Mattel - Figure - Karl May Winnetou en Old Shatterhand (2) - Plastic, Paper, Cardboard

Mattel Big Jim – Karl May series: Winnetou & Old Shatterhand (1975) – MIB

For the serious vintage toy collector, this lot offers a unique chance to acquire two absolute icons from the 70s: Winnetou and Old Shatterhand from the legendary Mattel Big Jim 'Karl May' series of 1975.

Both action figures are still in their original, unopened packaging (Mint in Box). This makes this set an extremely rare find, since the vast majority of this toy was heavily used at the time.

In 1971 Mattel introduced the 'Big Jim' action figures in response to Hasbro's G.I. Joe. While G.I. Joe focused on the army, Big Jim was about sport, adventure and exploration. In the mid-70s Mattel cleverly tapped into the immense popularity of the Karl May books and the iconic German Winnetou films. In 1975 they released this special Western Europe Karl May line. The figures feature realistic fabric clothing and detailed accessories.
Rarity:

Within the Big Jim collecting world, the Karl May sub-series is among the most sought-after and desirable. Because this line was produced specifically for the European market at the time (notably Germany, the Benelux countries and France), the edition was considerably smaller than the American releases. A complete set of the two leads, still fully sealed in the box after more than 50 years, is extremely rare and a top piece for any vintage toy collection.

• Status: Unopened / Mint in Box (MIB).
• Packaging: The cardboard boxes are in very good condition. The colors are beautifully bright and absolutely not sun-bleached (which is common for this type of packaging). There are light, normal signs of storage and aging visible on the edges of the cardboard.
• Cellophane (windows): The cellophane window of Winnetou is intact. The cellophane of Old Shatterhand has a small tear (see photos for an accurate view).
The figures themselves and the internal accessories are in absolute new condition and have never been touched.

• Brand: Mattel
• Production country: Taiwan (for Mattel Europe)
• Year: 1975
• Series: Big Jim - Karl May / Western Line
• Characters: Winnetou (No. 9404) & Old Shatterhand (No. 9405