As Drs. Cornelius, Zira and Milo did in Escape from the Planet of the Apes, we are going to travel back in time to revisit vintage Planet of the Apes collectibles. Each month we are going to focus on a different area of ape memorabilia.  The first area we are going to revisit are the Addar model kits released from 1973-1975. The 30th anniversary of Planet of the Apes has spurred a resurgence in ape collecting with the release of numerous 30th anniversary items (action figures, t-shirts, posters, baseball cap, even shot glasses).  However, for most ape collectors, the past still holds unforgettable memories of the Planet of the Apes.  Now let's take a step back in time and look at the classic Addar Planet of the Apes model kits.

Although there has been a surge in new Planet of the Apes resin model kits over the past few years, the kits produced by Addar remain a favorite with ape collectors.  Addar was formed by former employees of Aurora in 1973.  There first line of model kits were the very successful Planet of the Apes line.  The first wave of kits were released in 1973 and consisted of Dr. Zaius, Cornelius, General Aldo and General Ursus. After the success of these kits, Addar released kits of Dr. Zira, Caesar, and Stallion & Soldier.  In today's market most of these kits can be found for between $50-80 mint sealed.  The price for built kits ranges from $30-40.  The one exception is the Stallion & Soldier kit, which is very difficult to find in a sealed box, and if one is found, you can expect to pay between $200-300.  Even a built kit can fetch up to $175.  All of these kits are highly desirable and with the exception of the Solider on Stallion kit, are not that difficult to locate in various conditions.

In 1975, following the success of these model kits, Addar released three "Scene in a Bottle" kits, which depicted different scenes from the Planet of the Apes saga.  The three kits included the Cornfield Roundup from Planet, the Jail Wagon from Beneath, and the Tree House from Battle.  These kits were tougher to put together, since the pieces were  smaller, then there previous counterparts.  In today's market, these kits go for between $40-60 sealed and $20-30 built up.  These kits are a bit tougher to find sealed, but with enough research can be located.

Addar was also in the process of producing a Galen model kit when the company shut down in late 1976 due to financial problems. The company produced a few other lines of kits, but they will always be remembered for their Planet of the Apes kits.

For the true apes fan, the Addar model kits are highly desirable pieces. In my opinion of all the ape merchandise released in the 70ís, they were one of the finest lines produced.  As the years go on and new resin kits are still produced, the Addar kits will always hold a special place in my ever growing Planet of the Apes collection. 

You can order Chris' book through Terry Martin @ Time Machine Collectibles
<http://www.timem.com/photo/photo.htm> e-mail:TMartin419@aol.com:

Planet of the Apes Collectibles
  Unauthorized Guide with Trivia
& Values by Christopher Sausville (1998)
Over 200 color photos and a listing of over 350 ape items 250 trivia questions and facts about the original film.  128 pages
 retail price - $29.95        Time Machine Collectibles price- $27.95

Terry also has many autographed fotos by Planet of the Apes Stars, so check it out!