Masudaya M-18 Space Tank Battery-operated Tin Toy with Original Box (Masudaya, 1959)....

Description

Masudaya M-18 Space Tank Battery-operated Tin Toy with Original Box (Masudaya, 1959). Battery-operated lithographed tin space tank finished in metallic blue with lightning-stripe side graphics, first offered for sale in November 1959. The design features a clear plastic front cockpit dome housing a red astronaut driver, a large round blue plastic dish antenna, and rear-mounted red and green lights set within spring bumpers, operating with bump-and-go action as the antenna rotates and lights flash. The model is marked M-18, produced without guns, and is known to have lithographic variations. The tank remains structurally sound overall, though the upper and lower body panels and the battery door sit slightly loose, with no broken tabs noted; the battery door is slightly bent. Surface wear is moderate, with scuffing and scratching, oxidation to exposed metal, and a few small dents, while plastic components show moderate scuffing and scratching. The battery compartment shows moderate signs of use with no corrosion observed. The original box is in poor condition, with one side torn completely and overall structural integrity compromised, exhibiting scuffing, creasing, surface loss, and multiple tears; one side panel of the lid has torn free but is included, and all corners of the lid are torn. This item is untested, and no guarantee can be made regarding its working condition.

Masudaya (MT) was a Japanese toy manufacturer active from the 1950s through the 1970s and is regarded as one of the more prolific makers of tin toys from the period. Toys marked with the MT logo encompass robots, vehicles, and novelty items across clockwork, friction, and battery operation. "Modern Toys" was the brand name and logo used by Masudaya Corporation for many of its exported toys, leading to the common confusion. The "M-T" (Masudaya Toy) logo was used, and the "Modern Toy" addition caused many to think the letters stood for the brand name. They are renowned for battery-operated tin toys like the famous "Gang of Five" robots and early radio-controlled toys.

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