Auctioneer expects Marvel Hulk stretch toy to fetch up to £5,000

A stretch toy figure of a Marvel character, said to be “one of the rarest stretch toys in existence”, is to go under the hammer at auction.

Excalibur Auctions, in Hertfordshire, said the toy was one of only 30 known examples of the original Hulk stretch figure from 1979 known to still exist.

It was produced by toy-maker Denys Fisher and comes directly from its original owner.

Jonathan Torode, from the Kings Langley-based auctioneer, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer the opportunity to acquire one of the rarest stretch toys in existence.”

The Hulk figure was manufactured in Thorp Arch in West Yorkshire, and was sold in limited quantities only in the UK.

This angry, green-skinned figure was owned by a child whose mother knew someone who worked for Denys Fisher, and purchased one of the first off the production line.

Excalibur said the figure came with its original instructions and had never been offered for sale since it was bought in 1979.

It comes with its original packaging which bears a handwritten “number one” on the flap of the box.

The cardboard packaging has a couple of tears in it, but is described as being in “mint” condition having been kept out of the light and upright over the years.

Mr Torode added: “Having never been offered on the market before and to be in such good condition and with excellent provenance, renders this the ultimate for collectors.

“We therefore anticipate world-wide interest.”

The vibrant yellow packaging has not faded and the original chalk dust on the figure’s surface means that it was never shaken off, or played with, post-production, the auction house said.

The toy is estimated to go for £3,000-£5,000 at the auction on 26 July.