Space Patrol Field-Gear Lot (various, 1950s)....

Description

Space Patrol Field-Gear Lot (various, 1950s). As television's Space Patrol ignited post-war imaginations, every mission-ready cadet needed the right kit. This five-piece ensemble delivers that era's full play-pattern-from ray-gun target practice to flashlight recon-while preserving the romance of Captain Buzz Corry's daily broadcasts.

The crimson-cased Rocket Dart Gun retains its sleek Buck-Roger lines, black trigger, and both suction-cup darts (one red-tipped yellow, one yellow-tipped red). Surface scuffs are light, and the spring-action trigger still moves freely.

Headgear comes in two flavors. First, the collapsible silver-and-red vinyl helmet folds for easy stowage yet pops open into a domed command cap with clear view-port; a small puncture mars the visor, and the "Space Patrol-Commander" decal shows age-darkening and wrinkles, but the piece still radiates 1950s pulp charm. Second, issued at the peak of Space Patrol's television fame, this cloth flight cap lets cadets salute Commander Buzz Corry in polished parade style. The tan wool-blend shell is fronted by a boldly screened rocket-crest reading "Space Patrol," with factory-riveted goggles that pivot into place for mock blast-off maneuvers. The goggles' lenses show moderate scuffing from gentle handling. Inside, the Bailey-of-Hollywood liner displays only light storage toning; one short run of stitching at the rear has loosened, but the lining stays firmly attached. Minor edge fray and a few faint age spots mark the hat's decades in dry-dock, but overall presentation remains crisp and display-ready. Accompanying the cap is an original black-and-white retailer hand-bill touting the "Official Space Patrol uniform cap," complete with dramatic rocket art and price slug.

For mid-range field communication, the Walkie-Talkie Space-A-Phone pair survives with uncracked plastic panels, an intact string antenna, and moderate play scuffing. Their shrink-wrapped mailer box fights on despite edge wear, light warping, and creasing; one instruction sheet remains loose, the other has been skillfully mounted to cardstock for display.

Rounding out the lot is the battery-powered Project-O-Scope Rocket, molded in yellow with blue nose cone and Terra V decal. Press the tip and its internal lamp still beams, projecting images from the included film strip. Surface rub on the fuselage and a slightly curling decal are the only signs of cosmic mileage.

Individually appealing, together these artifacts recreate an entire broadcast cycle-from transmission orders through gunnery drills-all in original, largely unbroken condition. For collectors of early sci-fi television or mid-century toy tech, this lot offers a ready-made Space Patrol display that captures the optimism, inventiveness, and sheer rocket-era fun of America's first interstellar hero squadron.

Heritage Auctions provides as much information as possible but strongly encourages in-person inspection. Condition statements are offered as general guidance only, not as complete representations of fact, and do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted but may be visible in the photos, which are considered part of the condition report. Lots estimated at $1,000 or less are not de-framed for inspection, and we may be unable to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and is not liable for damage to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or artwork that has shifted in the frame. All lots are sold "AS IS" under our Terms & Conditions of Auction.