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The MM-1
Collectibles
Home Page
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Matador and Mace Missile
Collectibles
Models, Trading Cards, and other Memorabilia
Wish you still had that old
Matador or Mace plastic model kit?
The Mace model kit from Aurora (above) originally retailed for $.79.
This ad was recently on the Internet from Plasticpushers
(http://www.geocities.com/SunsetStrip/1805/sale.html)
for $125.00
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UPDATED PRICE: On August 15th, 2007, another of the above Aurora models was won on an on-line bid for $300.00
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Renaud Mangallon (renax@club-internet.fr) sent this photo and page for the TM-76 modeled directly after the TM-76A on display at the USAF Armament Museum at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida. Even the decal for the tail number is a perfect match.
Check the web page at http://renax.club.fr/sharkit/mace/mace.htm |
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Photo of the rare Matador kit from Hawk courtesy of Joe Perkins (perkster@fcol.com)
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The Mace lapel pin in from ex-mace missileman Wayne Wendel of "No Lone Zone." Contact Wayne at www.airforcepins.com
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Topping Models
The Topping Manufacturers models of the TM-61B Matador, later renamed the TM-76A Mace, and the TM-61A Matador beautifully reconditioned by Bob Bolton |
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I acquired the models from eBay but didn't pay the super high dollar seen these days. I got them between about 18 months and 2 years ago before the runaway bidding and last minute snipping really started. The launch trailer for the Matador [A/C] was purchased separately. Got it
for $12.00 caked in dirt and dust but all in on piece. The Matador was in really sad shape also is missing the RATO booster and the decals are badly deteriorated. It cleaned up fairly well, however. The Matador B was a complete item in good condition. I scale them both
at about 1/4 scale. The Matador B is almost identical to my Aurora Mace in all profiles except the Topping has the tapered tail and not the early doghouse tail of the Aurora."
Bob Bolton (olliesnapper@gmail.com)
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A Topping Model Mace sold on E-bay in August 2006, for the high bid of $360.00 US Dollars.
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The complete Topping collection of Martin Missiles owned by
Blake Sutton
includes the B-61, the TM-61... |
... the TM-61B Matador
and the TM-76 Mace
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Blake Sutton (MCboatsX10@aol.com)
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Photo of the rare 1/96th Matador kit from Faller.
Notice the upside down star on the fuselage on the box cover.
This kit is being sought by modellers on the internet. | 
The early Strombecker wood and plastic Matador Kit
Photo coutesy of Bob Bolton (olliesnapper@gmail.com) |
The reissued Faller Matador model by Dahlmann
Photo coutesy of Bob Bolton (olliesnapper@gmail.com) |
The Renwal Kit below was on an E-bay auction page.
Final sales price unknown.
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The History Maker Revell Kit, below,
belongs to the author of this web site. It was purchased several years ago in a Ft. Lauderdale hobby shop where it sat in the back gathering dust.
It still cost $35.00!
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UPDATED PRICE: On August 12th, 2007, another of the above Revell models was won on an on-line bid for $125.00
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ART
Original Mace "B" artwork by former Launch Officer Carlo Croce
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Trading and Post Cards
The trading card above was also on E-Bay.
Final sales price is unknown |
Bob Bolton's Personal Collection of Cards
Text on back of Matador Cape Launch Post Card reads:
"The tactical range matador, the Air Force's first surface-to-surface missile blasts off on a 600 mile flight from the Air Force Missile Test Center's missile launching site at Cape Canaveral, Florida. The Matador, assigned to the Tactical Air Command, is now deployed in Europe and the Far East." |
"B&W Matador is a post card mailed in April of 1955 from Baltimore MD to a kid in Jackson, SC. The writer refers to "our missiles". I'm lead to believe, from the text, date and location that the writer is the kid's uncle and is either military or a Martin employee involved with the Martin Matador." - Bob
Printed text states;
"The Matador is the U.S. Air Force's first successful ground-to-ground tactical pilotless bomber and the first of its type to be ordered to duty overseas. With a boost from a rocket, the B61 takes off from a highly mobile roadable launcher. A turbojet engine provides power to the target where the Matador, diving straight down, reaches a supersonic speed. No permanent installations are needed at the launching site and the "world's smallest airport"' may be quickly moves battle tactics dictate. ". |
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Text on back of card reads:
"Matador is situated at the entrance of the History and Traditions classroom at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. This is one of the new types of guided missiles, which denotes the newest phase of Air Research and development" |
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"The text for the B&W Glossy is on a 2.5 by 8 inch piece of paper glued to the back of the photo. It is faded, if it isn't readable I'll send you a typed copy of the text. Another interesting note, I got the B&W picture on eBay from a source in Australia yet the back of the picture itself is stamped with this text:
Copyright Photo Issued By Central Press Photos Ltd. 6&7 Cough Square, Fleet Street, London E.C.4 " |
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Text on mace card reads:
"The Mace Missile is a much improved version of the Matador. The prime function of the Mace is as a tactical guided missile. Its guidance system gives it wide versatility to penetrate enemy electronic detection screens at extreme low level or in upper altitudes. " |
All of the above post cards are from the personal collection of Bob Bolton (olliesnapper@gmail.com) |
This page is in no way sponsored or endorsed by the United States Air Force.
Opinions and views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the
Department of the Air Force.
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All Contributions remain the property of the original owners
All Contributions used with Permission
Web Page Design and Development by
George Mindling - Port Charlotte, Florida
©George Mindling - 2003-2006 All Rights Reserved |
