"Collectibles, Will Robinson! Collectibles!"
Mementos of the Original Lost in Space

By Bill Kunkel

When the spaceship Jupiter II left Earth for Alpha Centauri on September 15, 1965 in the debut episode of Lost in Space, it looked like a fairly serious sci-fi version of Swiss Family Robinson. The family was led by Professor John Robinson (Guy Williams, who had previously played Zorro for Disney) and included mom Maureen Robinson (Lassie's June Lockhart), daughters Judy (Marta Kristen) and Penny (Angela Cartwright), and son Will (Billy Mumy). First mate Don West (Mark Goddard) was aboard primarily as the young male love interest for Judy. Like the original Family Robinson, their journey took an unexpected turn, casting them adrift in space with a damaged craft barely able to limp from planet to planet. And like their prototypes, the space-bound Robinsons are forced to survive by their wits – and a few marvels courtesy of futuristic technology.

Of greater interest is the point at which Lost in Space diverged from its source material. The series' two original characters proved to be its most enduringly popular. Dr. Zachary Smith (Jonathan Harris) was trapped on board when his attempt to sabotage the Jupiter II went awry. Harris' saturnine features and outrageously prissy demeanor were perfect, and the pompous Smith became the character Lost in Space fans loved to hate.

The second original character, of course, was the Robot. His flailing, accordion-style arms and constant cry of "Danger, Will Robinson!" soon made one of the show's primary players. Originally cast as a menace (Dr. Smith attempted to eliminate the expedition by programming the Robot to go berserk when they reached their destination), the Robot eventually became the show's covert star. It bonded with young Will, who also developed a mutual fondness for the venal, craven Dr. Smith (with his father eternally repairing the Jupiter II, this kid needed all the male role models he could find). But it was the catty, adversarial relationship between Smith and the Robot that comprised the show's comic core.

By the final season, a comedy is what the show had become. In one episode, a race of tiny robots elect the Robot their king (when the Robot leaves the Robinsons, it has a piece of Tourister luggage in its claw); in another, a beautiful space maiden (Vitina Marcus) falls in love with Dr. Smith (talk about science fiction!); and during one adventure the crew is taken prisoner by an anthropomorphic carrot named Tybo, who would constantly douse himself with a garden hose, croaking: "Moisture! Moisture!" Slowly but surely, Lost in Space evolved from a "serious" but pedestrian sci-fi adventure to a surreal sitcom about interplanetary beauty contests and robotic femme fatales. And the more bizarre the episode, the more fondly it is remembered by the fans (a lesson that unfortunately eluded the people behind the recent Lost in Space film).

Extremely rare Roto-Jet Gun

Sci-fi shows invariably generate collectibles; models of spaceships, action figures, comics, games, and other licensed items are plentiful. After an extensive search, we've high-graded some of the most interesting Lost in Space collectibles:

Lost in Space Lunch Box

A vintage, dome-topped lunchbox, it features full-color art on virtually every square inch of available space. The dome top, front, sides, and back are each decorated with a vivid illustration. This lunch box has been reproduced in replica format, so make sure you know whether you're getting the original.

Lost in Space R/C B-9 Robot

Perhaps the single most popular item connected with the show is this 24" tall version of the Robot (official designation: B-9 Robot) was manufactured by Trendmasters. Only 10,000 of these were available nationwide. This version of the Robot features a wireless four-function remote control, a microphone that allows the user to speak through the B-9 (as well as built-in sound bites using the Robot's actual voice), 360 degree rotation, and an illuminated, swivel-style bubble. The arms jiggle realistically and can pop out of its torso, the claws work, and there's even a secret compartment. One of the life-size (1:1) babies was recently auctioned for $11,500!

Lost in Space Robot Keychain

For collectors who'd like to get in on the Robot action at a somewhat lower price point. Push the Robot's bubblehead down and hear three classic sound bites. Comes with wheels and flexible arms. Battery powered, it was made by Basic Fun.

Lost In Space Switch & Go

Produced in 1966, this remarkable item was a Sears exclusive. The complete set includes the Chariot (the AT-style vehicle used primarily in the early episodes), radar missile, suitcases, and decal sheet. Characters include: Will, Maureen, John, B-9 Robot, Penny, Judy, Don, Bloop (Penny's chimpanzee-like alien pet) and Dr. Smith. The set also includes a space ship, flying wire, targets, scenery, and track. This is a pretty rare item and, with interest in the original show hyped as a result of the recent film, it sells for anywhere from $1,000-to-$3,000 on the secondary market, depending on its condition.

Now, let's make one last try at navigating for Alpha Centauri, where we hear the Lost in Space collectibles are really choice.

The preceding material was written by Bill Kunkel. These are the opinions of the author, not the opinions of eBay, and therefore eBay does not validate the accuracy of or endorse these opinions.