Tommy Gunn (Action Figure)
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Tommy Gunn was an Action figure or boys doll produced by Pedigree Toys Ltd from 1966 until 1968. The basic doll depicted a British infantry soldier of the time complete with Sterling submachine gun but was also available in WW2 dress carrying a Sten gun. The figure was in direct competition with Action Man by Palitoy and , in the same manner as the competing product, offered a variety of alternative outfits and accessories.
It is rumoured that the designers at Pedigree had contacts within the British MOD and hence were able to get accurate drawings of British military weapons and dress leading to better models than Palitoy could offer. The standard of construction of the dolls was also considered better by some, though it offered a lower level of articulation.[citation needed]
Despite this, they were unable to offer the same wide range as Palitoy who had access to all Hasbro's designs and Tommy Gunn sold in much lower volumes and production was halted in 1968. After Tommy Gunn's demise, Palitoy shifted the theme of Action Man towards British armed forces rather than following Hasbro's American outfits. Whether this was related is debatable. Pedigree Toys went on to use the body moulds for Tommy Gunn to make action figures of the characters from the TV series Captain Scarlet and these sold well for a brief period.
Tommy Gunn and the Captain Scarlet figures are now very rare and are highly collectable.
