This is a topic I’ve kicked around for quite a while. Last night, I finally decided to bite the bullet and write about it. The amount of memorabilia relating M*A*S*H is staggering. Just search eBay and you’ll find hundreds of items. There are the episodes themselves, available on VHS and DVD, as well as M*A*S*H puzzles, books, t-shirts, plastic models, a teddy bear, playing cards, watches, belt buckles, a View-master reel, a video game, trading cards, a Halloween costume, sheets and bedding, board games, plates and glasses, posters, and a vodka dispensing system.
And that’s just in the United States. The Complete Book of M*A*S*H includes a listing of select products based on the TV show, some of which were released in Australia, the United Kingdom, and Sweden. Interestingly, many of the toys and collectibles released in the U.S. weren’t available until the early 1980s, suggesting 20th Century Fox either couldn’t or wouldn’t license M*A*S*H to manufacturers during the 1970s.
I’ve written about a few pieces of memorabilia over the years: a set of action figures from the 1970s; pajamas sold by Sears in the 1980s; the Bachmann model train set from the 1980s; and most recently an unusual ride on motorcycle toy from the 1980s. Also, back in 2008, M*A*S*H fan and toy collector Peter Kurch provided a wonderful look at the Tristar action figures, vehicles, and playset.
Despite the hundreds of items relating to M*A*S*H available, there are a few things I wish existed that don’t. For example, there are no original tie-in novels based on M*A*S*H. I’m a huge fan of TV tie-in novels. My collection includes more than a hundred from the 1960s through the 1980s (and dozens more from the 1990s and 2000s). I’ve always assumed the reason there were no TV tie-in novels had to do with the existence of Richard Hooker’s original novel and its various sequels.
That said, I’m not sure the show would’ve translated well from television to novel. Particularly during the early years, there was a lot of visual humor. But what about comic books? I also collect TV tie-in comics and I wish there were some for M*A*S*H. The closest we got were the comic strip parodies MAD magazine published (here‘s one spoofing the series finale).
Finally, I wish there was a M*A*S*H soundtrack featuring music from the show. This month’s poll asks whether people would buy a soundtrack and so far, the majority are saying yes.
What collectibles or memorabilia relating to M*A*S*H do you wish existed? Hit the comments with your thoughts.
Comic books, I guess? I know HOGAN’S HEROES had comic books, but then again, it seems like a number of shows in the 60s had their own comic book.
I wish a poster had been made of the Cracked magazine cover from when the TV series ended. It had all the main 11th season cast waving, with the ghostly images of Radar, Henry, Trapper, and Frank floating above behind them. No parody at all on that particular cover, and no Sylvester P. Smythe (the magazine’s version of Alfred E. Neumann) interrupting the image. Just a pure tribute to the TV series.
If I ever found the original art for that one up for auction …..!
I have several pieces of M*A*S*H memorabila, having worked on the on the show, including scripts, call sheets, a 1981 belt buckle, a green and white pen, and a red oblong button that was given out in a press release kit.
Believe it or not, I was in Korea 51-52 and had help found the 38th Parallel Society. I designed the Society’s “certificate”. which, if my memory serves me, note I am now 90 years old, I am positive that I saw it in one of the episodes in the Colonel’s office. It was a black and white outline drawing of Korea with hand colored emblems of I believe, the divisions emblems and Nations logos. I really don’t remember exactly. But I would be thrilled if it was available. The Society still exists and in recognition of my role they have asked me to SKYPE at their 2 most recent meetings, have sent me a medal and other commendations. I would be thrilled if you found the one that was used in the show. Thank You, Thank You. Marvin Friedman
Thank you for your service to our country, Sir! I salute you! God bless you and your family!
Honestly, I wish the memorabilia was easier to find. A lot of my favorite collectables I have had to get on Ebay, since they are so hard to find locally. I own several of the actor’s autobiographies (including a couple of autographed copies), as well as books, tv guides, magazines, etc. . They also used to make M*A*S*H beer, and you can still find the beer cans. The board games and the Atari game are all pretty fun. 🙂 I have a couple of the Tristar characters, and I’d love to have the whole set someday.
Does anybody on here know anything about M*A*S*H postcards? I received some for Christmas that as far as I can tell were made by Fox in the early 80’s. I’m curious about how rare/common they are and how many different designs were made.
I am going to be posting a MASH medical bag with pigskin camouflage in two weeks. If your interested in a picture, please let me know. Enjoyed your article.
I am going to be posting a MASH medical bag with pigskin camouflage in two weeks. If your interested in a picture, please let me know. Enjoyed your article. [email protected]