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Vintage Santa, by Regal Toys Canada

$165.00

1 in stock

Categories: Kewpies, Dolls, Toys, Bears, Animals, Shop 4 Cabinets of Curiosities Brands: Shop 4 Cabinets of Curiosities

Description

Description

Santa has a tiny hole on the seam of left foot. There is also a stain on the top of his pointy hat, where something was likely glued – perhaps a star or a bell? Apart from that Santa is in clean condition for a vintage toy that would have been made around seventy years ago. Santa retains original cloth tag which identifies the manufacturer as Regal Toy Limited, Toronto, Canada. Santa measures 56cm in length. Artificial Silk Plush fabric likely wood wool and foam stuffed due to ‘crunchiness’ when handled, with a rubber face.

The Regal Toy Company of Toronto, established in 1959 by Solomon Frank Samuels, who was a prominent Canadian toy manufacturer, specializing in plastic and vinyl dolls. It was initially an affiliate of Kenner Canada and later became known for producing Star Wars plush toys. The company was sold to Parker Brothers (General Mills) in 1976 and continued operating in Canada without a name change. Ultimately, Regal Toy Company went bankrupt in 1984 after being sold again in 1983.

Here’s a more detailed look at the Regal Toy Company’s history:

Founding and Early Years:

The Regal Toy Company was founded in Toronto, Ontario, in 1959 by Solomon Frank Samuels. The company initially focused on plastic and vinyl dolls.
Affiliation with Kenner Canada:

Regal Toy became an affiliate of Kenner Canada, producing a range of Star Wars-era plush toys.
Sale to Parker Brothers:

In 1976, the company was sold to Parker Brothers, a United States-based company that was part of General Mills. Despite the ownership change, the Regal Toy Company continued its operations in Canada with its existing name.
Later Ownership Changes and Bankruptcy:

In 1983, the company was sold again. However, this sale led to the company’s bankruptcy in 1984.
Competition with Reliable Toy:

Regal Toy Company was a key competitor to Reliable Toy Company, another prominent Toronto-based toy manufacturer, also known for doll production.
Relationship with Reliable Toy:

Solomon Frank Samuels, the founder of Regal Toy, had previously worked at Reliable Toy Company and left due to a dispute with his brothers.