Action Figure Insider » Rare Vintage Toys Seek New Homes in Latest Hake’s Auction

Looking to adopt a rare vintage toy? From He-Man to G.I. Joe to ThunderCats, the collectibles of the 1980s (and ’70s, and ’60s) are up on the auction block at Hake’s, looking for their new forever homes. While bidding starts at all levels, the following are some of the rarest of the rare, commanding some of the highest prices. Will you open up your home to these awesome, high-grade playthings of yesteryear?

On the Wings of a Cat

Hake’s – LJN/RAINBOW TOYS EUROPE THUNDERCATS (1987) – THUNDERWINGS LION-O DELUXE AFA 80 NM (SINGLE HIGHEST GRADED EXAMPLE). (hakes.com)

Have you ever seen a cat fly? No? Then clearly you are not a ThunderCats fan. One of the rarer figures in the line was Thunderwings Lion-O, who was released in the US by LJN, but in Europe by Rainbow Toys. And while the US version of the Lion-O figure was stripped of all of its special features, the European figure had battle-matic action and light-up eyes. This is one of seven Thunderwings figures graded by the AFA, the only one from Rainbow Toys, and the best graded example of all of them (80). Expect its price to soar!

Do the Raptor Rap!

Hake’s – G.I. JOE (1987) – RAPTOR FINAL PRELIMINARY CARD ART. (hakes.com)

Fans of falconry and finance rejoice! Collectors of the 1980s G.I. Joe A Real American Hero toy line can’t help but remember the distinctive Cobra officer Raptor. The official Cobra falconer, but also their (probably overworked) accountant, Raptor wore a bird suit and came with a feathered friend, and his card art was, of course, glorious. Now you can own that original card art, measuring 9.75×11” on a 15×20” board. Unique in all senses of the word!

I Am Not a Manimal!

Hake’s – G.I. JOE MANIMALS (1994) – IGUANUS WAX 2-UP SCULPT PROTOTYPE. (hakes.com)

While the world was very nearly denied the magnificence that was G.I. Joe’s Manimals sub-line, due to the Joes’ cancellation in 1994, their wishes were granted when the Manimals triumphantly returned in 2001. So not only can you own Manimals in their final, transforming, half-man-half-animal form, you can also own the prototype wax figure one of them was based on! Standing 10 inches tall (some assembly required), this prototype Iguanus is a two-up, meaning twice the transforming animal action.

Bringing Down the ’House

Hake’s – THE REAL GHOSTBUSTERS (1987) – FIRE HOUSE HEADQUARTERS SERIES 2 PLAYSET AFA 80+ NM. (hakes.com)

Are you afraid of ghosts? Well, prepare to confront the ghosts of your childhood, as this Ghostbusters Firehouse playset will surely trigger memories of playing with the Ghost Containment Unit, Ghost Pursuit Fire Pole, Goop Grates and Ecto-Plazm Play Gel. Graded 80+ by the AFA, this playset is sealed in its box, inside an acrylic containment unit of its own, never to escape. Just don’t tell the EPA.

Behind the Cowl

Hake’s – MEGO WORLD’S GREATEST SUPERHEROES (1973) – BATMAN (REMOVEABLE COWL) FIGURE ON RARE KRESGE CARD AFA 80 NM. (hakes.com)

Bruce Wayne is Batman?! The world shook in disbelief when Mego released the Removable-Cowl Batman figure in 1973, and it shook again when it saw how much this figure is going for! Finding a 50-year-old action figure near-mint-on card is no small feat, and when it’s a cool variant with a key accessory, it’s even more in-demand. Hence the weighty price tag for this AFA-80 item. Also available: Removable-Mask Robin!

It’s a Laser Sword!

Hake’s – MASTERS OF THE UNIVERSE (1988) – LASER POWER HE-MAN SERIES 7 UKG 90% GOLD (CLASSIC HEAD). (hakes.com)

If you haven’t ever seen a vintage Laser Power He-Man, with his light-up Power Sword, then you’re not alone. This figure was only released in Italy, Spain and Switzerland in 1988, after He-Fever had cooled in the U.S. but before it burned anew in the 2000s. The figure was later updated in 2015, as part of the modern toy line, but this is your chance to own the original!