Viewer collection: Neil La Sala's Ultra Rare G.I. Joe Collection
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/ITlFB-1598910581-1554-lists-gi_joes_header.jpg)
He has over 1,000 figures – including pre-production salesman's samples!
Sep. 1, 2020
High school teacher and retired Marine Corps Reserve veteran Neil La Sala received his first G.I. Joe action figure as a child in 1967. By the early 1990s, his love for these classic toys grew into a passion for collecting. As he puts it, "It is a childhood toy that has really become a fun adult hobby."
"Hobby" seems like a bit of an understatement. La Sala has amassed more than 1,000 pieces, ranging from early pre-production salesmen's samples to Adventure Team sets from the Seventies. And that first figure he got at five-years-old? It remains a cherished part of his collection, alongside some of the rarest G.I. Joe figures on the planet.
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/yaEuW-1709152341-257-show-collectors2_300x165.png)
1. Salesman’s sample figure with rare, first-issue G.I. Joe accessories
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/zAXgV-1598911638-15722-list_items-gi_sample.jpg)
This rare saleman’s sample figure has many unique accessories like a brass dog tag and mess kit.
2. Tinted pre-production figures
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/mKPsT-1598910867-15723-list_items-image1.jpeg)
These salesman’s samples have a red tint – said to be from an error in the pre-production molding process.
3. Photo box sets
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/TXP8e-1598969516-15724-list_items-gijoe_3.jpg)
This is one of only two known collections to have the complete photo box series sets.
4. More photo box sets
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/g2P3W-1598969532-15725-list_items-gijoe_4.jpg)
5. Air Sea Rescue Action Pilot set
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/P7aGR-1598911122-15726-list_items-image2.jpeg)
La Sala describes this set as "impossible to find."
6. Nurse
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/HYkNQ-1598911160-15727-list_items-image0_%282%29.jpeg)
This rare nurse figure was discontinued soon after release.
7. Soldiers of the World figures
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/VpWNq-1598911219-15728-list_items-image2_%281%29.jpeg)
The "Soldiers of the World" line showcased Joe in different military branches from WWII.
8. Soldiers of the World figures
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/h1E5W-1598911248-15729-list_items-image3.jpeg)
9. Soldiers of the World figures
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/sopCN-1598911290-15730-list_items-image4.jpeg)
10. Adventure Team figures
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/njh2N-1598969556-15731-list_items-gijoe_10.jpg)
In 1972, G.I. Joe introduced "Adventure Team" sets, moving away from war and into scientific expeditions and rescue missions.
11. Adventure Team figures
![](https://cdnmetv.metv.com/Dq0yW-1598969569-15732-list_items-gijoe_11.jpg)
Instead of the painted-on hair of previous figures, these sets had lifelike hair and a kung-fu grip!
24 Comments
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I would like to ask you about your photo boxes. Friend me if you like, or send me an email [email protected]
Thank you!
Talker has knock off accessories, hard to tell if you cannot hear pullstring voice, $150
Will Neils collection make it on to the show?