Unique Item of the Week... The $53k Japanese robot

Mint-condition and in its original box, this amazing Japanese artefact starred at Morphy Auctions

Nobody makes robots quite like the Japanese, and this quintessential example stole the show at Dan Morphy's February 26-27 auction.

The sale was already stacked-to-the-gills with unique memorabilia - including a tobacco advertising bronze Red Indian figurine (sold for $15,525) and a mechanical 'Bread Winner's' bank toy from 1937 (sold for $28,750).

But none came close to our Unique Item of the Week: a scarce battery-operated Gang of 4 Target Robot toy, all the way from The Land of the Rising Sun.

This unused battery-operated Gang of 4 Target Robot sold for $52,900

Unused and in fully-working condition, the shiny robot sold in its original mint-condition box bearing the tagline "Shoot him... He roars, flashes, and goes away... Soon comes back to you!"

The robot sold along the gun used to shoot it and some fireable darts, all still sealed in their original bag.

Despite slight wear, minor creasing, and one split to left corner of its side apron, this unique and exemplary Japanese artefact sold for an incredible $52,900.

Amazingly, it auctioned with a pre-sale estimate of just $7,000-10,000.

Dan Morphy's sale took place in Pennsylvania, US.