Hello fellow Voltron fans!

I checked the archives and couldn't find a topic about this (I do apologize if this was previously brought up). Voltron III Matchbox had 2 versions - one that was made in Taiwan and one that was made in Japan. For the Taiwan: stickers said GOLION D Y&K, TOEI MADE IN TAIWAN; the lions all had Bandai embossed under their jaws; this Taiwan one was recalled/discontinued due to higher amounts of lead in the lions paint that is allowed by law. The Japanese one also has lead in the paint from what I was told but has the amount which is allowed by law. For the Japan: the stickers said GB-36 C Y& K MADE IN JAPAN with Japanese writing.

Questions for all: which one is better quality of the two or is it the same quality? What are the differences if any? Do you think one has higher value than the other? The Taiwan one is more rare you could say because it was recalled but it has higher lead in the paint which may stray some collectors? From what I understand, the lead paint would only cause a problem if it was consumed (paint chips/dust swallowed or put in mouth).

Looking forwad to everyone's comments.

The Taiwan version is actually more sought after due to it being recalled. Anything recalled usually is worth more money because they goofed on something. As far as worth more...you can't tell if it's MISB, because you don't want to open it to find out if it's leaded or not. Plus, not too many for sale on eBay state facts like this.

It all depends on the quality of the item overall. Dat's it.

Higher lead is only a problem if you consume it. Collectors I know don't mouth their collections, so it's all good.

when I was a young kid my grandmother bought me a Voltron Figure That was HUGE! I have never seen one like it since, but the problem is that it was one that they recalled, and she took it back to bigR and I never got a replacment! She may have gotten a refund, or credit. Point is, when I was very young I actually had that Voltron you are speaking of the lead recall, and played with it and LOVED IT! Wish I could have just kept it somehow. If anyone can tell me what exact model to look for on eBay, so that if I see it I can try to buy it possibly. I am a powerseller on eBay, and have a pretty good idea how to navigate and work deals with people. also I have products I can trade as well. Any help would be cool, but not a huge deal. Thanks.....GO VOLTRON

quote:

Originally posted by K2 Cliffhanger:
The Taiwan version is actually more sought after due to it being recalled. Anything recalled usually is worth more money because they goofed on something. As far as worth more...you can't tell if it's MISB, because you don't want to open it to find out if it's leaded or not. Plus, not too many for sale on eBay state facts like this.

It all depends on the quality of the item overall. Dat's it.

Higher lead is only a problem if you consume it. Collectors I know don't mouth their collections, so it's all good.

That sounds right to me. If they both were in the same shape, the Taiwan/lead one may go for more. If one is in better shape than the other, that would have to be taken in to consideration.

Well, I was thinking of putting the lions in my mouth before transforming them but I guess I'll have to hold off - darn it!

quote:

Originally posted by VoltronFreak:
when I was a young kid my grandmother bought me a Voltron Figure That was HUGE! I have never seen one like it since, but the problem is that it was one that they recalled, and she took it back to bigR and I never got a replacment! She may have gotten a refund, or credit. Point is, when I was very young I actually had that Voltron you are speaking of the lead recall, and played with it and LOVED IT! Wish I could have just kept it somehow. If anyone can tell me what exact model to look for on eBay, so that if I see it I can try to buy it possibly. I am a powerseller on eBay, and have a pretty good idea how to navigate and work deals with people. also I have products I can trade as well. Any help would be cool, but not a huge deal. Thanks.....GO VOLTRON

You have to look for a Voltron III Matchbox version that was made in Taiwan. You'll be able to tell this by: stickers on underside of lions said GOLION D Y&K, TOEI MADE IN TAIWAN; the lions all had Bandai 1981 Taiwan embossed under their jaws. If the seller doesn't state what the stickers say on the lions or where it was made - ask them. But sometimes stickers can be removed so I guess the sure fire way to tell is to ask if the lions have bandai Taiwan embossed/engraved under their jaws.

quote:

Originally posted by K2 Cliffhanger:
The Taiwan version is actually more sought after due to it being recalled. Anything recalled usually is worth more money because they goofed on something. As far as worth more...you can't tell if it's MISB, because you don't want to open it to find out if it's leaded or not. Plus, not too many for sale on eBay state facts like this.

It all depends on the quality of the item overall. Dat's it.

Higher lead is only a problem if you consume it. Collectors I know don't mouth their collections, so it's all good.

**Question: The Voltron III has the crest/symbol in the middle of the chest. Around that is red paint in the shape of a V around the crest. Now the red that branches off that is located on the arms - does the Voltron III Matchbox version have red stickers there or paint? Better yet, do all of the Voltron's - popy, golion, matchbox have red paint or stickers in that area?

