Hey folks! Merry Christmas! (I would say “Happy Holidays,” but I don’t feel like being politically correct today.)
Don’t worry, all you non-Christmasy types. I’m only focusing on the commercial side of the holiday. That’s right –Santa Claus!
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Wow, this isn’t the jolly ol’ Santa we all know and love. This looks more like the homeless, mentally disturbed Santa we’ve always feared.
All the signs are there – wandering eye, disheveled clothes, bloody nose. Damn. Looks like he’s been stumbling through the streets of the North Pole for well over a week.
He is the perfect stocking stuffer for the weird toy lover in your family (who is probably you).
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What we have here is a vintage Santa Claus Push Puppet by Kohler Bros. I think it was released in the 1960s. (No wonder Santa looks like hell. He’s been lost on the Island of Misfit Toys for the past 40+ years.)
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I’m sure you’ve seen toys like this before. For those unfamiliar with push puppets, they are basically miniature, marionette-type of toys whose segmented body parts are held together by string which is tied taut to a solid platform encased in a cylindrical base.
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Once you “push” on the platform inside the toy’s base, it releases the tension of the string, resulting in the sporadic movement of the character. If given enough pressure, all of the body parts will fall limp.
Sheesh. That written description of a push puppet was a bit overkill. I think a quick video will more quickly express what I’m talking about.
Merry Christmas folks! Enjoy your food, drink, family, friends and whatever else it is that you do. I hope Santa leaves something weird in your stocking.
Well, it’s the holiday season. I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving a week or so ago. Did you celebrate it the way most Americans did? You know – rushing to the shops to find their super-great deals. Well, not me. I decided to spend nearly half a day on the road driving to York, Pennsylvania – home of the Greater York Toy Extravaganza, where I’m not guaranteed to find good prices or good toys at all. Worth the risk? I dunno. I’ll get back to you on that one.
I didn’t go to the York toy show alone. I actually went with my father-in-law. Yep. He’s into toys too. Luckily he’s a fan of old, die-cast cars and stuff (Dinky Toys mostly), so we don’t compete. Anyway, when traveling to York last year, we went by plane which turned out to be a nightmare. We had hellacious layovers and weather delays, so we figured this year we’d try to control our own destiny by driving.
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Not only did we drive to York, but we arrived to the toy show a day early. Some folks don’t know it, but they have an “Early Buyers” admission to the show. You can pay to get in the day before the show (or you can pay to get in a couple hours early the day of the public show). The dealers set up Saturday and sell to each other and other suckers like me that night. At last year’s show, we only knew about the Sunday opening. We were kind of rushed with our toy shopping, because we had to catch a flight. But now, we had plenty of time.
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And as you can see, maybe we had a bit too much time. Yeesh. Maybe getting there first thing really wasn’t the best use of our time or money. As it turns out, the dealers are getting there the same time as the early buyers. It’s kind of annoying actually. Why make the dealers wait until 5:30pm to set up shop?
Oh well. At least I bought a couple of things… maybe even stuff that would’ve been gone the next day had I not nabbed it first (at least that’s what I’m saying to convince myself it was worth the $20 early admission). Another good thing about getting in early is it gave me a good lay of the land. I figured out who and what I should be checking out the next day.
On Sunday morning, I got in early again, but this time more of the tables actually had toys on ‘em. Good thing, or I would been severely disappointed.
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I know I’ve always mentioned how the photos I take don’t really capture the essence of these large toy shows, so I actually took some video footage of each hall. What you’ll see here are walthrough clips of the two toy halls – The West Hall (which was filled with more antiquey and automotive stuff) and the East Hall (which seemed to be more kitschy and “modern”).
Don’t worry, the videos are really quick, but they’ll make you seasick. (Unfortunately, the East Hall video ends a bit too soon, because I ran out of space on my memory card. In fact, that’s the main reason I have so few photos to show you.) Enjoy.
West Hall
East Hall
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G.I. Joe Headquarters. Does it get any cooler than that? Nope? Then you should probably stop reading now.
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On the first night, I picked up this set of “Tales from the Cryptkeeper” toys. (Why do I have the sneaking suspicion that these are from a lame cartoon series trying to make the old EC Comics and HBO series fun and child-friendly? Sure looks like it.) I got a great deal on them… or at least I thought so. After I bought them I noticed their old price stickers. They were from Kay-Bee and sold 3 for $5.00. Ha!! If only I’d seen ‘em years ago.
