Here for your consideration is a Vintage, Fisher Price Little People #985 Houseboat play set! Manufactured between 1972-76, this play set is very hard to find in this condition (EXC++-NEAR MINT) and 100 % COMPLETE with its ORIGINAL BOX!
The set features 15 pieces, some of which are VHTF (little blue boat, life preservers, lobster table). The Houseboat itself makes a putt-putt sound when its string is pulled. I would classify this Houseboat
as being in EXC++ condition overall. Its lithos are all present, with full-bodied color and no fading. After repeated inspections, the only "imperfections" of note that I can detect are:
1. A few, pin-head size rubs and edgewear being discerned on the edge of the captain's console;
2. A few minor scratches and some light soiling on the side Fisher Price logos;
3. Some loosening of the INTERIOR floor litho on the far back left edge of the litho; I will be reanchoring this with Rubber Cement so it will not progress.
As far as the plastic surfaces on this Houseboat are concerned, there are no cracks, chips, abrasions, or fading of any of the plastic parts. Everything works as designed (the diving board pulls out, the steering wheel and red chair turn as the Houseboat is pulled forward, the little blue boat fits securely on the locks in the rear etc.). The ONLY flaws I can find are:
1. Some "kinking" and chews on the pull string;
2. A few "dings," some scratches, and scuffs on the bottom of the boat;
3. Some mild-moderate "road wear" on the wheels on the bottom of the boat;
4. Some extraneous black marks and soiling; I believe these will come off with a careful cleaning;
5. Some light yellowing on the white foredeck; the biggest spot is crescent shaped and is approximately 2" L x 3/4" W; it is located by the green pillar on the left hand side of the boat. You really have to be searching for this to appreciate it. I didn't notice it until I held the boat up within 3" of my eyes and rotated in the light. My husband detected some extremely faint yellowing on other portions of the foredeck that I still can't see; however, since his eyes are better than mine I feel obligated to report it. In my opinion, these yellowish areas do NOT detract from the overall apppearance or functioning of the Houseboat. They're that hard to see.
The Houseboat features the following accessories:
1 VHTF little blue boat (EXC-NEAR MINT---little scuffing on the bottom rails of the boat);
2 yellow lounge chairs (MINTY MINT);
2 red captain's chairs with triangles on the back (MINT);
1 VHTF red lobster table (EXC++---two minor rubs on the litho; litho all there);
1 yellow B.B.Q. grill (NEAR MINT--teensy amount of edge wear on litho);
2 VHTF life preservers (1 MINT; other VG++-EXC--couple of possible shallow nibbles");
1 HTF, ALL PLASTIC Captain (EXC--generalized soiling which I'm confident will come off with a thorough cleaning; some minor roughness on the tip of the cap's brim--NOT chews; head is a tad loose; mild edge wear on the bottom of the piece);
1 HTF, ALL PLASTIC, yellow bodied smiling boy with red cap (MINTY MINT);
1 HTF, ALL PLASTIC, red bodied girl with blond bob and bangs (MINTY MINT);
1 ALL PLASTIC, blue bodied lady w/blonde pony (NEAR MINT---very minor edge wear around the bottom of the piece; rest of the figure is MINTY MINT ); and
1 ALL PLASTIC, Lucky w/red collar (NEAR MINT-MINT--NO CHEWS).
The accompanying box is in SPLENDID condition. The colors are bright, all flaps are present, and is free of stains. Other than some residual tape, some rubs along the seams and corners, and a couple of tears on the seams of the flaps, this box is in remarkable shape. It should be noted that this box was collapsed, to save on shipping, when I received it. I will ship this box in its collapsed state instead of applying new tape in case the new owner wants to do something else with it. On a scale from 1-10, with 10 being perfect, I would rate this box as being an 8.0-8.5.
The Houseboat and all of its accessories will be thoroughly Q-tip cleaned prior to shipping it to its new owners. I spend a minimum of 1- 1 1/2 hours cleaning each and every vintage Fisher Price play set that I sell (except those clearly marked in My Rough Room).
****NOTE****Please check my other listings for numerous other COMPLETE, Vintage Fisher Price play sets, puzzles, and My Friend dolls.
Check my feedback; customer service is #1 with me. Buy with confidence; you won't be disappointed!
Preferred payment is via PayPal. Payment is expected within 5 business days.
The price listed is for the item itself. The total amount due will be the purchase price of the item + the ACTUAL shipping cost to deliver your item to you. All shipping costs or extra fees (in the case of Canadian shipments) are the responsibility of the buyer. I will do everything in my power to find you the cheapest shipping rate—-whether it’s the USPS (First Class, Parcel, or Priority), Fed Ex, or UPS. I DO NOT PAD MY SHIPPING COSTS—-NEVER HAVE AND NEVER WILL! I SHIP WITHIN 48 HOURS OF A CLEARED PAYMENT.
I primarily utilize Fed Ex Home Delivery for items exceeding 5 lbs. in weight, measuring greater than 12 inches in any dimension, or traveling longer distances. I’ve been finding Fed Ex has been running @33% cheaper than the USPS (including Parcel Post) and UPS Ground. FYI, another benefit of using either Fed Ex or UPS is that their quote includes up to $100 worth of FREE insurance. Additional amounts of insurance may be purchased for a nominal fee (that is much less than the USPS). Fed Ex also provides automated tracking updates re: your parcel’s whereabouts directly to your personal e-mail account.
In order to ship Fed Ex (or UPS for that matter), I MUST have a residential or work place address, NOT a P.O. Box number, as well as a home or cell phone. Otherwise, they will not accept the shipping paperwork or transport your item.
Since Bonanza's shipping calculator does NOT offer Fed Ex Home Delivery as a shipping option, PLEASE DO NOT SEND PAYMENT UNTIL I HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO MANUALLY CHECK THESE RATES AND INSERT THEM INTO YOUR INVOICE. Otherwise, the shipping calculator may overcharge you.
Packages traveling to Alaska or Hawaii will be shipped Parcel Post via the USPS. Insurance and delivery confirmation are required.
I’m more than willing to combine multiple purchases into one box whenever it is safe to do so to decrease your shipping costs. Once again, PLEASE wait to check out until I can combine your purchases on ONE INVOICE and can calculate their combined shipping rate via Fed Ex. If you pay for these items separately, I get charged multiple transaction fees by PayPal plus you get over-charged on your shipping. Of course, I will refund you any amount over $1.00 that you've overpaid on shipping. However, it's easier on both of us if you wait until I can send you the correct amount.
I’m more than happy to ship selected play sets to Canada and Australia. Remember that shipping to Australia can be quite expensive so please contact me for a shipping quote before you purchase an item. I will attempt to find the cheapest shipping rate possible. Also, Australian and Canadian customers will be responsible for any brokerage fees, Custom’s duties, or VAT’s imposed by your governments. I am not responsible for these charges. Insurance is required for all international shipments.
Last, but not least, I offer a 10% discount for orders totaling $125.00 or more.
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. NO RETURNS ARE ACCEPTED. I have attempted to bring any noted "imperfections" to your attention prior to your purchasing the item. However, I'm only human. If I have missed something or you have a problem with your purchase, please contact me prior to leaving feedback.
