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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Wow, nice post, there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post. Thank you for sharing to us. Please one more post about that..valentines teddy bear
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments! I am glad you found my post informative! What would you like to see more of? A particular brand or product? Best Regards Mandy
ReplyDeleteHello Mandy. I have the teddy bear you have pictured with the mohair fur, velveteen pads and a red ribbon with the tag you described still attached and very readable. would like to find out the value if possible and hoping you can direct me. Thanks
DeleteHello Which Teddy Bear are you referring to? The brown fellow at the top of this blog? You have one like him that has his tag? Or is it a bear in another blog or in my store. Sorry, I am a bit confused as to which one you mean.
DeleteHi mandy,my name is Michelle, I have a knickerbocker stuffed bear that was given to me about 15years ago from a friend who's wife was a bear creator at knickerbocker. I believe it was one of her prototypes. This bear has no signature on the leather heart tag. She(the bear) is a girl,she's light tan colored mohair and fully jointed. She's wearing a Christmas jumper that says "Noel" all over it. That being said,I just wanted to know if you have ever seen or heard of this bear?
ReplyDeleteShe sounds like a lovely bear! If she is a prototype she may never have been produced so could be one of a kind. It is difficult to know whether she is from the original Knickerbocker company or the one that was resurrected since the time line is a little hazy with all the mergers. Have you tried an image google search? Rgds M
DeleteHi there! I'm in search for a bear that is a light brown and in a train conductor outfit. Its a Knickerbocker. It was given to me as a child bit accidentally sold at a garage sale. I really hope I can find one just like him. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteSarah
Hi. I'm looking for a rubber faced elephant plush by knickerbocker. Just wondering if you had any info or seen it before
ReplyDeleteHi, my Knickerbocker Teddy Bear has a tag that says "Animals of Distinction CAL T-5 Stuffed Toys register number 18. Can you tell me anything about him? He is a small brown bear with amber eyes. Thanks Marina Foreman marinaforeman711@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAny body tell me i godt reg number 18 dog with long ears The nose is a litle lose and he needs a bag. I AM inrerrested to find him a New home, pleace tell me about Prince. Bo from copenhagen Denmark
ReplyDeleteI recently acquired a faded pink mohair bear. Her nose is verticals, she has large glass eye, wool felt paws, and is joined with large discs that I can feel. Her arms are fairly short and slightly bent. I believe she is around 18". There is no label. Her stuffing is on the softer side.. looks to be fabric? What can you tell me about her?
ReplyDelete