Posted 4 years ago
allentwnguy
(1 item)
This is an original war bonnet designed by Ellen Schmutz for the Lone Ranger and Tonto action figures. She designed and hand made the clothes then sent them to the Hong Kong manufacturer to be evaluated for mass production. They were sent back with notations for what was good and what needed redesign. This bonnet was gifted to me when I was dating her daughter in 1972 and went into the hospital for oral surgery. It has lived in a cigar box for over 40 years and finally put under this dome last year. I believe this was produced in 1977 on a clothing card titled "THE LONE RANGER RIDES AGAIN … IN THE ADVENTURE OF THE INDIAN WAR" I don't really collect action figures but thought someone who does would find this interesting.
I collect that series. Don't have that piece yet. That is a great piece.
This piece is a one of a kind. It was made a years before they actually went into production. It is the prototype for the production war bonnet. I only think three were made.
The Gabriel Lone Ranger toy line is picking up interest. Prices have doubled our tripled. I used to buy carded sets for almost nothing and now they close to $100.
I shook the collecting bug several years ago when I retired. This piece is just a sentimental connection to 1972 and that snippet of time. It is a nice piece that should have been displayed years ago. I got in touch with my old gf a couple and she was surprised I still had it along with the "Good Luck" cartoon she drew for me. I have no clue on what it might be worth. I suppose it will end up in the trash when I die.