PAC-MAN… a pellet-popping, ghost-dodging classic

Posted on August 6, 2014 by The Vintage Toy Advertiser

Pac-Man was developed by Namco and released in 1980. Probably the most well-known arcade game and an icon of popular culture, Pac-Man has spawned a multitude of games, clothing, a TV series, music and merchandise sold worldwide. TVTA is pleased to present a selection of International adverts featuring the little yellow dude.

Pac-Man watches. US. The Incredible Hulk. 1984.

Pac-Man tabletop video game. France.PIf Gadget. 1983.

Pac-Man. US. Groo. 1989;

Pac-Man Colgate toothpaste promotion. UK. Eagle. 1983.

Pac-Man French pressing 7 inch vinyl record, sang by Willy. 1983. Polydor Records.

Pac-Man double screen handheld electronic game. France. Picsou. 1984.

Ms. Pac-Man handheld electronic game. France. Pif Gadget. 1984.

Pac-Man bubblegum money box. Hamleys. UK. 1983.

Post updated October 2018 with new images.

The Outrider / Le Roller-Side… a bit like a skateboard… sort of…

Posted on August 5, 2014 by The Vintage Toy Advertiser

Meccano – Le Roller-Side

France. Pif Gadget. 1978. Le Roller-Side – also marketed as ‘The Outrider’ was not a skateboard but shared some similarities.

This superb 1978 French Meccano advert shows Le Roller-Side, a three-wheeled street toy based on the popular skateboard. Back in 1978 my brother had one of these and was the envy of all us other kids in the grove who mostly had skateboards. Le Roller-Side was called The Outrider in the UK and US. One of our friends, who neither had an Outrider or a skateboard, ingeniously employed an Action Man scout vehicle as his choice of “wheels”. Between us all I think we suffered a fair amount of bruises, scrazed knees, ripped knuckles, plus shredded jeans and trainers… sorry mum!

France. Pif Gadget. 1981.

VIEW-MASTER… worlds within two windows

Posted on August 2, 2014 by The Vintage Toy Advertiser

View-Master titles. France. Pif Gadget. 1984.

The View-Master stereoscopic viewer was originally produced by the Sawyer’s company. It was introduced at the 1939 New York World’s Fair as an alternative to the scenic postcard, with images set in cardboard reels that could be inserted into the viewer. In 1966 the GAF company (General Aniline & Film) took over responsibility and began producing reels aimed at the children’s market such as cartoons, TV shows and film. View-Master continues to be produced to date and is currently owned by Mattel. In 1999 it was inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame. There is a nice little write-up about it here: View-Master Toy Hall of Fame

View-Master The Muppet Show. France. Pif Gadget. 1979.

View-Master titles. France. Pif Gadget. 1982.

Sesame Street, Star Trek, Snow White

View-Master reels in their original packets.

Dutch catalogue, 1970s

1951 View-Master

1951 Sawyer’s View-Master and Gaf Mail Order booklet.

Early Heroes World advert featuring the GAF View-Master Good Guys Gift Pack. US. The Superhero Book of Goodies. 1977.

View-Master rear image of packaging, 1980s.

View Master advert. 1965. France.

Assorted reels and gift sets

Masters of the Universe gift set, 1983

Mickey Mouse 50th Anniversary gift set, 1978

Peanuts, 1966

The Flintstones, 1962

Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales, 1958

Flash Gordon, 1976

20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, 1954

Thanks for looking through two little windows with us 🙂

Post updated May 2022 with one new image.

BBURAGO… an Italian job!

Posted on August 1, 2014 by The Vintage Toy Advertiser

Bburago was founded by brothers Mario, Ugo, and Martino Besana in 1976. Hailing from the town of Burago in their native Italy, they combined the letter “B” of Burago with the initial “B” of their family surname to create Bburago.