A. C. Gilbert, the toy company best known for its Erector sets, launched its action figures in the 1960s. While Hasbro had its G.I. Joe, Gilbert offered spy figures from the Cold War made popular in "The Man from U.N.C.L.E.," a TV series about two agents, Napoleon Solo and Illya Kuryakin dedicated to fighting the enemies of peace. The television show aired from 1964 to 1968.