Rare 1979 toy figure set to fetch up to £5,000 at auction

A highly sought-after stretch figure of the Marvel character the Hulk, dubbed 'one of the rarest stretch toys in existence', is set to be auctioned off. Excalibur Auctions has revealed that this toy is one of a mere 30 original Hulk stretch figures from 1979 still known to exist.

Crafted by the esteemed toy maker Denys Fisher (1918-2002), it comes straight from its first owner, who, as a child, pleaded with his mother to get him one. His mother had connections with someone at Denys Fisher and managed to snag one of the earliest models straight off the production line.

The coveted toy is expected to fetch up to £5,000 when it goes under the hammer later this month. It retains its original packaging, complete with a handwritten 'number one' on the box flap.

The figure is also touted as being in 'mint' condition due to careful preservation away from light and stored upright throughout the years. Jonathan Torode, from Excalibur Auctions, said: "We are thrilled to be able to offer the opportunity to acquire one of the rarest stretch toys in existence.

"Having never been offered on the market before and to be in such good condition and with excellent provenance, renders this the ultimate for collectors. We therefore anticipate worldwide interest."

The Hulk figure was produced in Thorp Arch, Wetherby, and was only available in limited numbers in the UK, sold through select mail-order catalogues and a few shops.

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Originally part of Kenner's 'Stretch Armstrong' series, it was subsequently licensed under Denys Fisher in the UK. Toy creator Fisher, famed for inventing the Spirograph, was raised in Leeds before moving to Dumfries and later Cumbria.

The Hulk figure, distinguishable by its corn syrup filling that allowed it to be stretched, used the same latex and gel moulds as the iconic Stretch Armstrong toy.

Yet it's the green hue, distinctive Hulk head, and Marvel branding that set this stretchy figure apart from its Stretch Armstrong counterpart. Excalibur Auctions of Kings Langley, Hertfordshire, has revealed that the Hulk figure comes complete with original instructions and has remained unsold since its initial purchase back in 1979.

According to the auction house, the figure has remained untouched (and unplayed with) since production. It boasts unfaded, vibrant yellow packaging and retains the original chalk dust on its surface.

Remarkably, the figure remains supple, with no signs of deterioration to its latex 'skin'. Set to go under the hammer at Excalibur Auctions' Vintage Toys Diecast Models & Model Railways event on July 26, the figure carries a pre-sale estimate of £3,000-£5,000.

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