Playsets
Marx made several different playsets to go with the JW world. I define a playset for Johnny as being those large cardboard building / ranch sets without figures. The smaller sets made for catalog distribution usually with figures and horses, I call Combo sets and are not covered here (yet ;-) ).
Made from a heavy cardboard (what the catalogs called 'chipboard') and laminated with designs, these sets would be punched out and assembled by children of all ages. The carrying box they came in was also part of the diorama and was decorated as well.
The Playsets I know about:
Made from a heavy cardboard (what the catalogs called 'chipboard') and laminated with designs, these sets would be punched out and assembled by children of all ages. The carrying box they came in was also part of the diorama and was decorated as well.
The Playsets I know about:
- Circle X Ranch (1966)
- Fort Apache (1967)
- Mediaeval Castle (1970)
These playsets were made for the American market. However, I do know that the Circle X Ranch was distributed in Canada because I have a set of instructions written completely in French.
Circle X Ranch
To quote the 1966 JC Pennys Christmas catalog: "Big sprawling ranch house and corral set designed to complement Johnny West series of figures and horses (figures not included). Full-color lithographed heavy-gauge chipboard. Ranch layout 4 1/2 ft. wide overall (26 x 30 x 21-in. high bunk house and barn, 38 x 21-in. -deep corrals). Includes bunks, stove, cupboard, rifle rack, table and chair. Ready to assemble. Shipping weight 1 lb." - $5.77 Today, these usually sell for $45-$60 in reasonable condition. If you can get one mint with all the paperwork it will likely cost $100-$150. A mint in box (with exterior box sold on ebay for $182 in Jan 2011.
To quote the 1966 JC Pennys Christmas catalog: "Big sprawling ranch house and corral set designed to complement Johnny West series of figures and horses (figures not included). Full-color lithographed heavy-gauge chipboard. Ranch layout 4 1/2 ft. wide overall (26 x 30 x 21-in. high bunk house and barn, 38 x 21-in. -deep corrals). Includes bunks, stove, cupboard, rifle rack, table and chair. Ready to assemble. Shipping weight 1 lb." - $5.77 Today, these usually sell for $45-$60 in reasonable condition. If you can get one mint with all the paperwork it will likely cost $100-$150. A mint in box (with exterior box sold on ebay for $182 in Jan 2011.
Fort Apache
To quote the 1967 Sears Christmas catalog: "Fort Apache with tepee. 2 ft. long. 13 3/4 in. high walls. Front gates latch with bar. Snaps together. Paper chip board Shipping weight 7 pounds." - $4.99 Today, these usually sell for $75-$85 in reasonable condition. If you can get one mint with all the paperwork it will likely cost $100-$150
To quote the 1967 Sears Christmas catalog: "Fort Apache with tepee. 2 ft. long. 13 3/4 in. high walls. Front gates latch with bar. Snaps together. Paper chip board Shipping weight 7 pounds." - $4.99 Today, these usually sell for $75-$85 in reasonable condition. If you can get one mint with all the paperwork it will likely cost $100-$150
Giant Mediaeval Castle
To quote the 1970 Penneys Christmas catalog: THIS GIANT MEDIEVAL CASTLE "Is just what you need to launch your own crusade, or defend your lands from a hostile neighbor. Full-color heavy-duty chipboard castle over 23 in. high at the parapets. 35 in. wide overall. Over three sq. ft. in courtyard area, where you can assemble all your equipment. Drawbridge actually operates. Interior living quarters. Easy to set up, it just snaps together. Mailing weight 8.50 lbs." - $5.99 Today, these usually sell for $75-$85 in reasonable condition. If you can get one mint with all the paperwork it will likely cost $200
To quote the 1970 Penneys Christmas catalog: THIS GIANT MEDIEVAL CASTLE "Is just what you need to launch your own crusade, or defend your lands from a hostile neighbor. Full-color heavy-duty chipboard castle over 23 in. high at the parapets. 35 in. wide overall. Over three sq. ft. in courtyard area, where you can assemble all your equipment. Drawbridge actually operates. Interior living quarters. Easy to set up, it just snaps together. Mailing weight 8.50 lbs." - $5.99 Today, these usually sell for $75-$85 in reasonable condition. If you can get one mint with all the paperwork it will likely cost $200
