141. Boxed: NANCY DREW

If The Hardy Boys had a box, why not Nancy Drew? This 1977 lunchbox is based on the popular TV series starring Pamela Sue Martin. The character Nancy Drew is a creation of Edward Stratemeyer in 1930, which traces the adventures of a girl detective. First appearing in 1930, the detective stories made for juveniles were written under the pseudonym, Carolyn Keene. This particular box (copyright 1977 by Universal Studios) was one of the merchandise spawned by the hit, Nancy Drew Mysteries that ran from 1977 to 1979 on ABC. Initial episodes featuring Nancy alternated with episodes with the Hardy Boys. Martin left the series midway through the second season--and posed for Playboy Magazine-- and was replaced by Janet Louise Johnson until Nancy Drew was dropped completely in the final episodes.

Pamela Sue Martin however, may have the last laugh as her Nancy Drew lunchbox with its plastic thermos intact is worth more than that of the Hardy Boys. It has a value of about 50$ in good condition ($100, if in mint condition) vs. about 30$ for a used Hardy Boys box.