History of Lone Ranger Toys - Gabriel Marx Vintage Action Figure Review / Collection 

Once again the amount of effort, not only in terms of research, writing, performing, and editing, but also in terms of acquisition of a nearly complete set of examples for what may only amount to a few seconds of footage on-screen in some cases, is astounding and inspiring. Thank you for your hard work!

Amazing work on this, Tony.

I’m in my mid 50’s , this was just one of my favorite action figure sets to play with when I was a kid. I wasn’t a big fan of super heroes. I was more into planet of the apes and tv show action figures like Starsky and Hutch and Zorro , and this one. Watching this almost brought a tear to my eye , and I’m not just saying that , I literally almost cried , those days were just so cool. 👍👍👍✌️✌️✌️❤️❤️❤️

Oh, I loved the '81 film and figures. When you're 6yo, you don't even notice that Spilsbury's lines were all dubbed. And I had most of the toys, except for ⅔ of either Grant, Cody, or Custer (pretty sure it was the latter two, but you could just never find them around here). There was something about Silver, Scout, and Smoke that always appealed to me as a kid. Didn't care about the lack of possibility. Just looking at them again I can feel the same draw to wanting to own them that I had as a kid. There was just something really appealing about the whole line to me as a kid.

I want to thank you very much for producing this video. I was born in the early 70s and I started collecting the Gabriel figures at a pretty young age. When I was a little kid repeats of the Clayton Moore series used to air daily as part of a block of shows that I couldn't go a day without watching. The other two shows were Superman with George Reeves and Batman with Adam West. At the time I didn't really think of the Lone Ranger as a western program, I thought of it as a superhero show because he wore a mask, and he fought crime. Again, I just want to say thank you very much for filling me with a great deal of happy nostalgic memories. I love your channel in general, but this video was particularly special for me.

Great information provided. I still have about three quarters of the line you have shown. All well played with. They were my favorite toys and are living in a box in storage at the moment.

Another great video review, Mr. Tony, and well worth the wait! Thanks for noting the blood relationship between the Lone Ranger & the Green Hornet. The Lone Ranger was a throwback to simpler times, with cleancut heroes. Didn't know of the '70s era Gabriel toys, but I do remember the 1980s series to promote the Legend of the Lone Ranger movie, which was rather good, granted its hard to credit that in the movie, Buffalo Bill Cody, & Gen. George Custer would've crossed paths in real life. Btw, "Dodge City" is usually connected to the TV series Gunsmoke, didn't Gabriel/Marx Toys get into legal issues? Can't wait for your next video. Evel Knievel was a childhood hero of mine growing up. Please keep up the detail and quality. 👍

I recently picked up the Gabriel 10” Lone Ranger and Tonto from an antique store, this video really helped me, thank you for all that info. Subscribed instantly!

Incredible job with this! Your video brought me back to my childhood, where my friend owned a collection of Johnny West figures, which I believe were also made by the Marx Company. I'd love to see a video history of that line! Regardless, as always, a phenomenal presentation - keep up the great work, it's much appreciated!

Classic stuff. Your videos are so well produced. I look forward to each episode. Well done.

Well done sir, a great line! I love the great way you present any of the lines you cover with enthusiasm. Buddy Finethy- Toylanta toy show

The 1980's Lone Ranger movie and the old show was a childhood favorite of mine! I was disappointed in the latest movie though, it wasn't all bad, but it wasn't all good either. These figures are pretty neat. I never had a Lone Ranger figure and seeing some of these, I wish I had. I never knew that the Green Hornet had a connection to him, that's cool. Thank you for this informative video! Later!

Thanks for the great video. Even though I became a huge Star Wars fan and loved the smaller figures, I agree that the Lone Ranger toys were just about the best. I still remember picking up the Lost Cavalry Patrol set from a local toy store

The wagon was originally offered In the bonanza toy line in 66, By American Character which was Marx Up scale subsidiary company like Gabriel was.

