1970 Hard Plastic Campbell Soup Dolly Dingle Mug

A cheerful 1970s hard‑plastic Campbell Soup Dolly Dingle character mug featuring bright colours and classic advertising charm.

This 1970s Campbell Soup Dolly Dingle mug is a hard‑plastic character cup designed in the style of Grace Drayton’s iconic Dolly Dingle illustrations. Measuring approximately 110 mm wide, 80 mm deep, and 70 mm high, the mug features a bright yellow hair design, a smiling face, and a large handle at the back.

The base is clearly marked "Campbell K10 –© Campbell Soup Company – Trademark," confirming its authenticity as an officially licensed product. These mugs were commonly produced as promotional items during the 1960s–70s and remain popular with collectors of advertising memorabilia, mid‑century plastics, and Dolly Dingle artwork. Your example is in

Features

Measurements: 110 wide, 80 deep, and 70 mm high

Condition: Excellent condition with only minor surface wear consistent with age.

Markings: Campbell K10 –© Campbell Soup Company – Trademark

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.

The Campbell Soup Company was a pioneer in using toys and promotional items to build brand loyalty, particularly from the 1910s through the 1970s. Beyond packaging and print advertising, Campbell commissioned and licensed a wide range of collectibles including character mugs, dolls, paper items, figures, games, and premiums often offered through mail-ins or in-store promotions. Their long association with child-friendly imagery made them a natural fit for characters inspired by Grace Drayton’s style, including Dolly Dingle–type figures and later character drinkware and plastics. These promotional items were never intended as toys alone but as everyday objects designed to embed the Campbell brand into family life, which is why they are now highly collectible and well represented in museum and private collections such as your mum’s.

Produced by:

Campbell Soup Copany

Grace Drayton

Product Code:

T0157

Dimenions:

70(h)