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Next, I bought a handful of windups. The carded ones are some strange, celebrity caricatures. The only ones I recognize are Arnold Schwarzenegger and Michael Jackson (The rest must be fütbol stars or something ). I also picked up the Q*bert, the little, orange ball guy, and a freaky-looking Fozzie. Really freaky.
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The last set is probably what people would expect at these shows. Vintage 80s He-man toys. Well, as you can see, some are Masters of the Universe, but others are knockoffs or monsters from Dungeons and Dragons and Inhumanoids.
The coolest piece is the Conan figure. It’s pretty rare, and I got a pretty good deal on it. Unfortunately, it’s not even for me. In fact, most of those fantasy figures were for a buddy of mine (it pays to be buddies with Weirdo Toys I tell ya). Don’t worry. I didn’t do it out of the kindness of my heart. I did it for a trade
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I’m thinking this guy didn’t sell a single one of these Beanie Babies. Not sure what he was thinking.
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Looking back on it, I’m not sure if the show is really worth it. Well, lemme take that back. If you’re within an hour or two drive, it’d be great, but I drove from South Carolina. That’s a long-ass way (I type this knowing I’ll probably go next year. It wouldn’t be as bad if I could get a small group to share in the expenses).
It cost me more in food, shelter and gas than I spent on toys. And not only that, but most of the cool toys I wanted were way overpriced (I sure sound like a cheapskate huh?). I’m serious. This isn’t like the Allentown Antique Toy Show were the toys are inherently expensive. This is a case of selling a dirty, broken-armored, incomplete He-Man figure for $25 (the one I got was nicer and cheaper by the way). Gimme a break. I even had a guy laugh in my face when trying to negotiate a price on a toy (Oh well. Just another guy I’ll never buy from if I ever see him again). It’s almost as if some of the sellers are there just to show you what cool stuff they have, having no real intention of selling anything (you know… like I do on this blog ).
In the end, it wasn’t too bad. There were plenty of nice folks with great deals – all there to share in the joy of toys. I’m happy I had the opportunity to be in York to do a little toy shopping, and I’m glad I have this opportunity to share it with you all.
As most of you know (and as some have felt), the world’s “financial situation” isn’t too great right now. Here in the U.S., folks are saying we’re in a recession (I think the media helped perpetuate that status with their incessant fear mongering, but nonetheless, that’s where we are). I know a lot of folks are losing jobs and homes, so I feel extremely fortunate to still have my job and home, and I even have the time and money to maintain this goofy blog.
… which leads us to our theme for today’s entry – Money. To be more precise – saving money.
No, I’m not gonna be providing any cost-saving tips for toy collectors or anything like that (God knows you can’t get cheaper than some of the crap I’ve picked up over the years). I’m actually referring to something I’d never imagined would be on the Weirdo Toys blog – coin banks.
What better way to save money for weirdo toys than by placing loose change in a couple of other weirdo toys.
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I came across these two beauties at the York Toy Show, and they just kept chanting, “Put me on the blog. Put me on the blog. Put me on the blog….”
As you may have noticed, the first bank posted there is Bert(or seems to be).
Of course we all know him from the children’s show, Sesame Street. He hangs out with his buddy (or brother… or lover), Ernie.
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As you may have noticed, Bert’s a bit off-model. With his round, red clown nose and military-style buzz cut he’s not as cute and “muppety” as his TV show depiction.
Look! He even has a slight smirk. Bert should NEVER show emotion (other than frustration or anger)!
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This Bert is just awkward. He appears to be more squatty than I’d ever imagined. In fact, he’s so short, he’s having to pull up his long shirt so he doesn’t step on it… and his shirt’s totally the wrong color. It looks like it’s striped, but I guess the manufacturer couldn’t afford more than four stripes (according to his markings, this guy was made by New York Vinyl Prod. Corp. in 1971).
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Actually, now that we have a better look at the the back, it actually looks like Bert is holding a towel around his waste. What the hell? I know Sesame Street had scenes of Ernie in the tub, but I never remember scenes of Bert in the shower. And as with all sub-par quality toys, only the front of the toy is painted (unless you count the full paint app of the hair).