I had the 10" Lone Ranger Figure with Silver when I was a kid. It was badass with great detail, cool accessories and a nicely made outfit.👍

These were some of my favorite toys back in the 70’s

Digging the channel. My neighbor used to have the star wars sized Lone Ranger figures. Would love a video of Louis Marx Toys D-Day and Iwo Jima playsets. With the awesome 1/32 scale olive drab army men. Better yet see if you can find a Guns Of Navarone mountain playset based on the movie. Would make an awesome video. Been trying to win one on eBay, but I keep getting outbid. Cool channel. Keep the videos coming. 👍😉💥🔫💥🔫💥🔫Also do you watch ASHENS channel?😂🤣

Here in the US, it was first produced by Hubley, then Gabriel. My Hubley produced Lone Ranger and Tonto had less flexible hands than my Gabriel produced Butch Cavendish. That's the only difference I can remember. Anyway, another fantastic video. I love watching these

I had the 10' Lone Ranger and the horse but not any of those playsets. I really didn't even know about them. I think toy lines (in the form of back inventory) used to be in stores for a long time in drug stores and dime shops because I got these in the early 80s. Thanks for another great video!

Excellent video Tony 1970s memories - one of the finest Action Figure ranges ever!

Terrific video Tony. Thank you. The Lone Ranger was very popular in syndication here in New York City in the 70's on WPIX. I can remember running home after school to catch the line-up of from 3-5 pm of The Lone Ranger, The Adventures of Superman, and back-to-back BATMAN before my dad got home from work (I'd just be getting around to my homework around 5pm) The Gabriel and MARX connection is very interesting as I did have the entire line of MARX Best of the West Johnny West 12 inch figures and accessories. The Lone Ranger 10 inch figures looked more like Mego style and did not resemble the 12 inch Johnny West figures at all, but the accessories look much like MARX pieces. The Johnny West family included smaller figures and accessories for the characters of his children which appeared to be about 8 to 9 inches tall. Are you familiar with the MARX Best of the West? They also did Knights, Mike Hazard, Stony Smith and others. I don't know if that was popular in Australia but I hope you can find time to research. Thanks. Also, I wanted to get information from you about the GI Joe / Action Man BULLETMAN. That figure history has always fascinated me.

I wish that it were possible to find these today complete and affordable. These were among the best action figure lines created. The playsets are among the very best done, exceeding Mego products at the time.

I still have mine from the 1970s, several Lone Rangers, two Tontos, Butch Cassidy, and horses for all three.

i absolutely love the Lone Ranger. its one of my all time favorite franchises. i watch the original TV series every time its shown on TV and Disney's Lone Ranger is my favorite movie, and i have to say watching this video is absolutely amazing! looking at all these amazing toys based on a franchise many hold dearly in their hearts. i especially love how Ideal made the Captain Action Lone Ranger and Tonto, and the fact they also included the Green Hornet and Kato makes it even better. Gabriel clearly gave alot of love to the franchise with their Lone Ranger line just as Ideal did with Captain Action. I must say thank you for this incredible video and i hope you continue to make videos as fantastic as this one along with all your other videos. you are truely the best at reviewing vintage toys and merchandise of the vintage era

Thanks for this. I remember myself and my older brother having a Lone Ranger each one Christmas. Later my brother got Tonto. We could never get Butch Cavendish or any of the other figures though. I remember seeing Silver but it was expensive for us at the time. 50p a week pocket money didn't go far in the mid 70's. Thought about doing some Micronauts? I loved those.

Just picked up a 10” Lone Ranger, Silver, and Tonto to replace my long lost childhood originals. While researching the line, I came across this video for the first time. Don’t know how I missed it! I truly love what you do, Tony! Keep it up! Now I’m off to become a modest Patreon supporter. Apologies for taking so long!

excellent series of videos ,love the history of the toys i had as a kid

Born in the 60’s and had Lone-Tonto & Butch! So nice to see ALL these pieces :) Wish they could make a good movie on this great character. Still LONE RANGER & THE LOST CITY OF GOLD is my fav

Such wonderful memories! Thank you so much for this video. Not only did I get up early on Saturday mornings to watch The Lone Ranger, I also had several of the early figures as well as all of the 1:18 scale figures that came out in the 80's. I appreciate the work you put into this video.

Never knew about Green Hornet's relationship to Lone Ranger. Great research and information. These were a bit before my time but love the look of them. I did have Marx Fort Apache set and some others. Loved the small Marx cowboys and Indians.

