Astronaut Space Ship Case

MMM Space Ship Case

MMM Space Ship Case - What is it?

The Space Ship Case is an oddity among Major Matt Mason items. Made from vinyl-covered cardboard and Vacuform plastic, the upright spaceship could be used to store your MMM accessories and seat a figure in the upper deck in the traditional reclining, take-off position. A bulbous "nose" projected from the top (perhaps to suggest the Gemini spacecraft), as did four thrusters along the bottom edges. A large door could be swung down to provide interior access and a ramp from the planetary or moon's surface. A convenient handle on the Ship's spine allowed its owner to easily transport the case and contents to grandma's or down-the-street. A hang-tag tied to the handle provided the shop-owner with a place to put a price sticker.

Sticker Sheet:

N/A

Instructions:

N/A

Patents:

N/A

Maladies:

• Busted or missing nose (top)
• Busted or missing thrusters (bottom)
• Missing or broken shelf/seat
• Torn fold-down hatch/door
• Missing clasp
• Missing carry-handle

Variations:

None Known

John's Notes:

I have a feeling that this accessory was rather a disappointment to Mattel regarding sales. The Case is both difficult to find, and almost impossible to acquire in nice, intact condition. The Vacuform top and thrusters are frequently broken and/or missing. Even the hang-tag is a rarity. I doubt many of these were produced and distributed. I recently upgraded to the one pictured, after hunting for 5 years for a decent example (I paid a rather exorbitant price). I know of only a handful of these that are intact, and only 3 of them have hang-tags. 

As an aside, there are variations to the Vacuform parts being produced in the aftermarket by dedicated MMM fans, usually in white. Some clever changes have been customized, don't be fooled into thinking these are prototype variations - rather they are recent customizations.

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