Hamilton's Invaders were launched by Remco in 1964 and were on the scene but briefly before the line was terminated. But I think they were super cool!
Who had them in 1964? Who has any Hamilton Invader's items today? I have the helmet and both the silver and green variants of the grenade pistol M.I.B. - but that's it.
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AHamilton0.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AHamilton.jpg)
???
Hamilton Invaders were really cool. I didn't have any back in the day, but I have one of the tanks that I got at a thrift store about twelve years ago. It was
in a big bin of loose toys that were ten cents each ! It's not complete, tho.
Here is my Hamilton's Invaders stuff:
(http://thegalleryofmonstertoys.com/msc/hamiltonsinvaders1.jpg)
(http://thegalleryofmonstertoys.com/msc/hamiltonsinvaders7.jpg)
(http://thegalleryofmonstertoys.com/msc/hamiltonspistol.jpg)
(http://thegalleryofmonstertoys.com/msc/hamiltonspider2.jpg)
I had the whole set in 64. Today I only have the Helmet and silver gun.
Raycastile:
Way cool!
Here's a good writeup on Hamilton's Invaders.
Hamilton's Invaders Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamilton_Invaders)
The Hamilton's Invaders line was evidently a big hit with young boys but sales were disappointing because the mothers that were making the final purchase decisions found the whole concept of giant bugs repugnant. As a result Remco discontinued the line after a year.
:(
Me too! Truly cool stuff! But....... I think it didn't go over well because it didn't have great play value. I remember getting the smaller set (small vehicle, string pull bug/monster and acouple blue soldiers) for Christmas. Though visually wonderful my brother and I were quickly off to the Aurora race set and the train set. If making up an imaginary senario of war against the bugs was the expectation there wasn't much support for poor Hamilton. Give me a 100+ piece Marx boxed Ben-Hur or Iwo-Jima playset and I was into THAT for hours...........a big pull-string bug and blue soldiers......not so much. But again, Hamilton was visually spectacular.....Bud
(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd344/bigbud3/monsterstuff011.jpg)
Nice sets Bigbud! I like the combination helmet/grenade pistol set! I also see you have the Sears exclusive mega set.
Right now my boxed Hamilton's Invaders helmet and two differently coloured grenade pistols reside in my more recent models and sundry toys cabinet in the guest room, a.k.a. Ace the cat's bedroom. Here's a few pics of it from late last spring;
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/3rdCabFullView.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/3rdCabtop2-Copy.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/3RdCabtop.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/3rdCabbottom-Copy2.jpg)
One of my most prized possessions in this cabinet is the almost unused Three Keys to Treasure bagatelle at the top. A M.I.B. Kenner Give-A-Show Projector resides on the second shelf from the top.
I'll be taking more up to date and better pics of all my collectibles over the next three weeks.
8)
Two Hamilton grenade sets! That's bounty! As Bob Crachet would say! Great Fink stuff too! As I posted in another thread I had Big Daddy available for all the signatures I would have wanted at a convention I was running .......got busy and didn't get one! Stupid move.........Bud
Hep, why so the attachment to the Bagatelle? Must be something sentimental cause you have several items far more valuable than that.......Bud
ray
AWESOME TOYS! I'll try and post photos of some of my hamilton's invaders items.
Quote from: bigbudAs I posted in another thread I had Big Daddy available for all the signatures I would have wanted at a convention I was running .......got busy and didn't get one!
Pity indeed. I love "Big Daddy" Roth items!
Quote from: bigbud
Hep, why so the attachment to the Bagatelle? Must be something sentimental cause you have several items far more valuable than that.......Bud
It's sentimental indeed. Growing up in London, Ontario in the early sixties we got only the one local TV channel. My best buddy's father was a classic couch potato though so they had cable! One Saturday morning at my buddy's place I saw a TV commercial for the Three Keys to Treasure bagatelle. I was absolutely knocked out it was so cool! I wanted one so badly.
I remembered that commercial for the Three Keys to Treasure bagatelle that I had seen just the one time for over thirty years and jumped at the chance of getting a really good one when I saw one for sale on Ebay. The only "defect" associated with the one I have is the box is toned. I bought an extra game just so I could pilfer the selection of prizes to make sure I had as many different ones as possible.
I took this picture early last summer of The MAN holding it up for me:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Games.jpg)
8)
Quote from: toys-of-terror on January 19, 2011, 02:32:42 AM
AWESOME TOYS! I'll try and post photos of some of my hamilton's invaders items.
Love to see them!
:)
Great stuff, Hep... Love those Rat Fink Rad Rods and Hydro Racers! Still have mine packed away in the attic somewhere. I couldn't resist and HAD to try out one of the Hydro Racers...it worked really well. Scared the crap out of my dog at the time!
Gasport.....I have a guess from Hepcat's picture that he may be a musician too. That's you on guitar, me on bass and Hep on______. Hep, am I right? You a treble maker too? Bud
And don't forget Packy Paul, too! Now all's we gotta figure out is logistically HOW we can pull off a rehearsal! ;D
Hi ya Gasport! Saw you were logged on at the moment. Haven't had time to mention that I liked pic of your Slot car carousel ..........forgot what post I saw it under......Bud
Quote from: bigbud on January 19, 2011, 11:28:49 PM
Gasport.....I have a guess from Hepcat's picture that he may be a musician too. That's you on guitar, me on bass and Hep on______. Hep, am I right? You a treble maker too? Bud
Well I took accordion classes for 2 1/2 years, and I dream of being a great blues harp player like Slim Harpo or Little Walter....
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AChannel.jpg)
8)
I am heavily into hifi and records though!
