3. Vintage 1954-55 Ideal 's Robert the Robot Remote Control in box (3 robots)

This classic plastic and tin toy robot was manufactured by the Ideal Toy Corporation, of Hollis, New York, in the 1950s. Robert had good distribution, and was a common fixture in many suburban households during the early days of television. Robert's movement is controlled by a gun-like remote controller, that attaches to his back via a wire. Turning the crank on the controller makes him walk or back up, while squeezing the controller's trigger makes him turn right or left. While moving, his arms swing back and forth and his eyes light up. Robert also features a talking device, controlled by a crank on his back.

1957 Sears catalogue at a price of $5.98

Robert the Robot had a production run of around 500,000, consequently it is a common toy but you'll still have to pay a premium for a mint version, particularly one with the tools intact. It has a seminal place in any collection of robots, holding its own with the best of Japanese tin.

You can listen (in AIFF or AU format) to Robert say,
"I am Robert Robot, mechanical man. Ride me and steer me, wherever you can."

There are at least three different Robert the Robot variations. My research tells me that Robert was first available in 1954, and was in production for three or four years. Each year, Ideal "cheapened" the toy by eliminating another feature or two. This permitted them to keep the price the same (around $5.98); still remain competitive with Marx's Electric Robot (and Son) and still turn a profit. The "tool compartment/clear plastic eye & antenna" version was first. Then the tools were eliminated. Then the head was changed by eliminating the clear plastic eyes & antenna. By the time production ceased, about a half million Roberts were sold.

The first version came with a red wooden crank handle knob on the voice box. This was changed to black plastic on subsequent versions. The elimination of the toolbox and tools, as well as all the other changes to Robert, was a pure and simple cost cutting move. Ideal realized it had a good seller and sought to maximize profits. The changes, not only required less raw materials, but also simplified and quickened the production line. The third and final version of Robert the Robot cost less to produce than versions one and two and that was good for Ideal's bottom line. The other factor to take into consideration was Marx's Electric Robot and Electric Robot and Son. Louis Marx was famous for copying other manufacturers ideas, changing them just enough to avoid copyright infringement, and producing them and selling them for less than his competitors. That's why Robert and Electric look "similar".

Jay's Robert the Robot #3 (First Version with 2 of 3 tools), No Box

C-10 Great condition, Voice great, no rust. Borrow box from below

INCLUDED was a PHOTOCOPY of the ORIGINAL INSTRUCTION SHEET, a PHOTOCOPY of the ORIGINAL PATENT DRAWINGS (4 pages), a FRESH D-CELL BATTERY and TWO TOOLS (hammer & wrench)

         Jay's Robert the Robot (Second Version) C-8 Box & original instructions

      Good condition C-8, Voice Box needs existing cardboard reinstalled, minor attention

Jay's Robert the Robert #2 (First Version)  C-4 Box

Good for parts or restoration. C-4 Some parts on Robert are broken or missing i.e.: arm sleeves, missing light on head, Tool Box cover & tools are missing, the plastic housing for the remote is broken off and the four screws to hold in the motorized wheel base are missing. the box is in fair condition is orig. to this robot.