| Biker Scout Bagged Production Sample | |
| As the majority of toy production
vendors are located in the Orient, communication between parent company--in
this case, Kenner--and vendor is often difficult, complicated as it is by the
large expanse of ocean separating the two. In particular, assembly and painting
instructions can sometimes get garbled, either in the translation between languages,
or through a simple misunderstanding. Signed sample product provides an interesting
look into the vendor-Kenner relationship, and the back-and-forth process that
is required to ensure that all product is up to snuff with Kenner standards.
The particular type of signed sample shown here is in the form of a completely-finished action figure, assembled, painted, and bagged along with its accessory (though the head has fallen off). Though the figure comes from a finalized production mold, and thus has the date and copyright markings on its legs, it nevertheless is an early sample, and may feature slight differences from the figures which were eventually released to stores. The bag holding the figure is stapled to a small card with the G.M. Products, Hong Kong logo, and the words "signed sample" printed at the top. The purpose of the card, which appears to be very similar to those used on similar packaging samples, is to allow for the signatures of various engineers, as well as their comments as to what about the figure's production might be improved upon. In the case of this Biker Scout, there are notes about the overspray and underspray of the figure. This refers to the paint and the adjustments that are recommended to reach a desired result. |
 | |
| Description by: | Ron Salvatore |
| Photo: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| From the collection of: | Michael G. Mensinger |
| Country: | United States |
| Film: | Return of the Jedi |
| Licensee: | Kenner |
| Year: | 1983 |
| Category: | Prototypes / Action Figure Related |