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Arecord.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/Arecord3.jpg)
8)
Sorry Hep.......we need keys. Get to learnin'......Bud
Cool cat.
Hepcat---I used to own an acoustic bass guitar that belonged to the bass player for Scruffy the Cat. I bought it off him. Saw them a couple of times too, back in Boston.
Very cool! Ole Scruffy could play, that's for sure.
I'll practice up with my blues harp though and then right out of nowhere you'll be hearing me hailed on the radio as the second coming of Sonny Boy Williamson, you'll see!
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AHepcat10.jpg)
I had the big green bug. Pull a string, and he goes scrabbling across the floor. Over the years, a piece on his head broke off--a horn, maybe? Whatever the case, I sold him on eBay a few years back for some big bucks!
Rod
This toy line is before my time but man are they cool! I would have loved them as a kid-heck I'd still love them now!
Redking......I'll send you all of mine! But I don't have your address! Oh....Wait-a-minute...........the moment of generosity has passed..... No Hamiltons for you........and your head is still funny lookin'......Love, Buddy
Gee thanks Bud-Hey waitaminnit!!! ;D
Here are a couple of shots of my Hamilton's Invaders items:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HamiltonInvaders.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HamiltonInvaders4.jpg)
8)
Hamilton stuff is really cool! I'm looking for one of the reddish cardboard caves. One went alittle too high on e-bay awhile back. I am not positive on the history, but Remco did issue the Hamilton's Invader vehicles under a different line of toys first. Science vehicles of some type. Bud
Quote from: bigbud on January 24, 2011, 04:39:05 PM
Redking......I'll send you all of mine! But I don't have your address! Oh....Wait-a-minute...........the moment of generosity has passed..... No Hamiltons for you........and your head is still funny lookin'......Love, Buddy
Catching Buddy's generous impulses at just the right time is like trying to film Bigfoot. Either Bigfoot is there and the camera isn't, or the camera is ready and Bigfoot doesn't show. Either way, you know you're going home empty-handed. :D
Ah!.......But not home hungry! It was chilli tonight, and one of the best batches I've ever tasted! Had you been here we'd all have been belchin' and fartin'! LOL Buddy
While it doesn't compare to a really good homemade batch, Stagg Chili is one of the very best canned varieties generally available.
(http://www.hormelfoods.com/ASSETS/17D4DE999563443590DCF52780654F51/Stagg-Chili.jpg)
8)
Hep! I'm with ya! Went to Sam's Club awhile back and had to buy Stagg Chili in bulk (that's how it's sold at Sam's). Thought it might be too many cans if I didn't like it........no problem........great stuff! Buddy
OOOOOoooo..............gotta pick up some of that chili.
A little love for Hamilton
(http://fc09.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/002/5/5/hamilton__s_invaders_by_tomkrohne-d36aofb.jpg)
Good stuff! May Hamilton's Invaders long be revered.
8)
I had the Three Keys to Treasure game, too. I can't remember how long it survived. And considering how cool I thought my Remco MOVIELAND was I am surprised I can't remember what fate it met either. I ended up getting one from eBay a few years ago. I worked at a drive-in theater for years. The filmstrips were lamer than I remembered. I did recall being disappointed somewhat about them originally.
I remember getting to go into the neighbor's house across the street ONCE (their daughter was younger than the rest of us) and she had a HAUL in their front room. One of those car (or space?...can't remember for sure) dashboard toys and other goodies my parents thought were too pricey.
And the neighbors on one side of us (they had big dogs and again kids littler than myself and my buddies) had one of those swing set roller coasters. Didn't go very far, but I was sure envious.
Quote from: curseofthewerewolf on March 13, 2011, 02:24:12 PM
I had the Three Keys to Treasure game, too. I can't remember how long it survived. And considering how cool I thought my Remco MOVIELAND was I am surprised I can't remember what fate it met either.
The fate of the "Mad, Mad, Mad Scientist Laboratory" I had as a kid remains a mystery to this very day but I suspect my father gave it away to the snot-nosed kid down the street when I was packed off to boarding school in grade nine.
>:(
With respect to the Three Keys to Treasure Bagatelle, I never had one as a kid - but I have two beautiful ones now complete with boxes!
8)
Hep, Got me one of those Bagatelle thingies too. It's really large.........Buddy
(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd344/bigbud3/basementtoys022.jpg)
Hamilton thread is shinking down the list of subjects! Gotta fix that! Here's a Hamilton closeup! Buddy
(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd344/bigbud3/basementtoys043.jpg)
Why is the plastic in the 60s and 70s so much cooler than the plastic before or after?
My own thoughts are that it was cool, cheap, and the items were larger than could financially be manufactured later. Plastic was the thing in the 60's so alot of plastic bead colors could be experimented with. I think that often when a 60's toy is found in an unusual (for that toy) color it could have been that those were the color beads available to mold the toy so that's what was used. Buddy
Hep - What the heck is the attraction to the "Three Keys To Treasure" bagatelle? I liked it so much I bought one at auction, kept it a few years then sold it at a toy show. I immediately regretted it, and bought another one outright at another toy show! Both were/are boxed in good condition, burt neither had all of the "prizes". Interesting, colors were different on them.
Oh, and yep, I had a nastly l'il Hamilton Invader as well - the six-legged beetle. It was one of the toys I kept until I lost it in a flood in '72 - I probably would still have it around if not for that, such a cool looking toy.
QuoteHep - What the heck is the attraction to the "Three Keys To Treasure" bagatelle?
To me the very concept is ingenious. Just like in a real electronic pinball game, by completing a certain series of actions/targets you win a prize. And the mechanics of the operating system are most admirable.
Quote....but neither had all of the "prizes".
