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Before Nintendo Game & Watch—and decades before smartphones placed games in everyone’s pocket—Mattel helped create the electronic-gaming revolution. Beginning with Auto Race in 1976, followed by the phenomenally successful Football, Baseball and an entire generation of LED handheld classics, Mattel Electronics changed the way children played. Mattel then entered the home-console battle with Intellivision, giving the company an extraordinary place in early video-game history.
This mysterious artifact comes from inside that world. It is a striking MATTEL “SHARK BIT!” enamel employee pin featuring the classic red Mattel sunburst logo with a large bite torn from its lower edge. A gold-tone banner covers the damaged section with the wonderfully cryptic words “SHARK BIT!” The red, black and gold design is bold, unusual and unlike any ordinary Mattel promotional item.
What exactly did “SHARK BIT!” mean inside Mattel? Was it a corporate achievement, sales award, internal campaign, special project or recognition presented to employees? Despite extensive searching, I have been unable to locate another example or any surviving documentation explaining it. That mystery is part of what makes the pin so compelling. This was clearly created to commemorate something understood by the Mattel insiders who received it—not for customers browsing a toy-store aisle.
Mattel employee pins and internal awards were produced in dramatically smaller quantities than the company’s retail products. Most were worn, misplaced or disappeared into former employees’ personal collections. When they surface today, they provide a rare glimpse into the people and corporate culture behind Mattel’s legendary toys and electronic games.
Although Mattel released the classic Intellivision title Shark! Shark!, no documentation has been found proving that this pin was connected to that game. It is being offered exactly as discovered: a genuine, exceptionally unusual Mattel “SHARK BIT!” pin whose complete origin remains unknown. I would rather preserve the mystery than invent a history that cannot be verified.
The pin displays beautifully with strong color and crisp lettering and is presented in the clear display box shown. Please examine the photographs carefully, as they show the exact pin, box and am listing a massive collection of vintage electronic games, game consoles, and arcade memorabilia.I have fiddled with vintage games for more than 45 years. If you are a serious collector...or looking for the perfect nostalgic gift for someone who grew up in the 1970s, ’80s, or ’90s...you may have just hit the jackpot. Many of my items are extremely rare, unusual, and sometimes one-of-a-kind finds, so be sure to check my other listings and check back often, as I am constantly adding new treasures from the collection.
I believe in describing every item openly and accurately to the best of my ability..I do not intentionally hide flaws or problems. With the nature of these old games they will almost always have some little issue...buttons don\'t press perfect, screens faded, small scuffs or wear from play.... battery covers don\'t stay on perfect. All games are sold as is due to the nature of these games. If I see something obvious I will point it out.Please study all photos carefully, as the photos are 95% of the description and show exactly what you are buying. I am always happy to combine shipping whenever possible. Unless specifically stated in the listing, batteries are not included with electronic games. Yes I combine shipping on all US orders. I do not combine shipping on International orders. I will not label boxes as gift. International shipping can take extra time. I only use Global shipping. The price you see for shipping is what is collecting...not me. International orders are responsible for duties and taxes. does not have a process in place for this. All items are insured. Shipping price includes packaging and time for labor, etc. Thanks for looking, and enjoy the hunt—you never know what rare piece I’ll list next!
Don’t let this chance pass you by. Own it.
NOTE...You may see a number and a letter in the Title like \"A1\" this is a label for me telling me the location of the game in my house so I can find it quickly amongst all of the games listed. Thank you
