Action Soldier (Negro)

The black G.I Joe Action Soldier (7900) was first released in 1965.    This figure has the distinction of being one of the first mainstream toys produced specifically for African-American boys. He remained in production through the end of the military series in 1968. Hasbro used the standard caucasian GI Joe head sculpt, it would not be until 1970 that a black GI Joe got more realistic features. 

Contents included:

• GI Joe Action figure molded on brown with black painted hair
• Fatigue shirt and pants
• Tall brown combat boots
• Dog Tag
• Insignia Stickers 
• Field manual 
• Boot Removal Instructions
• Catalog

The very first black Action Soldiers used the same molds in use in late '64 and early '65, meaning that their bodies can have early issue features.  The one shown below has limbs marked only 'L' and 'R' except for the forearms which have the early version of the cavity numbers mark and flattened areas near the elbow.  Other early issue features include baby feet, a beefy hand, shaped knees, prominent sprue and mold marks, and sloppy molding on the upper back and shoulder.  The earlier black figures used a dark brown rivet that matches the body.  Many of the ones produced in the '67-'69 era use caucasian flesh colored rivets.