1980s Rubber Band Gun – Red Apple Brand (Made in Hong Kong)

Bright orange novelty rubber band gun on original card, made in Hong Kong for Red Apple during the 1980s.

This cheerful 1980s Rubber Band Gun by Red Apple is a classic Hong Kong–made novelty toy, still sealed on its original colourful jungle-themed backing card. The toy features a bright orange plastic gun designed to shoot rubber bands from the double-pronged muzzle.

The original rubber bands have deteriorated over time,which is common for elastic products of this era, but the green plastic targetring remains included inside the blister pack. The cardboard backing displays vibrant illustrations of a lion and safari child character, with simple printed instructions for cutting out the scoring targets.

The bottom edge is stamped No. 6736B – Made in Hong Kong, matchingtypical export toys produced for small import brands throughout the late 1970sand 1980s. Red Apple was one of many budget toy labels active in Hong Kongduring this era, known for producing playful gift-store and showbag items.

Features

Measurements: 240 mm x 140 mm x 30 mm

Condition: Excellent Condition - in original package. rubber bands melted/deteriorated.

Markings: Rubber Band Gun - New Age 3 & Up, No. 6736B – Made in Hong Kong, Red Apple logo

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

‍

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.