Plastic Flashing Boy Novelty Toy

A cheeky 1960s–70s Hong Kong novelty toy where pressing the base makes the boy’s shorts drop.

This small plastic novelty toy depicts a smiling boy with a blue cap, blue shirtshirt, yellow shorts, and black shoes. Mounted on a black rectangular base with a red push button, the mechanism lowers his shorts to reveal his bare bottom when pressed.

Marked "Hong Kong" on the base, this toy is typical of inexpensive humour items produced during the 1960s–1970s. It is made from moulded plastic and shows slight discolouration from age but remains in good working order. These playful gag toys were popular in arcades, novelty shops, and holiday souvenir stalls, and today they are collected as light-hearted examples of mid-century kitsch toy culture.

Features

Measurement: 20mm long x 20mm wide x 80mm high

Condition: Good - Plastic has discoloured with age, working order

Markings: Made in Hong Kong

‍

Dating 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.