This is one of the really fun mechanical toys produced in post-war Japan that are in such high demand these days. Since they were often thought of as cheap foreign-made junk very few were held carefully stored so few have survived. It's especially hard to find them in the original boxes. I've seen 2 different boxes for this. A full color one and a 2 color one. I'm not sure which came first.
The game parts are in EXCELLENT condition. Mechanically he works great. You need to "tweek" the net set-up a bit to align everything properly but once you do he will go on shooting underhand free throws until his mechanical motor winds down. His paint job is in wonderful shape, just a a few small scuffs and scratches, and I can't see any rust on him at all.
The rest of the metal parts are similarly free of rust and have very nice paint.
The net has seems to be torn at the back but all the copies I have seen have this same opening so I'm guessing this is how it originally came out of the box. It is otherwise intact with no signficant rips or tears.
Overall I would grade the game parts 7 on a 10 scale (see condition guide below).
The game box is in VERY GOOD condition. Othere than a split corner the lid has very little wear. Nice, bright colors. No stains or writing. Just some scuffing on the edges and corners.
The box bottom has 2 splits, and as already stated the lid has 1 split. I would grade it a 6 on a 10 scale (see condition guide below).
Here's a link to a youtube video
of another person's toy in action.....
CONDITION GUIDE:
MINT
(10): I will only give this grade
to brand new, unused items. NEAR MINT (9):
Shows virtually no use. Seldom if ever played.
Perhaps some very light handling creases to the
instructions
or other minor flaws with the game parts. Boxes will have
only
the slightest hint of shelf wear. EXCELLENT (7-8):
The game has seen some use but it was obviously well taken care of.
Game parts
might have
some light handling creases or other signs of
careful use. Board might have just a hint of color loss or
dented
corners. Boxes will have light rubbing to the artwork or
perhaps
some minor dishing or a very light stain. VERY GOOD (5-6):
The game was not especially well cared for but it still has
faired pretty well. Game
parts will show obvious use but nothing will be torn, badly
stained or have any serious damage. Box may have
some
rubbing, light staining, dishing, 1 or 2 neatly split corners,
minor writing and/or a few pieces of tape. No major
structural
damage and artwork will still be generally attractive. GOOD (3-4):
Obviously no care was taken with the game but it is still playable as
is. Game parts show
considerable use but the game is complete with all parts in
usable
condition. Box may have staining, writing, split
corners,
dishing and/or other structural damage but it will be intact and still
usable. POOR
(1-2):
Only suitable to fill a space in your collection.
Game will be missing
parts (these will be noted). Box will have serious damage and
may
be missing aprons or badly torn.