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Monday, August 3, 2020

Billy The Kid.



Perhaps no other Wild West historical figure has been more examined, legends created about and misinformation compiled than that of Billy The Kid.

Sideshow Collectibles/Toys, as part of its Six Gun Legends 12-inch figure collection produced, a Billy The Kid figure in 2001.

Like the Military, Historical and Classic TV and Movie series, the Wild West figures were produced for a short time.

As with the other early Sideshow figures, collectors are starting to take notice and as a result the prices of the figures are rising-quickly!

The Six Gun Legends packaging is some of the best Sideshow has ever done.

A full color close-up photo of man’s hand pulling out a six-shooter from a holster backed up by an old photo of Billy The Kid really spotlights what collectors can expect.

Heavily shadowed shots of a lawman and outlaw decorate both sides and on the top of the box.

The flip open lid reveals the figure and accessories inside snug in their form fitting clear plastic cocoon.  Additional plastic straps securely hold the figure in place.

Over the entire figure and accessories cocoon is a clear plastic sheet for easy viewing.

Behind the figure as background is a facsimile of the wanted poster for Billy.

On the inside of the flap is a brief history of Billy The Kid (William H. Bonney) including two photos, logo and four Western figures in shadow.

Sideshow artists did their homework as the figure looks remarkably like Billy, including his attire and weapons.

Let’s start with the accessories first.

Included with the figure is a small replica of a period piece Wanted poster with the large word NOTICE! as its headline and a list of crime and criminals listed below.  The poster appears yellowed and tattered.

Billy’s pearl handle six-shooter is included that fits snuggly into the figure’s holster.

A mid-size knife with antler handle and a level action rifle with a wooden stock and grip and a spare right hand for holding weapons and Billy’s brown well-worn hat make up the balance of the accessories.  The hat fits the figure’s head perfectly.

The figure is a (pardon the pun) dead ringer for he real Billy The Kid.

The figure’s brown hair is molded plastic but it lies naturally on the figure’s head, over its ears and forehead.  It looks unkempt and flat as if sweaty from being covered by his hat.

The face has large eyebrows, deep set slightly slanted eyes, a sharp nose, high cheekbones, a small mouth with a slight overbite and a weak chin.  Billy’s ears stick out from his head.

The fully articulated figure looks slightly stout due its loose-fitting pants with button closure and light brown belt with holster and silver buckle and bullet loops. 

Billy wears a light brown bandana set in a loose knot around his neck.  A colorful red, yellow and green shirt is worn under Billy’s heavy wool light green knit sweater with light gold button stitching running down its front.

Between the shirt and sweater a light green vest with large buttons can be seen-also stitched.

The loose fitting pants are tucked in high top, well worn, brown cowboy boots with thick heels.

The figure can pose and bend easily under the loose-fitting clothing without a stand.

Weapons are easily held by the figure in both hands especially when the extra trigger-ready right hand is attached.

It’s quite an impressive figure assembly. Sideshow has done an excellent job of capturing the likeness of Billy and his wardrobe and weapons, considering very few images of Billy exist for reference.

The clothing features scaled down stitching, buttons and fasteners and lays and folds like real life size clothing.

The accuracy is especially noticeable with the folds in the sweater and pants that hang loose of the figure just like Billy’s real wardrobe.

The Series One set also includes Wyatt Earp.

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