Hi Tony. Again, love this Lone Ranger video. I think I have watched all of your videos and noticed that you have never discussed the MARX Toys Best of the West Johnny West figures or any of the other toy sets from that 12 inch lines such as , Mike Hazard, Knights, Stony Smith, Astronauts and probably more I can't remember. Was the MARX Best of the West line not a figure series available in Australia in the 60's and 70's? Thanks Tony, Keep up the great documenting.

Great video! I had the Captain Action Lone Ranger and Tonto costumes and the Gabriel figures as well. Thanks for bringing back such happy memories!

Man I wish companies of today brought out products like these! Of course westerns arent that popular with the public anymore. Personally I'm a western fanatic but.......

All the great poseable action toys came out, after I got drafted. But I do still have my Captain Action, and the Lone Ranger costume set, that I take out now and again, to recapture my youth. Oh to be a kid again, and know then, what I know now.

So cool. I had Lone Ranger, Tonto and Silver. I didn’t know about all the cool stuff after it. I want the Prospector!

My brother and I got Lone Ranger, Silver, and Scout figures when we were eight years old. We loved them!

Amazing video as always and you have brought back some very happy memories. Thank you

Hi Tony. I was fortunate enough to find a Lone Ranger and Tonto in a vintage toy shop in Bronx NY called 239 PLAY aka dansparentshouse.com I also got a GI Joe Adventure Team playset, a MEGO STAR TREK playset, a Six Million Dollar Man Bionic Transport as well as an incredible surprise random toy from my past (truly amazing to me) Anyway, The Lone Ranger and Tonto are not in the best of shape (they sold them to me $15.00 for the pair). Any suggestions on cleaning and repair? They are very loose and the clothes are dirty, I don't want to ruin them and I don't know how to wash Tonto's faux buckskin. Thank you Tony. - Rich

What an informative channel and thoroughly entertaining. That's a subscribe from me!

Great Video Tony Spot on and Super informative. My Favorite Toys growing up , Many fond memories with these toys. Brings back that Christmas memory when I received Tonto the Lone Ranger and Horses and the Mysterious Prospector set !

I had these. Im a big Lone Ranger fan.

Awesome video Have 3 of the figures.....but mine have seen better days I have:Lone Range (no mask,hat), Tonto, and Butch (missing hat) Thought these were neat as a kid, and loved them Do not care what anyone says, "The Legend of the Lone Ranger" movie was fantastic. Keep making awesome video Tony

There are two things I’d like to mention. First the 2013 movie was a poor dumpster fire. It took a well respected franchise and took a major crap all over it. They took what was essentially a drama and turned it into a comedy. The Lone Ranger is not a comedy. It could be candy at times when you watch the old TV series. But it always had a good and moral message. When I was a child I had the lone Ranger and silver. Some of my favorite toys. Secondly and this is kind of sad. Clayton Moore wanted to be buried in his long ranger outfit. Complete with the mask and hat. However the company that owns the Lone Ranger would not allow him to do that. After he for so many years had played the long ranger and I continue to show up and do things as a Lone Ranger for the company. I thought that was extremely disrespectful to Mr. Moore. It has been decades since I had my toys. But the Lone Ranger and Tonto still ride across the hills and down in the valleys of my memory fighting crime and saving the west.

Just fantastic historic view into one of my favorite toy lines. Thank you for your hard work on this. Keep 'em coming!

I always liked the Lone Ranger as a kid, and I was coming up at the tail end of his popularity. The Clayton Moore series was still widely syndicated, and toys were still being produced. Even after The Legend Of came out, he was still somewhat popular. I saw the Disney movie that came out a few years back. It wasn't awful, but it certainly wasn't great. They made the Lone Ranger into an ineffective, stupid, and almost cowardly character. And Johnny Depp as Tonto was hardly inspired. I think it was obvious that they didn't expect to make a sequel at some point during production, as the ending was rather a closed-door affair.