No problem there for me. I've kept all the different prizes from three games so I have quite the surplus!
8)
I need a whiter, newer looking box though.
QuoteOh, and yep, I had a nastly l'il Hamilton Invader as well - the six-legged beetle. It was one of the toys I kept until I lost it in a flood in '72
Very sad. I hope the poor fellow knew how to swim.
:(
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u29/tiger7ven/veryred-1-1.jpg)
one of the best plastic toys ever made regardless of the decade.
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u29/tiger7ven/ridiculousboxes1969-2.jpg)
not really a toy, but maybe the grooviest plastic "thing" that i have from the 60s.
Jim, how big is that? What is it for? It looks pretty neat.
Oh, btw, I've got a box that has been sitting on my kitchen table the last few days, waiting for me to have time to open it with the proper respect and decorum it deserves. Inside the box, I hope, is a new Hamilton buddy.
Quote from: jim m on April 16, 2011, 12:45:01 PM
(http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u29/tiger7ven/veryred-1-1.jpg)
one of the best plastic toys ever made regardless of the decade.
Wow! How did you get an image like that of Horrible Hamilton? How much computer trickery did that involve?
???
First off, the ridiculous face boxes i posted are about 5-6 inches tall. The pic of the horrible hamilton wasnt really very doctored up. I used light boxes with a black light on one side, and a red light on the other, and then i think i used auto levels on photoshop. still need the invader bug with the horn on the head. i do have an extra yellow invaider with the antenae ( barely).
Arrgh. It's broken! Why is it that a third of the stuff people send me these days arrives broken? Doesn't anyone know how to pack toys for shipping anymore? You don't take a fragile, brittle vintage toy and just throw some foam peanuts over it and think it's going tom arrive at it's destination intact.
Very sad! Another precious collectible has thus gone by the wayside. I hate it when people don't look after Horrible Hamilton properly, neglect his care or in general fail to accord him the respect he deserves.
>:(
Quote from: raycastile on April 16, 2011, 07:18:55 PM
Arrgh. It's broken! Why is it that a third of the stuff people send me these days arrives broken? Doesn't anyone know how to pack toys for shipping anymore? You don't take a fragile, brittle vintage toy and just throw some foam peanuts over it and think it's going tom arrive at it's destination intact.
Sorry to hear that Ray.
That stinks Ray, are you able to get your money back ?
If not, do you think its repairable ?
Sorry about your bug.
jim m , your Hamilton photo is the coolest ever !
It really captures the sci-fi aspects of the toy with a 60's black-light poster twist !
so sorry to hear your toy got ruined because of lack of attention to packing. Which bug was it ? Thanks for the compliment on the photo. It was a project i did for a class.
Quote from: jim m on April 17, 2011, 06:51:59 PM
so sorry to hear your toy got ruined because of lack of attention to packing. Which bug was it ? Thanks for the compliment on the photo. It was a project i did for a class.
It was a big green Hamilton, like the one in your photo. I've got a boxed one, but I wanted a loose one, too.
A boxed one? Wow!
:o
Could you post a pic?
???
Quote from: Hepcat on April 17, 2011, 10:54:32 PM
A boxed one? Wow!
:o
Could you post a pic?
???
Look on the first page of this thread.
Quote from: Monolith on January 18, 2011, 02:39:54 AM
Hamilton Invaders were really cool. I didn't have any back in the day, but I have one of the tanks that I got at a thrift store about twelve years ago. It was
in a big bin of loose toys that were ten cents each ! It's not complete, tho.
Anyone know what the green bug is worth?
"Worth"?
???
If you don't pay any more than it's worth to you and you can comfortably afford, you'll be happy.
cl:)
Hello guys
Ive recently come across a Loose Mosquito jeep missing the front wheels .. It has the same coloring as HI version but the Stickers on the sides and hood say "science fiction" .. its a half red half yellow circle with a rocket with a atomic symbol around it.. i know this toy was reissued for other toy lines in different colors.. but can't find any reference to this one.. besides the obvious "remco" on top the only other marking is a stamped 466-1 on the bottom... what do i have here?? i can post pics if you like!?
Here are some from my collection.
Horrible Hamilton, Mosquito Jeep, Dwarf Tank, and Blue Defenders with background provided by DD Mego Style Hammer Monster Figures.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img89/9550/bo1g.jpg)
(http://imageshack.us/a/img834/71/0tvm.jpg)
More of my HI stuff.
Grenade Pistol
(http://imageshack.us/a/img266/5300/siu7.jpg)
Silver-Blue Helmet
(http://imageshack.us/a/img163/4615/lmr8.jpg)
Laser Pistol. This one uses batteries and fires a beam of light which can be any of four colors, while making a buzzing sound.
(http://imageshack.us/a/img856/821/drzj.jpg)
Also have a couple of HI playsets which I'll be posting when I get around to setting them up.
Great stuff!
Quote from: horrorhunter on October 09, 2013, 12:22:58 PM
More of my HI stuff.
Grenade Pistol
(http://imageshack.us/a/img266/5300/siu7.jpg)
Silver-Blue Helmet
(http://imageshack.us/a/img163/4615/lmr8.jpg)
I envy you the box complete with insert! Often the insert has gone missing and the box just isn't right without one.
:(
Here's someone's home movie I found on You Tube with kids tearing into toys under the Christmas tree. Dig those Horrible Hamiltons, daddyo! 8)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7jw3Bm-Vyo&feature=player_detailpage (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7jw3Bm-Vyo&feature=player_detailpage)
We'd have the same look on our faces even today if somebody gave us a boxed Horrible Hamilton set!
