Army Man Toy Appraisal

Vintage Green Army Man Toy Figure

This is a vintage plastic toy soldier, commonly known as an 'Army Man.' The figure is molded from a single piece of green plastic, characteristic of mass-produced toy soldiers from the mid-20th century onwards. The soldier is depicted in a standard military uniform, featuring molded details such as a helmet, pockets on the tunic, and what appear to be ammunition pouches or a utility belt around the waist. The facial features are rudimentary, as is typical for these types of toys, showing an impression of eyes, nose, and mouth. The figure stands on an oval-shaped base for stability. A notable characteristic is the significant amount of red paint or pigment staining present across the entire surface of the green plastic. This red coloration is heavily distributed on the helmet, torso, arms, and legs, suggesting either extensive play-wear with red objects, exposure to a red-pigmented material, or perhaps a child's attempt to 'paint' the figure. This red staining is not original to the manufacturing process of typical green army men figures and is a clear indicator of its history and use. One arm, the left arm from the figure's perspective, is extended and appears to be holding or aiming a long, thin object that is broken. The object is indistinguishable due to the break, but it could have been a rifle, bazooka, or another weapon. The break is ragged, indicating physical force rather than a clean cut. Despite the broken accessory and the red staining, the main body of the figure appears to be intact with no other obvious cracks or structural damage to the plastic itself. The overall craftsmanship is basic, typical of inexpensive toy manufacturing for children, prioritizing durability and quantity over fine detail. Estimated age could range from the 1960s to 1980s or even later, given the enduring popularity and consistent manufacturing style of these figures.