I always loved these figures. Great quality and I remember these compared to Action man which was very good and the Six Million dollar man which was also excellent These figures are head and shoulders above the rest in finish and quality and the accessories are also top quality

I'm really enjoying these. I had (and still have) the Lone Ranger, Butch Cavendish and Tonto (large dolls). I have them on display next to Jane West. Sadly, Johnny West passed away when the rubber bands holding his limbs together rotted and snapped.

My problem with the Gabriel Lone Ranger figure was that the wrists were very loose. You put a gun in his hand, bend his elbow, and his hand would flop upside-down.

Had the Lone Ranger and Silver, Tonto and Butch as a kid. You amount of sets you could buy.

There was actually a TV Movie produced in 2003 that was aimed as a Pilot for a TV series. It wasn't well received and the planned series was aborted.

Great video, forgot I even owned these in my preschool years. I do remember a problem with the tonto figure, he had two revolvers instead of his knife. Bothered me even at that young age. Toys from Space 1999, evil keneval and Fisher price adventure people I would love to see reviewed.

Love your channel mate. I had these figures as a kid (in the toy cabinet now, sadly not the originals). Thanks for all the great out put , much better than the crap on T.V.

I still have the little ones the size of GI Joes. I have the The Lone Ranger and Tonto. I don't have their guns though. If anyone is interested hit me up. They are just sitting on my bookshelf.

I watch Lone Ranger re-runs every Saturday morning. It's good stuff

Thanks for the memories l had them when I was a boy l still have Silver in good condition and lone ranger is just surviving and lm 53

Finally someone who knows and appreciates how absolutely INCREDIBLE this action figure line was and does such an amazing job at documenting it in such an informative and accurate way! Your reviews are always superb, but this one really got me very excited! I played with these as a kid with a friend who lived across the street from me in the 70s. It is my determination to collect all of these wonderful toys in 2023. Again, I love your video's. Your an excellent toy historian and an intelligent, articulate reviewer. Please keep up the AMAZING work!

I remember the clothed figures vividly, and even had the lone ranger with belt hat etc.

Thank you for making this video. I had a question. Did anyone over make a re-release of the 10 inch Lone Ranger Figures? I have one that has a softer head and darker hair and I have a second one with lighter brown hair and a harder plastic head. Is one a re-release? Thanks in advance for any help, and love the awesome video. It really took me back!

I love your lone ranger video how do you get all these old school toys I mean believe me I collect all kind of old school toys you’re pretty cool collector I just wanna know how you get them

Thank you for doing this as a child I had the Lone Ranger and Silver but knew nothing of the toys history. From the toy I watched reruns of Clayton Moore on Saturday mornings and a love of all things Ranger...it rubbed off on my daughter so no brainer that we went and saw the Disney movie together when it was released.

Thank so much for doing such a great review of the Lone Tanger toys! I had the Gabriel Lone Ranger abs Tonto figures as a kid in the 1970s. I got them again about ten years ago. I agree how well they’re made and all of the great features and accessories that came with them.

Great video! Loved this line...definitely at the top of my favorites list!

Awesome presentation. Thank you. I have been collecting these over the years. Along with fighting furirs the lone ranger was my favourite toy. Pity my children dont have these toys which stimulated the mind and imagination

I had The Lone Ranger and Tonto as well as Silver and Scout.

Watching the videos on this channel makes me think that I was born on a wrong decade. I would have loved these toys as a child. Luckily I can enjoy watching these videos. Keep the coming!

I found the Gabriel Tonto & horse set on clearance for $2.99 as a kid, heh. I didn't give a damn about western stuff, but Tonto sure had a blast with my Megos & Adventure Team Joes! (Ideal's Star Team & J.J. Armes, too!)

I used to like the movie that came out in the early 1980s. I think there was a toy range that went with it?

Also, would be cool to see a special video about GI Joe / Action Man Bulletman. It's a weirdly fascinating figure with a cult fan base.

You could still find these in stores in the early eighteens.

Love these episodes. Great info and well done. Cheers!

Man! I loved your video. Turns out that I love The Lone Ranger since childhood. I'm 44 now and I am happy to tell you that I recently got the Gabriel Lone Ranger, Tonto & Silver complete in perfect condition with all their original accessories as well as a metal mini lunchbox and 3 Gabriel 3/4 inch Lone Ranger figures also complete with accessories. These are 2 Lone Rangers and 1 Tonto. Congratulations. Very nice video and detailed information. Greetings from Mexico City. Rock On!!

