Bravery and Beauty— Valor Inc.’s outstanding (2002) “Rosie the Riveter” action figure had (and still has) a fantastic headsculpt that collectors continue to clamor for, 14 years after its debut. Likewise, Rosie’s denim coveralls, perfectly painted and detailed “Higgin’s Boats” helmet, rivet welder’s mask and superbly fitted headscarf were ALL excellent detail items not available with any other figure. (Photo: Mark Otnes)
Unsold, NMIB, 12-inch (1:6 scale) “Rosies” Reappear at Retail—14 Years After Initial Release
We had just finished touring the four massive buildings of the National Museum of the United States Air Force near Dayton, Ohio and were headed towards the exit (via the museum’s strategically located gift shop, ‘natch), when what did our weary eyes behold? Nothing but a shiny stack of NMIB (2002-vintage) “Rosie the Riveter” 12″ action figures. Holy Recovered Treasures!
Let Me Out, Big Boy!— This beautiful (2002) “Rosie the Riveter” action figure by Valor, Inc., has never been removed from its minty-fresh window-display box. But c’mon guys and gals… FREE HER NOW. Those B-17s won’t build themselves. USA! USA! (Photo: Mark Otnes) Click to enlarge.
You may recall that these 12″ scarlet-scarfed heroines were originally produced waaaay back in 2002 by the now-defunct toy manufacturer “Valor, USA Inc.,” as part of an exclusive fund-raising figure line created to benefit the DDay Museum (later renamed the National WWII Museum) down in New Orleans, LA. Apparently however, an undetermined number of these “homefront heroines” went unsold and were later resold and shipped up to the national USAF museum near Dayton, Ohio—ultimately to reappear for sale once again (at full retail) over 14+ years later. What the…?
Raising Money With Rosie— The back of Rosie’s box still bears the original logo of the DDay Museum which stood to benefit from the sale of all ” Americans of Valor” figures. The front of the package confirmed that fact, proudly stating: “A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this item will be donated to the National D-Day Museum.” Those days of financial contribution to the DDay Museum may be over now, but sales of these newly discovered NOS (new old stock) Rosie figures will continue to benefit the National Museum of the USAF—another outstanding organization! (Photo: Mark Otnes)
If you’re curious, the “full retail price” for a Rosie the Riveter figure at the USAF museum rings up at exactly $30 + tax. And while we were there, the figures were placed proudly atop the pinnacle of a multi-level table full of other Rosie souvenirs. I didn’t count the remaining figures, but my best “guesstimate” is about 6-8 visible figures up on the table and about another case down below.
Details to Spare— As this closeup reveals, Rosie’s scarf is a perfect, snug fit, and her helmet sports absolutely superb Higgin’s Boats graphics. You GO, girl! (Photo: Mark Otnes) Click to enlarge.
Bottom Line: As of yesterday (Monday, August 15th, 2016) there was still a very high “pyramid of pulchritude” for 1:6 Rosie fans to purchase. Remember, admission to the USAF museum is FREE, so if you can make a quick trip (up, down, over) to the Dayton area, take a moment to stop in at the USAF museum, enjoy all of its wonderful aircraft displays and pick up an increasingly rare Rosie the Riveter action figure. As Rosie would say—We Can Do It!