8)
This is my Hamilton's Invaders Sears 12pc Playset (Remco, 1964). It is complete (except for 1 of the 3 helicopter bombs) and in excellent condition including the original corrugated inserts and instruction sheets (which are NOT in excellent condition but I'm happy just to have them). This was an eBay purchase a couple of years ago.
Box and Inserts:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HamiltonsInvadersSears12pc_1_zpsd42ac1ae.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HamiltonsInvadersSears12pc_2_zps0ac8e466.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HamiltonsInvadersSears12pc_3_zps846ef6be.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HamiltonsInvadersSears12pc_4_zpsfe10f995.jpg)
Instruction Sheets:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HamiltonsInvadersSears12pcInstructionSheet1_zps4bcc3940.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HamiltonsInvadersSears12pcInstructionSheet2_zps3b44c163.jpg)
CONTENTS:
1 Horrible Hamilton
3 Small Hamilton Bugs
1 Hornet Helicopter w/Bombs (2)
6 Blue Defenders
Cave
Ad from the 1964 Sears Christmas Catalog:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HamiltonsInvadersSearsWishbookAd_zps70648879.jpg)
When I was five years of age I received the large 17 piece Hamilton's Invaders Sears Exclusive Playset for Christmas and it's one of my fondest monster memories. I finally picked up this smaller set but I would love to have one of the big ones in the decorated box. It would probably cost a small fortune now, but I might just pay a small fortune to get it. Anyway, I'm just glad I could get this one. Horrible Hamilton's pullstring motor still works like a charm.
These are some of my loose Hamilton's Invaders pieces which I have displayed on one of my shelves. Horrible Hamilton, Dwarf Tank, and Mosquito Jeep all work like new, and they and the six Blue Defenders are in EX-NM condition. I posted them before but the pics were so bad I decided to repost. It may seem a little weird to display Hamilton's Invaders pieces with Distinctive Dummies' Hammer figures but I like to display vintage with modern sometimes for variety. Besides, Hammer was on a roll in the early-mid sixties when the toys came out (1964). I like the contrast of toy styles.
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HamiltonsInvadersDisplay_zps5c5725a5.jpg)
Hey, shouldn't the Curse of the Werewolf figure be standing next to Dracula (where the calendar is)?
Quote from: Mord on December 12, 2014, 06:00:16 PM
Hey, shouldn't the Curse of the Werewolf figure be standing next to Dracula (where the calendar is)?
No room. The Hamilton vehicles are too wide for the clamshell.
Quote from: horrorhunter on December 12, 2014, 04:40:39 PMThis is my Hamilton's Invaders Sears 12pc Playset (Remco, 1964). It is complete (except for 1 of the 3 helicopter bombs) and in excellent condition including the original corrugated inserts and instruction sheets (which are NOT in excellent condition but I'm happy just to have them). This was an eBay purchase a couple of years ago.
Quote from: horrorhunter on December 12, 2014, 04:40:39 PMHorrible Hamilton's pullstring motor still works like a charm.
Oh, man. Complete with the box and a motor that stillworks! :o That is sensational! And the instruction sheet isn't actually that bad either.
Quote from: horrorhunter on December 12, 2014, 04:40:39 PMWhen I was five years of age I received the large 17 piece Hamilton's Invaders Sears Exclusive Playset for Christmas and it's one of my fondest monster memories. I finally picked up this smaller set but I would love to have one of the big ones in the decorated box. It would probably cost a small fortune now, but I might just pay a small fortune to get it. Anyway, I'm just glad I could get this one
Picking up something you once had as a kid is the best!
8)
Quote from: Hepcat on December 13, 2014, 01:16:02 AM
Oh, man. Complete with the box and a motor that stillworks! :o That is sensational! And the instruction sheet isn't actually that bad either.
Picking up something you once had as a kid is the best!
8)
Yeah, I'm still ecstatic about finally getting a nice HI playset, even if it is the 12-pc set and not the large one which also contained the Hamilton Spider, Dwarf Tank, 3 extra Blue Defenders. I have all those extra pieces, but I would like to get the decorated box the 17-pc set came in. That box is awesome. Here's a pic I found with Googlage which I believe belongs to UMA's own BigBud. I don't think Buddy would mind us enjoying more of his fantastic collection.
(http://i530.photobucket.com/albums/dd344/bigbud3/monsterstuff011.jpg)
You know, it's weird...I go to Google images for stuff I'm posting about and I see a lot of my own stuff on there that I've posted on UMA. It's kinda like the world peering into your home. Weird. :o
Went on another quick Google safari and bagged this. It's the Hamilton's Invaders Playset ad from the 1965 Sears Christmas Catalog (Wishbook). Monsterkid Cool. 8)
(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHF0jfGyWG0/UMVtGD7awfI/AAAAAAAAJi0/vJ-Zz7ZGz1s/s1600/hi.jpg)
QuoteI don't think Buddy would mind us enjoying more of his fantastic collection
Hey...I'm familiar with that stuff! I still need to finish off my helicopter and the 3 small colorful bugs....love the hunt!
These are great!
Here are pictures of Freddie Poe's Hamilton's Invaders playset that he asked me to post:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/ham1_zps1efcfafd.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/ham2_zps95648f35.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/ham3_zps3a581214.jpg)
8)
Here's hoping that Horrible Hamilton and Spooky Spider clean house!
;)
Wow, those are great! He's got a Torpedo Tank! Good on you, Freddie. 8)
Fangs alot for the posting Hep Cat! i have the gun & bombs not pictured also the helmet. if i only had my boxed sets back!! i have an extra tank as pictured but need jeep!