It took me a month to get around to watching this one, but once again Tony you completely knocked it out of the park. I don't seek out videos about toys I'm not interested in, but you always have a way of presenting your material in a way that I enjoy every video you make. Thank you.

To think that the European market had so much more from the Lone Ranger, and at better quality too.

Had the lone ranger and tonto loved them bigger line than I realised loved the tv ads

Now this is a video that I will continue to watch over and over again.

I have a bunch of these fairly cheep on eBay and not bad to restore

Thanks for the video! Another US toy line that was more popular in Europe than in the US (like GI Joe/Action Man, the Big Jim Spy line, etc.). I can distinctly remember that my best friend had an action figure with that marvelous large Eagle that we can see in the television ad at 6:08. I'm convinced that this action figure was Little Bear, seen in your video at 7:36. However, every time you show Little Bear he has a small Eagle. Was there a different version of Little Bear w/ a large Eagle or was it in an add on costume package? I do not think that my best friend had Little Bear _and_ an costume. The Lone Ranger line was not that popular anymore at the time that I remember playing with them because Star Wars was already out. So I do not think that he bought a costume later on. P.S. On my wish list from you: Fighting Furies. That line had an European exclusive packaging of The Ghost of Captain Kidd in a coffin! I had it as a kid, but my mom threw the coffin away! At the time I was very, very angry as you might understand. Still hope that box gets scanned so we can print it out ourselves. :-)

Great toy line only had lone ranger and tonto would have been cool having them all. you got love lone ranger

Very interesting video, thanks.

I've learned so much with this video, can't thank you enough! You've convinced me to start collecting the seventies Gabriel line!

I had it when I was a kid it was very awesome

A line I knew little or nothing about. This was a great education. I was never into 'Western' toys as a kid, but this toyline might have changed my mind. 'Spring-loaded lawsuit-generating feature' more like! Those horses are beautiful toys.

Remember these fondly and they were amazing in quality and detail.

OZ, been watching for a while. Nothing less than I expected from you bro . Professional, dedicated, heartwarming and emboldening. Out on a limb...... A 😷🗡

Dam why didn't i buy this when i saw it😟

Another Great Episode!!!

Excellent review. So complete and comprehensive. Interesting that the European market got the better play-sets. Most of the time, Europe got the short end of the stick (Palitoy - Star Wars). Speaking of Clayton Moore/The Lone Ranger - Jay Thomas tells (in David Letterman's words) "The greatest talk-show story ever told". Letterman liked it so much he had Jay on every Christmas to retell the story. If you want a good laugh, you won't be disappointed.

Im really impressed with your work and never miss checking one of your videos when I log on, have you found any information on Megos Eagle Force toys, as I believe they were even re-released?

I’ve been collecting this Lone Ranger series for a wile Got most of the figures lots of doubles is that your collection Tony lots of nice examples I have seen blow molded Lone Ranger action figures that have to be older than the captain action Lone Ranger action figure

Got these for m birthday lost em.

Dynamite Comics puts out a Lone Ranger comic book that's pretty good.

Another great video. Thank you for all of your hard work and research.

The Loe Ranger TV show was on for years in sindication. I was 4 when the toys came out and loved the show but oddly, I have no memories of the toys being in the stores. I remember the 3-3/4" figures and the other generic western toys that were out around the same time. I have wanted a Lone Ranger and Silver for years but always seemed to miss out. ;) These toys are beautifully made. I will state that Captain Action made 2 comebacks and the Lone Ranger and Tonto sets were reissued. I have the red reissue Lone Ranger set on a reissue Captain Action from Playing Mantis which came out in 1998. The less said about the Johnny Depp LR, the better.

Quality video!

This was a great toy as a kid!

Good memories

Great video guys

Beautiful

Being born in the mid 60's i can't tell you how many great memories your videos have bought back. My mom worked in the toy department of a store named Kroger's and I was lucky enough to have a most everything you've shown. Thank you so much for returning me to my childhood for a wonderful trip down memory lane.

Excellent video! Thank you for producing this! 👍🏻🎅👍🏻