Description:

Pictured above is an experimental Duke intended for release in 1995. Hasbro experimented with changing figure construction. There are five major differences between this figure and the old Joe construction-

1. The waist design on this figure eliminated the rubber band. This figure would eventually be able to twist its torso at the waist, but on this prototype it does not (there is no waist movement).

2. The legs (where they connect to the waist) have 90 degree flat movement much like that of a vintage Star Wars figure, allowing for less mobility.

3. The torso is much larger than normal, giving Duke a buff appearance reminiscent of the disproportion in the Gi Joe Extreme figures.

4. The shoulder joints are of a new design yet function similarly to those of normal joes.

5. The knee joints are of a new design. With this prototype, the metal leg screws/rods are responsible for the knee movement.

This design never made it beyond the test mold shown here. No stamps are present on this figure.

Additional Images:

Pictured above is an image of Duke as released on gift wrap produced by American Greetings Corp. available in 1994. While the figure bears some resemblance to Duke (1993), certain details make it unclear if this was possibly a new figure. There is also some possibility that this is loosely based on the test shot as seen above.