1960s Hard Plastic Rabbit – Knickerbocker Nursery Toy

A cheerful yellow-and-red hard plastic rabbit figure from the 1960s, made as a nursery toy by Knickerbocker and marked “Fearthlite 50.”

This charming 1960s hard plastic rabbit nursery toy is attributed to Knickerbocker Toy Company, a well-known American maker of early plastic and composition toys. The figure stands approximately 120 mm high and measures about 60 x 50 mm. It is moulded in bright yellow plastic with red painted trousers—now significantly faded, which is typical of mid‑century paint used on nursery toys.

The back of the figure is marked “Fearthlite 50,” a marking seen on certain Knickerbocker-produced hollow plastic toys of the era. The rabbit features oversized upright ears, painted eyes, and an apron-like front moulding. Although the paint shows wear, the figure itself remains structurally sound with no cracks or splits visible from the provided images.

Features

Measurements: 55 mm round x 35 mm wide

Condition: Good - Paint faded

Markings: Fearthlite 50,

Date Note: Date is an estimate based on available research and stylistic features. If you have additional information, please contact us to help update our records.

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Made from the following materials

Hard plastic dolls and toys emerged as a significant innovation in the toy industry during the mid-20th century, revolutionizing the way dolls were designed and manufactured. Hard plastic is a type of thermoplastic, characterized by its durability, lightweight nature, and resistance to breakage. This material became popular for creating dolls, action figures, and various toys due to its versatility and ability to hold intricate details and vibrant colors.

The development of hard plastic allowed for the mass production of toys that were not only affordable but also more resilient than earlier materials like composition or porcelain. As a result, manufacturers were able to produce a wide variety of designs, from classic baby dolls to trendy fashion figures, each with detailed facial features and movable limbs. This material also enabled the incorporation of new techniques, such as molded hair and painted eyes, which enhanced the realism and appeal of the dolls.

Among the earliest forms of hard plastic used in toy manufacturing was **Bakelite**, created in the early 1900s by Belgian chemist Leo Baekeland. Bakelite is one of the first synthetic plastics, made from phenol and formaldehyde. Its properties, including heat resistance and electrical insulation, made it ideal for various applications, including toys. While Bakelite itself is not commonly used in doll-making today, its introduction paved the way for the development of modern plastics in the toy industry.

**Catalin** is another early form of hard plastic that emerged in the 1930s and was often used for creating vibrant toys and dolls. Like Bakelite, Catalin is a thermosetting plastic known for its durability and ability to hold color well. Catalin toys often featured bright, translucent colors and intricate designs, capturing the imaginations of children and collectors alike.

As hard plastic became the standard for many types of dolls and toys, it solidified its place in the industry, leading to the creation of iconic brands and beloved characters. Today, hard plastic dolls and toys continue to be popular, appreciated for their longevity and the nostalgia they evoke. Collectors value vintage hard plastic toys for their craftsmanship and the unique place they hold in the history of toy making.

At our museum, we celebrate the legacy of hard plastic dolls and toys, highlighting their role in shaping the modern toy industry and their enduring appeal across generations.

Country:

United States

The history of American toys spans Indigenous cornhusk dolls, the creativity of enslaved communities, and the rise of industrial giants like Mattel and Hasbro. Iconic toys like the teddy bear, Barbie, and GI Joe reflect the country’s diversity and cultural impact on the global stage.

Knickerbocker Toy Company, founded in the early 20th century, first built its reputation producing quality teddy bears and dolls before becoming world-famous for its Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls in the 1960s and 70s. Over the years, Knickerbocker expanded its line to include beloved characters such as Holly Hobbie, Curious George, and Sesame Street plush toys, making it a household name in children’s playrooms. In the early 1980s, the company was sold to Hasbro, one of the largest toy manufacturers in the world, which later became part of the global toy group now known as Mattel’s key competitor. Knickerbocker’s legacy lives on through its iconic dolls and licensed character toys, which remain highly collectible today.

Produced by:

Knickbocker Toy Co

Product Code:

T0156

Dimenions:

120(h)

x 60(w)