 |
| Baravelli "Matt Mason" Flipper Front |
I had heard and dismissed the rumor that the Baravelli "Matt Mason" Flipper (aka bagatelle) existed years ago - it just sounded too unlikely. Then I stumbled on the image from a
Baravelli Natale catalog inserted in an issue of Italy's Topolino (the very popular Disney publication where the first 2-page MMM announcement surfaced in 1968). That lead me on a hunt for a copy of the November 2, 1969 issue of Topolino and ultimately to my acquisition of the "Matt Mason" flipper. I was aided by an Italian MMM collector, Mario Fasola who has also helped me with Italian Shogun Warrior toys in the past. In any case, this is the bagatelle.
From the graphics I'd say that this is certainly something that Mattel allowed Baravelli to create - it's reminiscent of the artwork used in the
Sunworthy MMM Wallpaper but may have just been derived from Mattel packaging. My goal now is to find an unused example in the Baravelli open-faced box (if it exists). When I brought up the bagatelle to my friend and contributor Simone he basically admitted that he knew about the bagatelle but had always ignored it as being too juvenile a toy, unworthy of the rest of Mattel's offerings (at least that was the gist I inferred - I'll see if I can find the correspondence).
 |
| Baravelli "Matt Mason" Flipper Back |
Packaging:
The bagatelle appears to have been offered in an open-faced box with a wide border and MMM graphics. No copyright is present.
 |
| Baravelli "Matt Mason" Flipper from 1969 Natale Catalog in Topolino |
Paul's Notes:
It’s most exciting to see this almost-mythical game for real. I remember having several internet trawls to try and find one way back when, so hearty congrats to John for finally finding one.
Although the toys illustrated on the cardboard back are clearly copied from photos in the 6-page folder, I was amused to recognize the flying Matt from the first Baravelli advert neatly taking the top spot.
 |
Open to view the inspiration for the graphics on this "Flipper"
|
John's Notes:
It's hard to describe the joy I felt when Mario said he had found this for me, and the feelings I had when it was subsequently shipped and I first held it in my hands. When you own pretty much every MMM toy, to find something that you weren't aware of and then actually own it imbues an emotion that's quite rare. Much thanks to Mario Fasola for his aid in acquiring this toy.
 |
Me with the Baravelli "Matt Mason" Flipper, 2022
|
All Mattel images and captions are copyright Mattel and used without permission. All other content, including images and editorial, is Copyright © 1997-2024 John Eaton and/or contributors unless otherwise stated. If there are any comments or objections, please contact John Eaton or Paul Vreede.
1 comment:
Nice! As I think I mentioned on Facebook, I remember seeing this on the Baravelli Catalog for Christmas 1969. It came with Topolino, the Mickey Mouse comic so popular in Italy. However, I don't remember actually seeing this in stores. This would have been a "5&10" sort of product, aimed at cartolerie (paper shops that would also sell low-end toys) rather than regular toy stores. Still, my 5 1/2 y.o. self would have loved one.
Post a Comment