Rare Marvel Hulk stretch toy set to go under the hammer

Excalibur Auctions said the toy is one of only 30 known examples of the original Hulk stretch figure from 1979 known to still exist.

Excalibur Auctions said the toy is one of only 30 known examples of the original Hulk stretch figure from 1979 known to still exist. (Image: Excalibur Auctions) It was produced by renowned toy-maker Denys Fisher (1918-2002) and comes directly from its original owner, who begged his mother for one as a child.

She knew someone who worked for Denys Fisher and was able to purchase one of the first off the production line.

The toy comes straight from its original owner, who pleaded with his mother for one as a child. It has never been played with since. (Image: Excalibur Auctions) The toy will go under the hammer later this month and is expected to sell for up to £5,000.

It comes with its original packaging which bears a handwritten "number one" on the flap of the box, and is described as being in "mint" condition having been kept out of the light and upright over the years.

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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."

Photo issued by Excalibur Auctions of a leaflet for the stretch figure of Marvel character the Hulk, said to be one of the rarest stretch toys in existence, will go under the hammer on July 26 for an estimate of £3,000-£5,000. (Image: Excalibur Auctions) The Hulk figure was manufactured in Thorp Arch, Wetherby, and was sold in limited quantities only in the UK, through select mail-order catalogues and a handful of shops. 

Excalibur Auctions said the Hulk figure comes with its original instructions and has never been offered for sale since it was bought in 1979.

The figure will be offered in the Excalibur Auctions Vintage Toys Diecast Models & Model Railways auction on July 26 with an estimate of £3,000-£5,000.