He’s ugly and totally wrong, but that’s what I like about him. He just has a peculiar charm and is “off” just enough to make him intriguing. He’s a pretty good size too. He’s stands slightly taller than 12″, and he’s made of pretty sturdy plastic.
As a side note, I wanted to show you something I found while searching Google for images of Bert. It’s live-action Bert. Freaky.
Next we have Disney’sMickey Mouse. Arguably the most popular cartoon character in existence (also the most mind-numbingly dull). That’s why I was totally shocked when I found this little beauty.
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I have to tell you a little bit about the guy I bought this from. I was strolling around the show, going table to table, and I came across this guy with a table full of vintage Mickey Mouse stuff. It was all super-old, antiquey and expensive. I could clearly see high price tags on most of the items there, so I was reluctant to even check the price on this ugly bank I spotted. I picked up the bank. Flipped it over. No price. Before I even had a chance to put it down, the guy blurts out “I’ll do a dollar on that!” I know I had to have a look of excitement in my eyes when I replied, “Really? Okay!! I’ll take it.” The guy paused for a second. I could see the gears turning in his head. He eventually spoke up again and asked “Wait. What is it? Why are you so interested in it?” I just laughed and simply told him, “Because it’s so horrible.” He joined in with some obligatory social laughter, but I could see the doubt and soon-to-be regret he was going to feel for the rest of the show… wondering just how much money he threw way by letting this jewel out of his possession for a mere dollar.
I’m sure the joke’s on me… but I think it’s worth the buck I paid for it. I hope you agree.
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First thought – This thing is messed up. Seriously.
I’m pretty sure this thing isn’t a Disney product at all (thank goodness). Just look at it.
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Half-assed, off-register paint job, flimsy-ass plastic and a horribly sloppy, jagged seam. Harsh words I know, but it’s only because I love him so much.
Outside of that, I love that Mickey is wearing a little cap and long pants. He looks like a little jockey riding his big money bag.
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Only bad thing about the Mickey bank is that there’s no alternate opening to get the money out once you’ve filled the thing. There’s just the slot on top, so once the money is in there, it’s most likely not getting out (guess that’ll guarantee some savings).
Hey another side note. I normally don’t do this, but when I was Google-searching “Mickey Mouse” I came across this intriguing and hilarious photo of Mickey and Minnie Mouse at Mardi Gras. I just had to share it (This one’s dedicated to you Reis ).
Alright people, I’m really sorry it’s taking so long to unveil these toys. I’ll try to post two this week to catch up a bit.
Well, what do we have today? Ah. If it isn’t a good ol’ Frankenstein’s Monster toy.
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Alright, before I get into the toy, I need to get something off my chest. The guy i bought this toy from was an ass. There’s no reason for me to write this other than he just left a bad lasting impression with me. Maybe an “ass” is an overreaction. He was just odd, egotistical, and he wouldn’t really negotiate any of his over-the-top prices. He seemed to have the kind of attitude that states “My stuff is good, so I know you’ll cough up the money.” … and he had a lisp. That made his cocky-ness even more aggravating. (Also, please know as I typed that, I realized that the same traits I dislike in him I find in myself – other than the lisp. I’m hard-headed too.)
Unfortunately, he was right. His stuff was good, and I did pay him. Maybe that’s why I was so bothered by him. I could’ve just walked away, but I didn’t. It’s just the price of being a weirdo toy addict
I don’t think this Frankenstein toy is THAT valuable, especially considering the shape he is in, but luckily for me, it’s his f-ed up look that makes him so irresistible.
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I don’t know what the hell has happened to Frankenstein (I know he’s formally “Frankenstein’s Monster,” but let’s face it. Everyone calls him “Frankenstein.”) I guess since Halloween is over, the Frankenstein hype is over. He’s looking a bit down on his luck. Is he homeless now? I know, reanimated corpses compiled of various cadavers’ parts aren’t pretty, but he’s looking pretty rough even to that standard.
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Poor guy. He can’t even afford a belt. He’s resorted to using a rope. Can you believe it ? And is it just me, or does it look like he’s wearing some kind of 80s Michael Jackson shirt? He must’ve gone to Goodwill.
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This toy is the epitome of ugly and neglected. First of all, he’s slimy to the touch. He’s made of a jiggly rubber… and along with the rubbery texture comes the stinky, old rubbery smell. This toy seriously has a funk. I’m not sure if it’s from the previous owners or from the chemicals that make up the toy. But outside of that, you can plainly see the toy’s been through hell and back. His paint job is all messy and scraped off. He’s missing fingers, chunks off his feet, holes in his torso, etc. He’s just another victim.
