I found a vinyl Marky Maypo figure the other day and couldn't pass him up! With his ten gallon hat and unpainted tongue hanging out of his grinning mouth, he sure does look happier here at my house than at the dusty old antique mall. (Collector note: this is the rare vinyl figure, NOT the much more common bank which apparently came out afterwards at some point.) Marky Maypo was one of the earliest animated examples of a great product mascot, and this time being the kooky kiddy personality of Maypo Oat Cereal, originally produced by Maltex Co. You can read more about the incredibly interesting history of everything Marky related HERE, --and just as importantly, be sure to see the cute and very clever old John Hubley animated TV commercials from the 50's and 60's collected HERE! My cat and I thank you!
That was interesting to learn that the company wanted the product to flop but instead it became a smash hit.
ReplyDeleteThat vinyl figure looks to be in mint condition, someone back then must have bought it, put it away, and forgot about it until it ended in the antique mall.
Another score Karswell, you have the eye for antiques.
I, for reasons too complex to explain, have a small collection of vintage Soviet era bath toys. This reminds me of those, especially with how the paint is applied (like the glue on the gloves.)
ReplyDeleteThat's a really neat piece!
That's a pretty amazing 3D cartoon sculpture of a great 2D cartoon character. Often, the real life version of a cartoon seems to lack the airy brio of a animation cel; something becomes inert in the weighty dimensions of the translation. But this one is pretty much spot on.
ReplyDeleteLoved watching the commercials, too. Thanks for the link.
My pleasure, glad everyone enjoyed the Maypo history lesson! :)
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