What you need even more badly than the Jeep is more allies for Horrible Hamilton! You need a Brutal Beetle, the yellow fellow in the picture below:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AHamilton6.jpg)
Plus you need some of the little guys in the picture as well. Here's a better shot of them:
(http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3549/5814058546_e3b493aaf5.jpg)
;)
Oh You r so right my brother! i need the jeep, another yellow spyder and the smaller roller blade fiends! and more blue defenders of the book shelf! and ... and ...and and! lol
Ahhhhh, but the yellow fellow in the picture with the little ones isn't Spooky Spider. The yellow fellow is Brutal Beetle a.k.a. Gruesome Beetle, and he was also available in green some of the time. Here's a picture of Spooky Spider on the left and a green Brutal Beetle/Gruesome Beetle:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/AHamilton5.jpg)
:)
Wow! i thought i had them all as a kid but i dont remember that green one! are you sure that wasn't only issued in Canada or overseas? or perhaps it came with another Remco sci-fi set?
Quote from: freddie poe on December 18, 2014, 01:26:09 PM
Wow! i thought i had them all as a kid but i dont remember that green one! are you sure that wasn't only issued in Canada or overseas? or perhaps it came with another Remco sci-fi set?
The Hamilton Beetle was sold in the HI playsets as well as with some of the later Voyage To The Bottom Of The Sea Playsets. I don't think the Beetle was as common as the Hamilton Spider.
(http://i26.tinypic.com/29ynvch.jpg)
The small Hamilton Bugs were also sold in the VTTBOTS playsets.
Quote from: freddie poe on December 18, 2014, 01:26:09 PMWow! i thought i had them all as a kid but i dont remember that green one! are you sure that wasn't only issued in Canada or overseas? or perhaps it came with another Remco sci-fi set?
The distinguishing characteristic of the Beetle is not the green colour though since evidently it was produced in yellow as well. While they're both the same size, the back of the Beetle is what differentiates it from the Spider. Their backs and legs are very different.
:)
Now that I look closely, I had a couple of those motorized insects as a kid (I clearly remember the pull-string mechanism). My parents gave them to me while I was recuperating from some kind of surgery. Had a whole lotta fun with those.
I had the Hamilton's Invaders monsters and a few of their vehicles as a kid. They were great and also were good monsters for my MPC copper-colored spacemen and my Mattel Fighting Men. I also had the HI Grenade Pistol, which was used as a LASER pistol in "Cyborg 2087", and in "The Terrornauts".
I found this board because of the Hamilton's Invaders line, I was/am curious about the name. Who was it named for? Back Then toy companies usually tried to work their name into the line somewhere, see Matte's Zero M line. Was it named for the designer? I can't find any background information on line, or anyone who knows any details.
I wonder who owns the rights to the toy lines from defunct toy companies? The HI line would probably do a lot better now, than it did back in the 60s. It would certainly have made a better movie than most made from a toy line.
David.
Indeed! I've always wondered about the name as well. It's a strange one for a monster bug set. Some interplanetary/interstellar name would make more sense but I can't think of a really good one right now.
???
I never heard the origin of the name "Hamilton's Invaders". Maybe Remco was just looking for alliteration to go with "Horrible" (as in "Horrible Hamilton") and pulled it out of the ether. :-\
here is my set, sears mailaway box.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2125/5812798955_25b1a7c0c1_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RE7BD)154-5482_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RE7BD) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2198/5813367420_3584d56e34_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RH2AL)154-5464_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RH2AL) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2149/5813489443_5b2fd78362_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RHDSB)154-5465_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RHDSB) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3390/5814059072_7170fca32e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RLzcN)154-5480_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RLzcN) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5022/5814059830_086c638ba3_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RLzqS)154-5466_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RLzqS) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3565/5813541751_93e47335ac_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RHVqt)154-5499_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RHVqt) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5312/5813542825_6697fdebfd_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RHVJZ)154-5476_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RHVJZ) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/5813493965_991d32fd71_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RHFdz)154-5473_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RHFdz) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2344/5814060462_4b8e9dcbd7_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RLzBL)154-5474_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RLzBL) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3549/5814058546_e3b493aaf5_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RLz3J)154-5469_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RLz3J) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2189/5814061658_fbf280e97e_b.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/9RLzYo)154-5479_IMG (https://flic.kr/p/9RLzYo) by j-raysjunkyard (https://www.flickr.com/people/63416324(*at*)N02/), on Flickr
Great HI stuff! (and the two MPC Fireball XL5 playset vehicles)
Thanks HH! I always wondered where those belonged. They fit in with this pretty well so I just left em.
Quote from: frankenstein73 on December 28, 2014, 12:53:29 AM
here is my set, sears mailaway box.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2198/5813367420_3584d56e34_b.jpg)
Wow! Too awesome!
8)
So the Sears custom set came with two Brutal Beetles I take it? Were the two Fireball XL5 vehicles with the set when you bought it or did you throw them in yourself?
???
In any event, you now have to add a Spooky Spider or two to offset the Fireball XL5 vehicles and even up the odds.
;)
that's exactly how I got the set, I think one of the bugs with wheels (the red and yellow one probably) actually went with my voyage to the bottom of the sea set. I bought both sets from an estate sale 8 or 9 years ago for a song.
Awesome set!
"We're being invaded! Run for your lives!" "EEEEEK!!!"
