Creature Squirt Gun on Ebay

[Mike Scott]

So, which would you rather have, 3 (one of each) carded squirt guns, or the display box as seen in the previously posted pic (and assuming you didn't care that one might be more valuable than the other)?

[Mike Scott]

This seller also has the Creature Board Game.  It didn't hit the reserve.

Anybody see the game board in those pics? I didn't.

[Bogey]

Yup.  Pretty grainy for such a high end item, but described as perfect.

[Monsters For Sale]

So, which would you rather have, 3 (one of each) carded squirt guns, or the display box as seen in the previously posted pic (and assuming you didn't care that one might be more valuable than the other)?

I'd opt for the display box squirters.  Why?  These are toys that I would enjoy taking out and handling.  

The carded ones would look nice, but be untouchable - Like graded and sealed collectibles, which I hate.

[Toy Ranch]

Dave~  I'd say you beat me out more than a few times yourself   I've never had the funds Frankenkid has to go after stuff.  He's assembling an amazing collection.

[Mike Scott]

The carded ones would look nice, but be untouchable - Like graded and sealed collectibles, which I hate.

Yeh, that's a good point. Plus, a whole box of 'em would (does) really look cool!

[Toy Ranch]

A lot of promotional flyers and catalog pages show stuff that wasn't produced or produced in the packaging shown.  Manufacturers offer stuff at retail shows for retailers to order, and if they don't get orders or don't get enough orders, the stuff doesn't get made.  These AHI water guns are scarce enough that it's entirely possible the carded Frankenstein and Creature were never produced.  Obviously the Kong was, since we've seen that one carded.  It would follow that it's likely they were produced in carded form, but until one shows up like that, I remain skeptical. 

[darkmonkeygod]

So, which would you rather have, 3 (one of each) carded squirt guns, or the display box as seen in the previously posted pic (and assuming you didn't care that one might be more valuable than the other)?

The display box, and not simply because it contains nine more water guns! The counter dump is an order of magnitude larger in terms of collecting than a carded set, because you've gone beyond what was available for sale to the consumer and into the world of of packaging and promotion. That box was never available to the general public, other than through some hypothetical case where a retailer sold one, and was meant to be disposed of when the toys were sold, making it that much rarer than the items it houses. Those display boxes weren't refillable, retailers just ordered a new case.

Now, a case of carded squirt guns against the counter display? Unless the carded case had amazing graphics (which is so unlikely as to be classed as next to impossible), I'd still go with the counter dump, assuming the value rule extends to resale, 'cuz while I could break a case of toys up, a display is near impossible for me, especially if the top had already been perforated like the one pictured in the catalog.

[Mike Scott]

That box was never available to the general public, other than through some hypothetical case where a retailer sold one,

I'm sure any retailer would have sold you that counter box full of guns, had you asked. I doubt anybody did, though. Not in 1975.

[MadCow]

He is trying to put together a full display box like the one pictured. Quite a task indeed, but if anyone can do it, he can.

That's impressive but also VERY selfish. Someone shouldn't hoard something that so limited when other collectors should be able to enjoy it as well...

[Toy Ranch]

Dan is selling repro AHI catalogs in the Classifieds that show the carded guns as well as the box.

[poseablemonster]

Dan is selling repro AHI catalogs in the Classifieds that show the carded guns as well as the box.

I was just going to say that it looks like the carded creature gun is pictured there, hard to tell for sure.

My 70's toy memory seems to recall that Kresge was a retailer that required packaging that could be hung by peg-hook style display.  I think that is why the Kresge Mego figures came about, and perhaps eventually the packaging switch from box to cardback.  Not sure, but it's a theory as to why they had both carded and counter displays available to retailers. 

[raycastile]

I would rather have three carded examples.  I like carded toys, especially AHI and other low-end 70s merchandise.  I remember them dangling from peg hooks like ornaments on a Christmas tree, or carrots on a stick.

[poseablemonster]

I got most of my AHI stuff from Kresge, so it was all carded.  My grandparents lived within walking distance of Kresge and Venture stores, so it was AHI monsters from Kresge, and Mego figures from Venture. 
I still think I'd rather have the full counter display, but I'd settle for either!

[Mike Scott]

I was just going to say that it looks like the carded creature gun is pictured there, hard to tell for sure.

Yep, (L to R) KK, Creature, Frank.