12x26.5x4" deep box contains complete set by Archer Plastics Inc. issued in 1953. Box text includes "As Seen In The New Paramount Picture The War Of The Worlds/Men Of Mars Are Coming." Die-cut lid features exceptional illustration which is a battle scene between "Mars Men" and the US Military with civilians fleeing, buildings crumbling and burning, flying saucer flying overhead and shooting laser beams. Additional related images appear on side panels. Bottom panel depicts "Civil Defense Station" with Civil Defense workers and civilians including those that have been wounded and are being attended to. Original intent was to cut the box apart using the front and back scenes to create a diorama. Box has all-over moderate wear including surface paper rubs along edges, 3" tear at left side of die-cut lid design, box bottom has 5x7" area of moisture staining at top left corner, 1" spot of missing surface paper from back panel to one of the station walls. Top right corner has a 2" tape strip on outside, 4" tape strip on inside. However, box retains a bright appearance for display with strong color. Technically VG but still displays as Fine. The hard plastic figures include six different 3.75" tall Men of Mars and ten different 2.5" tall GI's. There are also 12 soft plastic accessory pieces for the Men of Mars, 6 weapons and 6 Astro-packs. Final item is 10" long hard plastic friction atomic defense truck with sound beam attachment. Truck has slight trace of aging to the plastic with some scattered minor surface scuffs/scratches. Metal base plate has scattered surface oxidation. Truck remains fine with working friction. All figures and accessories are Exc. An exceptional playset which is very rare and the only one we've ever offered.