This is my custom Hamilton's Invaders playset:
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HICustom_1_zpsbtaazv3e.jpg)
(http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/b552/horrorhunter/HICustom_2_zpspxechb4v.jpg)
CONTENTS:
Hamilton Spider
3 Small Hamilton Bugs
12 Blue Defenders
3 Victims
Mountain & 2 Rock Arches (Metallic Blue Soft Plastic)
2 Dead Trees & Stump (Brown Soft Plastic)
Playmat
Custom Box (by Alan Lortz)
I put this set together to put some of my extra pieces to better use. I bought the box from an eBay listing a couple of years ago. There were some cheap pieces with it but I replaced those with what you see here. The Hamilton Spider is mine from kidhood. It is missing the antennae and the pull-string motor doesn't work anymore, but it still displays alright. The 3 small HI Bugs and the 12 Blue Defenders are original Remco HI pieces. The 3 Victims are Marx Bathing Beauty repops (one of the chicks is bug food but the other two are ready to party with the soldiers after the fight.. or run, depending on how that goes >:D). The dead trees and stump are Marx repops. The mountain and rock arches are original MPC. The playmat is one of two I salvaged from a crappy Animal Planet dino playset. The box is by a fellow named Alan Lortz who has drawn several custom playset boxes that have found their way into the marketplace. One of his boxes turns up on eBay occasionally. It's charmingly cheezy, which appropriately fits the theme of this little playset.
8)
I remember fondly waking up Christmas morning ( probably 1964), and seeing my Hamiltons Invaders playset under the tree, 10 years old at the time, and just going out of my mind with this toy. It was so cool, pulling the string and watching it go across the floor. Back then, with 2 other brothers, we each got 3 Christmas presents each, another present was the grenade pistol, I remember shooting my poor brother Bobby in the head with it!! I think somewhere I still have the old home movie of that incident, I really got in trouble for that one!! Years ago at an Allentown toy show I purchased a 3 tier Hamiltons set with all the items in a huge window display box, sure wish I had that now!!
Quote from: skully on October 24, 2015, 12:27:09 AMI remember fondly waking up Christmas morning ( probably 1964), and seeing my Hamiltons Invaders playset under the tree, 10 years old at the time, and just going out of my mind with this toy. It was so cool, pulling the string and watching it go across the floor. Back then, with 2 other brothers, we each got 3 Christmas presents each, another present was the grenade pistol, I remember shooting my poor brother Bobby in the head with it!! I think somewhere I still have the old home movie of that incident, I really got in trouble for that one!!
Oh man, great memories of a fantastic toy!
8)
Quote from: skully on October 24, 2015, 12:27:09 AMYears ago at an Allentown toy show I purchased a 3 tier Hamiltons set with all the items in a huge window display box, sure wish I had that now!!
Wow! What did it cost, and why would you ever part with the set given your experience/memories?
???
Hi Hepcat!! Well. I didn't want to sell it, but, as bills came due among other things, it was sacrificed, things happen like this sometimes, and as the years go by, you discover that you really did a "dumb" thing selling a particular item, it almost happens to us all eventually, but the memories remain with me, I'll never forget the joy of seeing that toy under the Christmas tree, and eventually buying the "mother of all" Hamiltons invader pieces at that show, And, I think I only paid 50 dollars for it at the Allentown show, unbeliveable!!! I later sold it for a meager 300 dollars!!!
The Horrible Hamilton is the cornerstone of any Hamilton's Invaders collection. Here's a nice working one that someone pounced on pretty quick for $350.00:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Hamiltons-Invaders-HORRIBLE-HAMILTON-by-Remco-COMPLETE-WORKING-See-Video-/111882803414?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=8uWcWgvJT7S5JYWXcbJKxuajGdw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Hamiltons-Invaders-HORRIBLE-HAMILTON-by-Remco-COMPLETE-WORKING-See-Video-/111882803414?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=8uWcWgvJT7S5JYWXcbJKxuajGdw%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc)
(http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/x10AAOSw5dNWooRn/s-l1600.jpg)
It even has a crack on the left side, but except for that it seems pretty well undamaged (the nose seems to have a small blemish).
Horrible Hamiltons are usually found damaged. Some common condition problems are: pull-string motor doesn't work (usually because the string slipped off), antennae broken off, eye(s) missing, cracks, melts in the plastic, broken leg(s), broken pincers.
Prices have really shot up on these in the last few years. I've seen non-working examples with missing antennae and other damage sell for over $100.00. Considering the premium pricing most collectibles command in "like new" undamaged condition I wonder what a loose pristine example would sell for currently.
(I hate to use the term "Mint" except for grading comics/mags, and none of them are really Mint by strict grading standards... well, maybe 1 book in 10,000, or some ridiculously low percentage similar to that. I prefer to use "like new" or "excellent" to describe undamaged toys, since Mint refers to coins and comics)
I considered buying this, but the crack killed it. I have a boxed, unused Hamilton, but the tip of his stinger is broken. If I had an absolutely mint, perfect, loose Hamilton, I'd switch him out.
My HI Helmet and Guns:
(https://c2.staticflickr.com/2/1895/29492937557_c2bd577ed2_b.jpg)
The patch is fan-made.
Here's an eBay listing that's noteworthy for 2 reasons: https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1964-Horrible-Hamilton-REMCO-Hamiltons-Invaders-and-Cave-WORKS-Video/382615171723?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-1964-Horrible-Hamilton-REMCO-Hamiltons-Invaders-and-Cave-WORKS-Video/382615171723?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649)
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/FncAAOSwdwVb2x4O/s-l1600.jpg)
The first reason is the scarce HI Cave. These are corrugated cardboard and not many survived the Monster Kid wars over the years.
The second reason is that the seller makes the statement that only the eye is missing on the Horrible Hamilton, and then goes on to state that there are NO more missing or broken parts or pieces with multiple exclamation points. The pics clearly show that both antennae are broken off. Never trust seller info. Do your research and know what to look for before dropping big bucks on an expensive collectible. BUYER BEWARE!
