G.I. Joe first went into action in 1964 and lasted until 1976 when he was phased out as a full 12" figure. I do not consider Super Joe, Intruders, or Defender as true vintage G.I. Joes. By this time in G.I. Joe’s history, he was shrinking and losing articulation at a rapid rate in order to save money. I also don’t consider the 3 ¾" G.I. Joe to be G.I. Joe at all. For me, the vintage era of G.I. Joe spans from 1964-1976 and he never sees the light of day again until 1991.

These two GI JOE Police Search and Rescue figures are KMart exclusives and are part of Hasbro's Alpha Collection. Assortment #53248 and item #53246. These molded T-shirt figures come in the variations shown. One with the green molded T-shirt (no lettering) which have been indicative of the fireman series of figures. This also comes with a plain black ball cap.

The second figure has the blue molded T-shirt with "POLICE" markings indicitive of the policeman series of figures. This also comes with the black ball cap, but marked with "POLICE" and "Special Response Team #12". All other accessories are the same.

Black Rubber Boots
Hasbro first edition rubber boots are fairly scarce. These are distinguishable from ordinary Hasbro boots by their softer rubber and "Hong Kong" markings around the curve of the bottom heel. The detail in these boots is much more noticeable than regular plastic boots. The boots sometimes get hard with age.

Brown Rubber Boots
Hasbro first edition brown rubber boots are also scarce. Like the black version, these boots are distinguishable from ordinary Hasbro boots by their softer rubber and "Hong Kong" markings around the curve of the bottom heel. The detail in these boots is also much more noticeable than regular plastic boots.

White Combat Boots
Hasbro released these rare white combat boots in 1966 with the Action Sailor Deep Freeze set. This set normally included the more plentiful white snow boots. You could also find these in the 1969-1970s Talking Astronaut. These are just like the tall black or brown combat boots...just molded in white. They are difficult to find and expensive when you do find them.

Blue Air Police Radio

Entrenching Tool

Airborne MP Radio
The black MP radio with orange markings came with the 1967 (a good year for rare items) Airborne MP set. A matching black MP helmet with orange markings also came with the set.

Tan Adventurer Cap
The tan cap is the same design as the more familiar olive drab cap that came with the action marine and action soldier. This tan version came with the 1969 Adventures of GI Joe figure and is very rare.

Cloth First Aid Pouch
The cloth first aid pouch was the first version of the first aid pouch. The more common version is plastic. It is held closed by a metal snap and has a cloth loop on the back to attach to the web belt.

1964 Pistol - Fine Grip
The 1964 version of the .45 caliber pistol had a fine grip and is a little harder to find as well as being a bit more desireable. It's not worth a fortune, but is more desireable.

Air Security
The Action Pilot Air Security accessories are some of the rarest of the GI Joe items. They were only sold in 1967 like many of the rarest pieces (e.g., airborne MP sets).

Blue Goggles
Goggles came in several colors - green, amber, and...blue. I've never seen the blue version, but here they are.

Original (Vintage) Body (front/back)
The original GI Joe body appeared in 1964 and featured painted hair and 21 moveable parts. This was followed by the Adventurer and Adventure Team figure with Life-Like hair and later "eagle eye". Pictures coming soon.

 

Super Articulated Body (front/back)
The GI Joe Super Articulated (SA) body appeared on store shelves in late November/December 2001. It was very similar to the Dragon toys body. Gung-Ho grip hands were on all first releases. Small feet than previous figures. The figure was incredibly poseable although the waist was a bit loose.

 

Original Body (front/back)
The Ultimate Soldier line by 21st Century Toys was introduced at the San Jose, CA G.I. Joe Convention in 1997. Company reps showed several prototype weapons sets and vehicles that were scheduled to hit the market offering fantastic detail and quality at fantstically low prices. Those pictures of the uniforms on the back of the product cards appeared to be covering some mystery invisible man figure. The Ultimate Soldier action figure was introduced in 1998. This "Sam" figure was very similar to the GI Joe Classic Collection figure then available on the market. However, the price point was much lower at $9.99 for a carded figure (including uniform and weapon) vs. Hasbro's $14.99. The head sculpt was later changed to the "Dead Head" look. Boxed figures ($29.99) followed with some having different head sculpts (101st Airborne, British Paratrooper seen here).

"Super Soldier" Body (front/back)
The Ultimate Soldier "Super Soldier" body was introduced in 2000 with the introduction of the "Operation: Market Garden" and a few other figures. Neck articulation was greatly improved on this version. In addition, the figure could now bend and twist at the abdomen like the actual human body. This feature was very similar to the Dragon action figure. The hip and arm sockets were improved greatly along with the elbow and knee joints. All of these improvements added to the poseability of the figure.

In addition to and prior to the release of the super soldier figure, 21st Century introduced changeable hands for their line of figures. Now the customer could add hands to the figure more appropriate to the pose of the figure. Such hands included saluting hands, fists, trigger finger hands, etc.

New Soldiers of the World (SOTW) (front/back)
Soldiers of the World line by Formative International introduced a new highly articulated figure in 2001 and kept the price point identical to previous figures - $7.99. The figure had vast improvements to the head and neck (now compatible neck post with GI Joe), arm/elbow, leg/knee, and even improved hands and feet. A new waist mechanism slides the torso forward and back. The first releases of the new figure were done in previous uniform schemes and eliminated the figure stand from the package.

Show hours from 10 am to 3:30 pm General admission is $6; children under the age of 12 get in free with adult (Earlybird Admission is $12, doors open at 9am)

Directions from Sacramento take Hwy 50 east to the 59th St exit. Turn left to Folsom Blvd. Turn left at the light and an immediate right onto 58th St. Free parking in the back; lunch bar available.

Annual G.I. Joe Collector's Club Convention. For hotel reservations, call 800-xxx-xxxx and identify yourself as a GI Joe Convention attendee. Room Rate is $TBD per night. General's Package & Base Commander's Package - $TBD members ($TBD non-members), General's Aide (available only w/General's package) - $TBD ($TBD each additional), Sergeant's Package - $TBD members ($TBD non-members). Contact G.I. Joe Collectors' Club (817) 448-9863. Additional details are due at the end of January.