c.1962–1965 “High Society” 24" Hard Plastic Fashion Doll by Metti Toy Co (Luciano Metru), Australia

c.1962–1965 “High Society” 24" Hard Plastic Fashion Doll by Metti Toy Co (Luciano Metru), Australia

A large-scale Australian-made “High Society” fashion doll by Metti Toy Co, reflecting the transition toward sophisticated teenage-style dolls in the early 1960s.

This doll is a large 24-inch “High Society” model featuring a finely moulded hard plastic head with painted facial features, inset brown eyes, softly blushed cheeks, and detailed lips. The doll retains a styled synthetic wig in a short curled fashion, accented with a decorative floral headpiece. She is dressed in a formal gown made from lace overlay fabric with a full skirt and structured bodice, reflecting a more mature, fashion-oriented aesthetic compared to earlier child dolls.

Metti Toy Co, founded by Luciano Metru, was one of the key Australian doll manufacturers operating during the late 1950s through the 1960s. The company is known for producing higher-end dolls marketed toward older children, often influenced by European styling and the global shift toward fashion dolls following the introduction of dolls like Barbie in 1959. The “High Society” line represents this transition, offering larger, more elegant dolls designed to reflect aspirational fashion and social identity. Markings such as “Made in Australia” support local production, which remained important even as imports became more accessible in the 1960s.

Unlike earlier play-focused dolls, this type was designed to emphasise display, dress-up, and imaginative social play. The scale, detailed clothing, and refined facial styling suggest it was positioned as a premium product within the Australian market. These dolls often bridged the gap between traditional child dolls and emerging teenage fashion dolls, marking a significant shift in both design and marketing direction.

Features

Measurements: 650 mm high x 290 mm wide x 150 mm deep

Condition: Excellent - New In Box

Markings: Made In Australia

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

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:
Australia
Produced by:
Metti Doll Company
Produced by:
Metti Doll Company
Metti Doll Company was an Australian doll manufacturer active during the mid-20th century, most commonly associated with the post-war period of the 1940s through to the 1960s. Operating during a time when Australia was developing its own toy industry, Metti contributed to the growing demand for locally produced dolls as import restrictions and costs limited access to overseas products. Metti dolls are typically found in hard plastic and early vinyl materials, reflecting the broader industry shift away from composition and toward more durable, mass-produced plastics. Their designs often feature simple, practical construction, with moulded or wigged hair, painted or sleep eyes, and child-like proportions suited to everyday play. Like many Australian manufacturers of the time, Metti focused on producing affordable, functional dolls rather than highly detailed or luxury items. Some dolls are marked “Metti” or variations such as “Netti,” which has led to ongoing discussion among collectors regarding branding and manufacturing variations. This inconsistency reflects the nature of smaller-scale Australian production, where marking practices were not always standardised. Today, Metti dolls are recognised as part of Australia’s early domestic toy manufacturing history, representing a period of transition into modern materials and local production. Surviving examples are valued for their connection to post-war Australian childhood and industry, offering insight into a largely under-documented but significant sector of toy making.
Produced by:
Metti Doll Company
Metti Doll Company was an Australian doll manufacturer active during the mid-20th century, most commonly associated with the post-war period of the 1940s through to the 1960s. Operating during a time when Australia was developing its own toy industry, Metti contributed to the growing demand for locally produced dolls as import restrictions and costs limited access to overseas products. Metti dolls are typically found in hard plastic and early vinyl materials, reflecting the broader industry shift away from composition and toward more durable, mass-produced plastics. Their designs often feature simple, practical construction, with moulded or wigged hair, painted or sleep eyes, and child-like proportions suited to everyday play. Like many Australian manufacturers of the time, Metti focused on producing affordable, functional dolls rather than highly detailed or luxury items. Some dolls are marked “Metti” or variations such as “Netti,” which has led to ongoing discussion among collectors regarding branding and manufacturing variations. This inconsistency reflects the nature of smaller-scale Australian production, where marking practices were not always standardised. Today, Metti dolls are recognised as part of Australia’s early domestic toy manufacturing history, representing a period of transition into modern materials and local production. Surviving examples are valued for their connection to post-war Australian childhood and industry, offering insight into a largely under-documented but significant sector of toy making.
Designed by:
Designed by:
Product Code:
D0020
Dimenions:

650(h)

x 290(w)

x 150(d)

Estimated Item Value
180
Produced from:
1962
to
1965
Markings:
Made in Australia
Condition:
Excellent
Virtual tour location:
M72

Additional Product Images

Rear view of the doll displaying the back of the dress, wig styling, and garment construction.
Angled front view showing the doll’s facial features, raised arm pose, and full skirt detail.
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