Someone else has to field this one. I don't know, as mine are the set released without the high lead concentration.

quote:

Originally posted by K2 Cliffhanger:
Someone else has to field this one. I don't know, as mine are the set released without the high lead concentration.

Yeah, mine is the Taiwan/higher lead version of Voltron Matchbox III; it has red stickers on the black arm pieces that is part of the chest symbol. I saw someone elses Taiwan one online and it looks to have stickers; I'm just hoping my black lion isn't a knock off of some sorts. I don't think it is since it has the correct sticker on its underside as do all the other lions (GOLION D C Y&K, TOEI MADE IN TAIWAN); also under the black lions yellow tail on the yellow plastic it states C Bandai 1981 Taiwan which is what the original should say. All other lions have this marking under their jaw also. All signs point to original but I'm concerned about the stickers vs paint thing. So yes, if someone knows the answer to the sticker vs paint question, please feel free to answer - thank you!! I wonder if the Japan Matchbox ones have paint while the Taiwan have stickers or if earlier versions had stickers where later versions did not, etc?

quote:

Originally posted by metalhead4life:

quote:

Originally posted by K2 Cliffhanger:
Someone else has to field this one. I don't know, as mine are the set released without the high lead concentration.

Yeah, mine is the Taiwan/higher lead version of Voltron Matchbox III; it has red stickers on the black arm pieces that is part of the chest symbol. I saw someone elses Taiwan one online and it looks to have stickers; I'm just hoping my black lion isn't a knock off of some sorts. I don't think it is since it has the correct sticker on its underside as do all the other lions (GOLION D C Y&K, TOEI MADE IN TAIWAN); also under the black lions yellow tail on the yellow plastic it states C Bandai 1981 Taiwan which is what the original should say. All other lions have this marking under their jaw also. All signs point to original but I'm concerned about the stickers vs paint thing. So yes, if someone knows the answer to the sticker vs paint question, please feel free to answer - thank you!! I wonder if the Japan Matchbox ones have paint while the Taiwan have stickers or if earlier versions had stickers where later versions did not, etc?

ANYONE??????

So, if both were MISB, can one tell which one is made from Tawain or Japan? Does it state on the box?

Wow, glad I found this site, maybe someone can help me. I'll be honest, I know very little about Voltron other than my husbands heavy, large voltron, that he has had since he was a kid, has defended the office very well for the past 9 years. Well, the other day he got bored with life and took a suicidal dive off his shelf, breaking his yellow lion and scaring the @#!* out of me. After searching Ebay for a replacement lion and only finding made in Japan labels on them I have discovered he is the recalled made in Taiwan version. Since I seriously doubt Matchbox is still honoring the recall...does anyone know where/if I can find repalcement parts for him? I really want to keep him with the Taiwan parts. We aren't selling him, actually I miss him where he was and I know my husband would be happy to see one of the few toys he kept from his childhood put back together again. I would appreciate any help very much. Thank you!

I have spare Taiwan Yellow and Blue Lions. Not sure if they are the higher lead content. Anyone know how I can tell? Make me an offer include shipping and I'll consider.

The sticker on the bottom of our yellow lion says
GOLION D
Y&K TOEI
made in Taiwan.
There is a copyright symbol by the Y&K. If that's what you have and you want to sell it, let me know, I'm sure we can work something out.
Thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by Asian77:
I have spare Taiwan Yellow and Blue Lions. Not sure if they are the higher lead content. Anyone know how I can tell? Make me an offer include shipping and I'll consider.

All of the Matchbox Voltron III's that were made in Taiwan have higher lead content. So, if your's is Matchbox and made in Taiwan then it has higher lead content. Look in retogal1970's post and my first post to tell if you have the Matchbox Taiwan version - Check the stickers and underside of the lions jaws. The underside of lions jaws will say: Bandai 1981 Taiwan.

quote:

Originally posted by retogal1970:
The sticker on the bottom of our yellow lion says
GOLION D
Y&K TOEI
made in Taiwan.
There is a copyright symbol by the Y&K. If that's what you have and you want to sell it, let me know, I'm sure we can work something out.
Thanks!

The bototm of mine says Golion D Y&K TOEI Made in Taiwan and Banbdai 1981 Taiwan in taised plastic under the 'chin'.I have a yello and a blue like this. He is in fair shape. His chrome is marred in places BUT NOT like ones that I have seen with almost all of the chrome gone.
Let me know if this is correct.

Yes I read you post all the way through and mine has the same stickers and markings as described by you and metalhead4life.