This game comes from a group of twelve items donated by Michael Henry. It is well-provenanced, having been received as a Christmas present and used by Michael Henry (born 1973) and his sister Karen.

The game includes it original packaging. It can be used to illustrate themes relating to children, domestic life and the family. It is also relevant the marketing of products to children, and the influence of 'sideshow alley' attractions in children's toys.

Made in the USA by Marx toys. Container made by Visy Board Litho, Melbourne, Australia

Used by the donor Michael Henry (born 1973), his brother Jason and sister Karen. The Henry family lived at Bankstown. The game belonged to Michael Henry, who told the acquiring curator 'My brother Jason and I received a Magic Shot game each to avoid fights. It was under the Christmas tree. I remember seeing ads for it on TV. Magic Shot was my favourite. The Criss Cross Crash came along and that was pretty good too'.

Toy with packaging, 'Magic Shot' shooting gallery, plastic / metal / cardboard, made by Marx Toys and Visy Board Litho, United States of America / Australia, used by the Henry family, Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia, 1978-1985

Yellow plastic box, with pictures on the back wall, and clear front screen, resembling a sideshow alley shooting gallery. Metal ball bearings enclosed, which can be arranged in a slot across the front, and fired using a blue plastic pistol with magnetic tip, at a row of coloured plastic targets which are mounted on a rail towards the back of the box. Pistol is blue plastic with a white tip (magnetic) and red velcro patch to attach to side of box. Box is white cardboard, somewhat battered, with large coloured illustrations of the game on five faces of the box.

Made: Marx Toys; United States of America; 1978 - 1985

Game: impressed on back 'MADE IN USA'. In colour along front 'MAGIC SHOT Shooting Gallery/by MARX TOYS'.

2006/112/2

1978 - 1985

240 mm

350 mm

255 mm