1993 M&M’s Green Character Candy Dispenser – Mars, Inc.

A 1993 hard plastic M&M’s candy dispenser featuring the green character with a brown base, produced under licence by Mars, Inc. and made in China.

This novelty candy dispenser was produced in 1993 as part of the expanding range of character-based merchandise associated with the M&M’s brand, owned by Mars, Inc. The dispenser is moulded in hard plastic and features the green M&M character standing upright on a brown base, designed to dispense confectionery from the lower section.

Marked “© Mars, Inc. 1993 – Made in China,” the piece reflects the shift during the early 1990s toward large-scale licensed character merchandise manufactured in China for global distribution. Measuring approximately 250 mm long x 100 mm wide x 240 mm high, the dispenser was intended as both a functional novelty item and a display piece. This example remains in excellent condition, with clean surfaces, intact structure, and strong colour, showing no significant wear.

M&M’s dispensers from the 1990s are now widely collected, particularly character designs that reflect the era when the brand’s animated personalities became central to its marketing identity.

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Features

Measurements: 250 mm (L) x 100 mm(W) x 240 mm (H)

Condition: Excellent

Markings: © Mars, Inc. 1993 – Made in China

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

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:

China

Starting as early as 1000 BC, China’s dolls and toys evolved from ancient wooden and clay figures to the mass production of modern toys. Iconic creations like shadow puppets, porcelain dolls, and modern action figures showcase China’s blend of tradition and industrial prowess.

Mars, Incorporated is a privately owned American company best known for creating some of the world’s most recognisable confectionery brands, including M&M’s, which were first introduced in 1941. Founded by Frank C. Mars in 1911, the company began as a small confectionery business and grew into a global manufacturer with a strong focus on quality, consistency, and brand identity. M&M’s were originally developed as a hard-shelled chocolate designed to withstand heat, making them practical for storage and transport. Over time, the brand expanded far beyond confectionery, becoming a cultural icon recognised for its colourful characters, bold lettering, and playful marketing. From the mid-20th century onward, M&M’s branding was widely used across licensed merchandise, including toys, novelty items, dispensers, and promotional collectibles. Within a toy and social history context, M&M’s merchandise reflects the rise of character-based branding and mass-market collectibles, particularly from the late 20th century. Items such as plastic dispensers, figurines, and novelty household pieces were often produced as promotional goods or retail merchandise, making them popular with both children and adult collectors. These objects capture a moment where food brands crossed into everyday play and display, blending advertising, design, and popular culture. Today, Mars, Incorporated remains family-owned and continues to operate globally, with M&M’s still one of its most enduring and recognisable brands. M&M’s merchandise has become highly collectible, valued not only for nostalgia but also for its role in illustrating the evolution of licensed toys and branded memorabilia in modern consumer history.

Produced by:

Mars Incorporated

Product Code:

T0172

Dimenions:

240(h)

x 250(w)