POWERHOUSE COLLECTION

Army head quarters toy from the TV show 'MASH'

Object No. 2003/111/35

Created as a spin-off of the original 1970 'M*A*S*H' movie (directed by Robert Altman), the 'MASH' television series was a sentimental sitcom set in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean war. The series won many awards, world-wide critical acclaim and the devotion of loyal fans. There were 251 episodes made between 1972 and 1983. Its final episode was one of the most-watched single shows in US television history. This toy comes from a group of 3000 toys that was auctioned on 8 and 9 September 2002 by Goodman's at Double Bay. The toys, nearly all officially licensed merchandise from television productions, films and comic books, were accumulated in Australia by Barry Woodley since his youth. Most have their original packaging and have never been opened. This toy is suitable for inclusion in the proposed exhibition about television in Australians' lives. In this context it can be used to illustrate themes relating to 'Children, television and the family' and merchandising.

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Summary

Object Statement

Toy, 'MASH' head quarters and accessories, with packaging, plastic / card, made by Ja-Ru Inc, Hong Kong, 1981

Physical Description

Toy, MASH Head Quarters, with packaging, licensed from the television show 'MASH', plastic / card, made by Ja-Ru, Hong Kong, 1981 The sealed plastic and cardboard blister pack contains three green toy jeeps and a green tent, each with a yellow and black sticker saying 'MASH 4077'. There is a red flag with the text 'MASH 4077' printed in yellow. A printed colour photograph of the MASH cast and a helicopter are on the front of the packaging with the text 'MASH Head Quarters, As seen on TV, Ja-Ru, Jacksonville, Florida'.

DIMENSIONS

Width

153 mm

Depth

33 mm

PRODUCTION

Notes

The MASH head quarters and accessories were made in Hong Kong by Ja-Ru in1981.

HISTORY

Notes

This toy came from a collection of over 3000 toys accumulated by Barry Woodley of Sydney between 1980 and 2002. Woodley began collecting seriously at the age of 17. He was consistent in his approach, collecting only toy vehicles and robots licensed from television, film and other media such as comic books, that were in mint condition and in their original packaging. Woodley collected for his own pleasure and did not open the toys or play with them. The MASH head quarters was sold with the rest of the Woodley collection by Goodman's auctioneers in 2002.

SOURCE

Credit Line

Purchased, 2003

Acquisition Date

11 July 2003

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