Knickerbocker Toy Company, USA - Collectible Plush
Knickerbocker originated as a manufacturer of educational toys such as alphabet blocks in 1850 in Albany, NY USA. Founded by the Van Whye family (who later changed their family name to Knickerbocker), they were immigrants from Holland and the name "Knickerbocker" was derived from an affectionate nickname for early New York citizens, a reference to the baggy trousers the original Dutch settlers wore.
Knickerbocker introduced teddy bears and other plush stuffed toys c1920. In the 1930's the company incorporated and permanent labels were introduced.
An early Knickerbocker Teddy Bear, c1930, fully jointed and made from long dark brown mohair plush, velveteen paw pads (even earlier bears would have had felt pads), glass eyes, vertically stitched oval narrow nose. Unfortunately he is missing his seam label which would have been in his tummy seam saying "Animals of Distinction, Made in USA". I believe his neck bow is original!
Knickerbocker moved to New Jersey and obtained the Smokey The Bear license c1968. Knickerbocker was also well known for their dolls of cloth, composition and vinyl under the licenses of Raggedy Anne & Andy, Walt Disney Character Dolls (usually plush with vinyl snouts, heads or faces) and Holly Hobbie.
One of Knickerbocker's novelty plush toys c1950's to 1960's, from their "Dancing Animals" Collection. Made from synthetic silk rayon plush, the dog has a plastic winder key, and he "dances" around when wound!
During this time period the Knickerbocker label included the phrase "Joy of a Toy" and many items were manufactured in Japan or Korea rather than in the USA. Note the address line on the label still says "NY USA" dating Dancing Dog prior to the late 1960's.
In 1979 Knickerbocker Toy Company was sold to Lionel (Trains) but Lionel went bankrupt in 1984 where many sources cite the end of many lines of toys. Things become a little hazy at this point, as I have references that Knickerbocker Toy Co was a subsidiary of Warner Communications (yes, the Time Warner folks!). Applause was a Division of Knickerbocker and it was sold to Wallace Berrie who eventually merged with Dakin. This follows the licensing trail of Raggedy Anne & Andy. However, Hasbro acquired assets of the Knickerbocker Toy Co from Warner Communications in 1983 and also has supplied Toys R Us with Raggedy Anne & Andy among other (previously licensed) Knickerbocker toys.
In 1993, the Knickerbocker Toy Company was resurrected by Louis and Tammy Knickerbocker (interestingly, of no relation to the original company!) and began issuing plush collectible Knickerbocker animals and teddy bears once again! Officially registered under their incorporated name of L.L. Knickerbocker Co Inc., they had been selling collectibles under the Knickerbocker Toy brand name since 1986 (as produced by Hasbro??) and owned several other enterprises including cosmetics, costume jewelry sold via QVC and Marie Osmond endorsed collectible porcelain dolls.
Here is a modern Knickerbocker collectible Teddy Bear under the resurrected label "Knickerbocker Toy Company".
A Limited Edition Teddy Bear name "Bennet" from the Knickerbocker's "Second Childhood Series" no. 3 of 2500 issued, designed exclusively for Knickerbocker by bear artist Karen Rundlett. He is 10 1/2 inches tall, fully jointed and comes with his very own cotton flannel security blankie and binkie (soother), made from pale blue fluffy synthetic plush. He has his certificate of authenticity which is hand numbered.
The main rule of thumb with collecting Vintage Knickerbocker teddy bears, is the registered trademark "Animals (Toys) of Distinction" c1930's pre-war shown on seam labels, and later their second registered trademark "Joy of a Toy" beginning post-war c1950's. Address on any older Knickerbocker label that shows NY dates pre-1968 when they moved to New Jersey.
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