1983 Gumball Machine Coin Bank (Superior Toy & Manufacturing Co., Inc.)
These gumball machine coin banks were produced starting in 1983 by the Superior Toy & Manufacturing Company, Inc. The gumball machines included 100 pieces of gum. Three different versions of gumball banks were released featuring the art from the action figure carrying case (pictured above), the R.A.M., and the V.A.M.P.. G.I. Joe-themed gumballs included in these gumball machines included multiple G.I. Joe characters, the M.M.S., the M.O.B.A.T., the R.A.M., and the V.A.M.P.. Other G.I.Joe-themed gumball items released by Superior included 100 piece gumball refill packs and gumball pocket pack dispensers.
Notice the package shows a date of 1982 but we are listing this as a 1983 item. The reason for this is trademark information for the companion item pocket pack dispensers show the first ever use for those items was on 2/1/1983, and the first use in commerce was on 9/1/1983, as shown here. Presumably, Superior Toy would have been brought both the pocket pack dispensers and the gumball machine coin banks to market simultaneously. For these gumball machine coin banks the trademark is actually from 1973-74 but we have seen a Marvel newsletter stating Superior Toy was added as a G.I. Joe licensee between their 1982-83 newsletters. Finally, the image on the side of the package also shows Airborne, a 1983 figure.
Roll over the images below for more info, or click them to view full screen.
Notice the package shows a date of 1982 but we are listing this as a 1983 item. The reason for this is trademark information for the companion item pocket pack dispensers show the first ever use for those items was on 2/1/1983, and the first use in commerce was on 9/1/1983, as shown here. Presumably, Superior Toy would have been brought both the pocket pack dispensers and the gumball machine coin banks to market simultaneously. For these gumball machine coin banks the trademark is actually from 1973-74 but we have seen a Marvel newsletter stating Superior Toy was added as a G.I. Joe licensee between their 1982-83 newsletters. Finally, the image on the side of the package also shows Airborne, a 1983 figure.
Roll over the images below for more info, or click them to view full screen.
1984 Hasbro Trade Advertisement
Pictured below is a 1984 Hasbro trade advertisement showing Superior Toy & Manufacturing Company, Inc. as one of the 1984 G.I. Joe licensees.
1985 Superior Toy & Manufacturing Co., Inc. Trade Catalog and Order Form
Images courtesy of Dan Moore.