Another HI Cave popped up on eBay for $100 and sold almost immediately. Here's the eBay pic:
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/1igAAOSwy7hb3zgR/s-l1600.jpg)
This one has fairly heavy wear on the folds and repair from inside according to the description (probably tape).
These caves are tough to find these days. One in truly excellent condition might sell for a surprisingly large amount.
Wouldn't surprise me in the least to see a high grade cave fetch hundreds$. They just wouldn't have survived kid depredations in anywhere close to mint condition.
:-\
Horrible Hamilton in excellent condition sells for $500. Here's the eBay listing:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-HORRIBLE-HAMILTON-by-REMCO-Hamiltons-Invaders-COMPLETE-WORKING-Rare-/113348598238?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-HORRIBLE-HAMILTON-by-REMCO-Hamiltons-Invaders-COMPLETE-WORKING-Rare-/113348598238?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720)
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/8UIAAOSwpwRb3eDl/s-l1600.jpg)
Horrible is the signature HI piece, and HI collectors want a nice one to display, so they bring a good price these days. The ones that usually pop up on eBay have missing pieces and no longer work. Even the damaged ones sell for $100-$200 or more. I wouldn't be surprised to see an excellent one break the $500 threshold before too long. There aren't many around anymore in undamaged working condition. Horrible Hamilton isn't as scarce as the HI Cave but demand outstrips supply more for the big bug than any other HI piece it would seem.
Amazingly, another of the scarce HI Caves popped up on eBay on a BIN for $90. It was snatched up immediately. Sellers are underpricing the cave pieces which should probably bring more like $150-$300 depending on condition. I'd like to see one listed in an auction to see what it would really sell for, but sellers list them as Buy-It-Now when they rarely become available and they are bought very quickly in the $100 price range. These things are corrugated cardboard and most were torn up and discarded not long after kids got those Sears exclusive HI playsets on Christmas morning. I was fairly careful with my toys as a kid and my HI Cave didn't last a month. They're probably nearly as scarce as the original shipping boxes, or maybe more-so.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Hamiltons-Invaders-CAVE-by-REMCO-Hamiltons-Invaders-COMPLETE-Rare-/183534828330?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/1964-Hamiltons-Invaders-CAVE-by-REMCO-Hamiltons-Invaders-COMPLETE-Rare-/183534828330?nordt=true&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.m43663.l44720)
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/RlAAAOSwsqxb64sj/s-l1600.jpg)
Quote from: horrorhunter on November 13, 2018, 10:38:24 PMHorrible is the signature HI piece....
You bet he is! And he's such a handsome fellow too!
8)
Here from a March 2017 Hake's Auction are shots of several boxed Hamilton's Invaders sets that are right off-the-scale rad cool!
(https://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/hamiltonsinvaders2_zpsqnuqynqy.jpg)
(https://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/hamiltonsinvaders3_zps0onvcr0e.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/hamiltonsinvaders4_zpscnqzpsum.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/hamiltonsinvaders5_zpsjosij5lf.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/hamiltonsinvaders6_zpsrezeutkm.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/hamiltonsinvaders1_zpsl3arsgvd.jpg)
(https://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/Hamilton%20Inva3_zps2ka1akvc.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/Hanilton%20Hakes_zpsbilmrhsr.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/Hamilton%20Inv2_zpsgzehlx0e.jpg)
8)
Those sets are truly stunning, did these sell already and any idea as to price if they did?
Ian
Well here's the Giant Hamilton's Invaders set which including the Buyer's Premium ended at $2596:
https://www.hakes.com/Auction/ItemDetail/211596/GIANT-HAMILTONS-INVADERS-SET-RARE-IN-WINDOW-BOX (https://www.hakes.com/Auction/ItemDetail/211596/GIANT-HAMILTONS-INVADERS-SET-RARE-IN-WINDOW-BOX)
I'll leave sorting through the rest up to you.
:-\
Quote from: Hepcat on December 17, 2018, 05:03:36 PM
Well here's the Giant Hamilton's Invaders set which including the Buyer's Premium ended at $2596:
https://www.hakes.com/Auction/ItemDetail/211596/GIANT-HAMILTONS-INVADERS-SET-RARE-IN-WINDOW-BOX (https://www.hakes.com/Auction/ItemDetail/211596/GIANT-HAMILTONS-INVADERS-SET-RARE-IN-WINDOW-BOX)
I'll leave sorting through the rest up to you.
:-\
It's a high price although I'm not so sure for something like this, it seems a fair deal to me (even though it would be way outside my budget). I'll take a look at the others in a bit but thanks for the link.
Ian
Here is a young fellow circa 1964-65 delighted to have been gifted with a Helmet and Grenade Pistol set:
(https://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/Hamilton%204_zpshi0pltem.jpg)
8)
Quote from: Hepcat on March 26, 2019, 08:46:04 AM
Here is a young fellow circa 1964-65 delighted to have been gifted with a Helmet and Grenade Pistol set:
Have you still got it?
That's not me in the picture, and sadly I don't have such a Helmet and Grenade Pistol set. I do though have two different M.I.B. Grenade Pistols plus a loose helmet with box:
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HamiltonInvaders.jpg)
(http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/HamiltonInvaders4.jpg)
:)
This is an eBay listing for a boxed set of 12 Hamilton's Invaders Blue Defenders.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Hamiltons-Invaders-12-Blue-Defenders-Soldiers-mint-in-package/114541168092?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Hamiltons-Invaders-12-Blue-Defenders-Soldiers-mint-in-package/114541168092?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649)
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/34AAAOSw7GVfvsov/s-l1600.jpg)
The seller states that it may be a fan-made piece. I know I've never seen it before. It's cool though, and if it is a custom piece the faker did a great job. At least the Blue Defenders are original, and those usually sell for around $10 each in undamaged condition, so this thing should be worth around $150-$200 if it's a custom. If it's some sort of rare or unique original (like a test shot or prototype) then the sky's the limit.
