid showing destruction of an Earth city. Front and center is George Pal's representation of a bat-wing shaped Martian War Machine with its awesome heat ray and disintegrators pounding the city into a crumbling, fiery mass. A triple mushroom cloud Atomic Bomb rages in the background while the Invaders reek mayhem on the fleeing populace and attacking GI's. Front and rear box aprons warn of the "Men of Mars are Coming" with Earth's curved surface and the flood of advancing Martians and Trucks. Mars is shown with its recognizable canals in the backround. Side aprons show trajectory of the coming invaders as it passes above the moon. The entire box bottom depicts a Civil Defense Station with GI workers and civilians administering first aid, even while new casualties are brought in by stretchers. Both the box bottom and lid can be used as backdrops for the playset. As already mentioned the inserts and parts bags are new except for the small bag which was still in the box. Size: see above.
Price Sold: $ 1525