I don’t know much about these jiggling monster toys, but over the years I have picked up on the fact that these things are iconic and sought after (Probably not the beaten-to-hell versions like this one.) After asking Google about jiggling Frankensteins, I found some info about the toy and its maker.
Apparently this is one of a series of toys called Wigglers by Ben Cooper. Ben Cooper made a bunch of these jiggly characters ranging from Dracula to Superman.
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Wiggler Ad image courtesy of PlaidStallions.com. Thanks!
These little rubber guys dangled from strings so you could hang them and bounce them to your heart’s content. In this ad, you can see this Frankenstein toy was referred to as “Mighty Monster.” I guess they didn’t have the rights to the Frankenstein character’s name.
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Wiggler Ad image courtesy of PlaidStallions.com. Thanks!
I think the gross, jiggling, rubber toys finally wore out their welcome, so Ben Cooper turned their sole focus to children’s Halloween costumes. They’d been making them since the 50s I think. The costumes were typically based on popular characters of the time. In fact, you probably even had some of these as a kid. I know I had this Hulk one.
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Masks Ad image courtesy of PlaidStallions.com. Thanks!
Here’s a glimpse of how the toy might’ve looked brand new. This pic isn’t great, but it lets you get a sense of the original coloration and let’s you see the tag and all.
Hm. Now that I think about it. Mine might be a repaint or a bootleg or something. Mine’s more of a mustardy, bird-crap-yellow. I like it better that way.
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I think my friend Brian said it best when describing this toy – “Seems like you can’t intentionally make him look like that.” Yep. That sums him up nicely.
Oh, and one last thing. As you know, I sometimes feature videos on the site to more clearly illustrate a toy’s features. Well, here’s a look at a Mighty Monster Wiggler in all his jiggly glory. Also, his arm-waving stance inspired me to make it a music video. It’s quick and stupid, and it might be accidentally entertaining.
So, here it is – Part 2 of my toy-finds at the Greater York Toy Extravaganza. Let’s keep it simple and just itemize what makes this toy so weird.
Ready?
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1. Freaky alien fish face
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2. Big, purple, 70s afro
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3. Flippers for hands
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4. Weird, split, flippery things for feet
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5. Weird, cracking neck thing
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6. And she’s completely nude (I’m calling her “she,” because she’s pink, dainty and just kind of girly looking.)
She actually looks like a crabby, old, alien grandma.
I saw this little gal at a guy’s booth. And I literally exclaimed to the guy, “What the hell is this thing, and how much is it?!” The guy kindly rejected my enthusiasm with a slight shrug of his shoulders, walked over to his buddy, mumbled with him a bit, came back over and simply told me, “It’s from Battlestar Galactica and it’s $5.”
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So what do you think? Worth the five bucks? I dunno. It’s a bit run down and scraped-up. I’d usually pay one or two bucks for something like this, but I guess I was eager to buy since I’d never seen it before. I have since tried to convince myself that the wear-and-tear of the toy gives it more “character.” Who am I kidding? I could’ve gotten this toy MOC (that’s mint-on-card for all you non-dorky types) for $10 probably.
Well, it didn’t take long, but I did find more info about the toy. It’s Imperious Leader from the Battlestar Galactica toyline released by Mattel in 1978.
Looks like I’m missing the cape/shroud thingy.
Wow! With the blanket accessory, the alien grandma look is complete. You know how cold grandma is all the time. Maybe we need to get her a Snuggie, so she can drink tea and stay warm at the same time.
Ya know… now that I think about it, maybe the nude alien is best. That way we get to see all the hidden freakiness.
I never really watched Battlestar Galactica(classic or modern era) or cared about any of the toys, so I’m not really familiar with this character or what her role is in the show. I guess she’s a bad guy. Probably the leader of the Cylons. The description on the package actually reads: “Sinister mastermind from the TV Space Saga!” But how imperious of a leader or sinister of a mastermind could you possibly be if you have no opposable thumbs or even sleeves to let your flippers out?
Oh, and one last thing.
Is it just me, or does that hairstyle look like it’s really inspired by Jheri Curl? Classic.
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