While the original Hamilton's Invaders sets came in window boxes, they weren't shrink wrapped as is the one above. But the cardboard in which the Blue Defenders set is packaged does look worn in places:
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Remco_6.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Remco_2.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Remco_4.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Remco_1.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/images/g434/Balticprince/Remco_5.jpg?width=1920&height=1080&fit=bounds)
Perhaps an original piece was shrink wrapped at some later date. In any event if it is a custom fan-made piece, it's certainly very well done compared to the original Remco releases:
(https://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g434/Balticprince/General%20Album%203/General%20Album%203001/Hamilton%20Inva3_zps2ka1akvc.jpg)
:-\
Quote from: Hepcat on December 02, 2020, 10:10:39 AM
Perhaps an original piece was shrink wrapped at some later date. In any event if it is a custom fan-made piece, it's certainly very well done compared to the original Remco releases:
Also, one Blue Defender has the end of his weapon broken off (3rd row down, 1st figure on the left).
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/34AAAOSw7GVfvsov/s-l1600.jpg)
If it was an original factory piece, or even a test shot or prototype I doubt that Remco's quality control would have allowed that. It's almost certainly a fan-made piece, though very well done (except for the damaged soldier).
Looks like it sold for $305 + SH.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Hamiltons-Invaders-12-Blue-Defenders-Soldiers-mint-in-package/114541168092?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Hamiltons-Invaders-12-Blue-Defenders-Soldiers-mint-in-package/114541168092?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649)
eBay listing for a Hamilton's Invaders Cave in really great condition:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Vintage-HAMILTON-INVADERS-Die-Cut-FOLDING-CAVE-1964-REMCO-Very-Nice-/154214782574?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10 (https://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-Vintage-HAMILTON-INVADERS-Die-Cut-FOLDING-CAVE-1964-REMCO-Very-Nice-/154214782574?_trksid=p2385738.m4383.l4275.c10)
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/3b8AAOSw9Olfh0fF/s-l1600.jpg)
I think $150 + Shipping is a pretty good deal for this piece. These things are HTF in this condition. Being made of corrugated cardboard not many survived the 56 year journey, and very few are still around in excellent condition. The cave and the original boxes are the scarcest HI pieces. Also scarce is the Horrible Hamilton in excellent, as new condition. Horribles are nearly always damaged somehow, and finding one in high grade is a feat.
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLiu62vTzk8Ie3PCJhtS8ZeE74CZdmTey
Found this 1964 Christmastime video on YT with some great HI window-boxed playsets.
Watch 'em rip through that glorius packaging! :'(
A lot of 2 Hamilton's Invaders toys (Hamilton Beetle and Hamilton Spider) sold for around $230 total.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/ClQAAeSwK25oQKJU/s-l1600.webp)
Both are in excellent condition and the seller stated that the pull-string motors still work. I saw this too late, or I would have bought them. In this condition this lot was way underpriced. I don't have the Beetle, and my Spider is the original one I had as a kid from 1964 so it's lesser condition. The seller listed this with a "Best Offer" but some wise buyer grabbed these quickly as I would have done. Rats!
An old Christmas photo for sale on eBay shows a kid playing with his Hamilton's Invaders toys.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/apQAAOSw5EBnbtej/s-l1600.webp)
This eBay auction was ended by the seller because "the item is no longer available" for this Horrible Hamilton in top condition.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/A98AAOSwXRtoRzOx/s-l1600.webp)
This is the signature piece that collectors like to display on the shelf from their HI collections. They really are scarce in this undamaged condition still working. This one doesn't even have glue stains on the seams. You see Horrible Hamiltons listed on eBay in various lower conditions missing pieces with breaks and not working for around $100-$300. In this high grade it probably should sell for $600-$700. Of course, with shipping and tax and listed at $750 you're looking at around $850, so someone must have bypassed eBay and made a deal under the table.
Now it's back up for the same price. ???
This Horrible Hamilton sold at eBay auction for around $175 total (SH + tax). It's missing the pull-string so it doesn't crawl, but for display it's pretty nice with no missing pieces or breaks.
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/hkoAAOSwX5hoUOwx/s-l1600.webp)
With high-grade working examples selling for 3-4 times that it was a pretty good buy. Honestly, these are just desirable for display these days anyway. You never know when the pull-string motor will conk out and when it does you're left with a string that won't retract and no longer displays that great. It's a bonus if it still works but probably not that big a deal anymore.
A present day take on the Hamilton's Invaders:
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/6fa1aee1-cda5-4a75-acb5-f5287f1d5803/9b0d2b68-c3c6-40f0-8921-b05c09fcdc67.webp)
(https://hosting.photobucket.com/6fa1aee1-cda5-4a75-acb5-f5287f1d5803/0399d43a-5831-4be8-9125-478fcbb50020.webp)
Different from the original figures but still very cool!
Has anyone added a set of these to their collection?
???
One of the hard-to-find HI cardboard caves sold on eBay for $154.50 with 8 bids (around $178 total with sh & tax).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/357881907779
(https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/OvAAAeSwduJpEUla/s-l1600.webp)
Looks pretty good but it does have about a 2" tear at the bottom.
Not many of these survived so condition issues are to be expected. The one I received as a kid in 1964 didn't last long. As an adult collector I bought a HI Sears playset with a pretty nice condition cave a few years back from an eBay seller. It was great to see that old cave again after all those years.