Mattel #6317 Sgt Storm Flight Set

#6317 Sgt. Storm Flight Set Card Front

Apparently Mattel decided to package Sgt Storm with the same accessories as the Major Matt Mason Flight Set (#6300). In doing so, an identical backer-card was used with the MMM figure colored in red, and a green background replacing the usual blue. "Major Matt Mason" was replaced by SGT. STORM and references to his "Space Buddy" were added. Otherwise, the front and back of the card is the same. 

MMM Astronaut SGT. STORM

For some reason, this variation was only offered in the Fall 1968 catalog. Afterward, and perhaps because of the greater success in marketing the less expensive Cat Trac card, the Sgt Storm Flight Set was not to be found, which may explain its rarity.

Packaging:

The Card is full-color, process-printed and is 9 1/2" x 6" x 1 1/8" Copyright is 1968.

Sticker Sheet:

(same as MMM Flight Card Set)

Mattel Catalog Specifications:

(First appearance: Mattel Toys 1968 "Toy Fair" Catalog Page 13)

NEW! SGT. STORM FLIGHT SET #6317
Meet Major MATT MASON'S space buddy! Sandy-haired SGT. STORM is the courageous new astronaut assigned to assist Mattel's Man in Space on every mission! Bendable, posable astronaut flies with his Jet Propulsion Pak and space sled!
Removable helmet and movable sun-shield visor.
Space labels, instructions. 6" tall.
Std. Pack: 1 Doz.
Wt: 6 Lbs.

This appears to be the only year that the Sgt Storm "Flight Card" was offered.

Variations:

• Sgt Storm with Blue Straps and White Cuffs
  
• Sgt Storm with Blue Straps and Black Cuffs
  
• Sgt Storm with Black Straps
  
• German Sgt Storm Flight Card Set
• White Card used in early Firebolt Super Action Sets
  
• Head variations
  

John's Notes:

This is perhaps the hardest of the Astronaut figure carded variations to procure, with the exception of the MMM w/Gulf Card or White Rubber MMM on Flight Card. I have only seen this card with Blue Strap Sgt Storms. I believe it was only openly offered in 1968 but may have still been available past that date depending on back stock availability (Mattel seems to have taken returns on unsold stock).

Sgt Storm White Card:
This is a simplified version of the Flight Set card that may be found in the Firebolt Super Action Set (it contains a figure with helmet and Jet Propulsion Pak mounted on a white-backed blister pak. (NOTE: this also appears to be the same blister used in the Gulf Oil Promotion).

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