Bonanza

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American Character's Bonanza
By Euphrates

Based on the old Bonanza show these 10-inch figures made by American Character are still very popular today. They are also one of the earliest examples of a TV-tie in for an action figure. Each figure came with a gun, holster and gun belt, rifle and holster, spurts and spur straps, canteen and lariat. Little Joe and Ben came with bandanas, and Ben and Hoss came with vests. The articulation is similar to the Marx Best of the West series. American Character also made a generic villain to keep things interesting for the Cartwright family.

The figures and their horses were sold seperately or together. The only additional play set was the 4 in 1 Wagon that came with over 70 accessories. The wagon could be modifed to be an Ore Wagon, Ranch Wagon, Covered Wagon and Chuck Wagon.

American Character also released a Full Action Grizzly Bear, Coyote, Longhorn Steer, Moutain Lion, Deer and two Dogs. Bonanza is not mentioned on the packaging but they are scaled for the figures. These are very, very hard to find today.

If you are patient, you can complete this toy line. You'll be paying about $125 for boxed figures, $75 for boxed horses, $225 for boxed figures with horses and $150 for the 4 in 1 Wagon.