SPACE TROOPER - HAJI - JAPAN

Early in windup astronaut with gun. Walking motion. Fixed key. There are versions with green gloves and maroon gloves. Variations in the feet color exist, though fading of the paint may account for some. The astronaut carries a fixed rifle.

This is a unique robot in several respects. The manufacturer, Haji, is not known for space toys and this is very much a one-off creation. It's a similar age to the Nomura Space Commando but this robot has no descendants. The body shape is wonderfully old-fashioned and the litho detailing is high quality and brightly colored. The face has oriental features and the hard-to-find box art has a comic-like simplicity.

The Space Trooper is first seen in The Emporium's Big Christmas Toy and Gift Catalog for 1956. It is probably the maroon glove version. Widely advertised from September 1956.

Whilst not a rare robot, the box is very hard to find. This has led to speculation that the toy may have been sold loose.