Dalek action figure

Category

Museums & Galleries Item

Item no

20761

Title

Dalek action figure

Description

A Dalek action figure made of moulded plastic. The black conical shape has raised circular nodules on the surface. The domed top of the toy has clear red plastic windows. The two arms project from the front of the cone. One arm is shorter and rectangular in shape. The other arm is coloured grey and has a circular shape at the end. There are four wheels set into base, two rotating on a metal section. The cavity in the base has a hinged cover to contain battery that operates light in the domed top.

Artist / maker

Marx Toys

Date

1970

Size

16.5cm

Type

Toy

Location

Museum of Childhood

Accession number

MC106.2005

The first episode of Dr Who was broadcast in 1963. Aimed at children, it soon gained a cult following with people of all ages. The Doctor lived in a police box which transformed into a time machine known as the TARDIS, which stood for Time and Relative Dimensions in Space.
The Doctor has fought various enemies from throughout time and space, the most memorable of which were arguably the Daleks. Mutants encased in mechanical armour, their mission was to wipe out all beings inferior to themselves. Their quirky appearance and spine-chilling exclamation 'Ex-ter-min-ate!' made them an appealing toy and millions of Daleks were sold as the country was gripped by 'Dalkmania'. In 1999, the enduring appeal of the Daleks was celebrated on a postage stamp, with a photograph of the villains themselves taken by Lord Snowdon.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Sport and leisure > Activities > Toys

Toys > Figures > Figures

Toys > Figures > Plastic figures