The Knickerbocker Toy Company, with its roots stretching back to the late 19th century, is a significant chapter in the history of American toy manufacturing. Founded in 1869 by a family of Dutch immigrants originally named Van Whye, the company began as a small operation in Albany, New York. The Van Whyes changed their family name to Knickerbocker, inspired by the term used to describe early Dutch settlers in New York State, a nod to their heritage and a brand name that would become synonymous with quality toys.

Initially, the Knickerbocker Toy Company focused on producing lithographed paper-on-wood blocks, wooden puzzles, and educational toys. However, in the early 1920s, the company relocated to New York City and began to diversify its product range, introducing stuffed dolls, marionettes, and plush animals. The most notable among these were the jointed mohair teddy bears, which gained a distinct identity through their unique use of felt, embroidery, or metal noses. These bears from the 1920s and 1930s have gained recognition among collectors for their craftsmanship, leading to a rise in their value in recent years.

A pivotal moment in Knickerbocker’s history came in the early 1930s when it secured a licensing deal with Walt Disney to produce toys based on his characters. This was a strategic move, given Disney’s rising popularity, especially after the success of “Steamboat Willie,” which introduced the world to the iconic Mickey Mouse. Knickerbocker’s partnership with Disney enabled the company to create plush toys and dolls featuring beloved characters like Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Donald Duck, further solidifying its position in the toy industry.

These early Disney toys were some of the finest examples of licensed character merchandise, capturing the charm and appeal of Disney’s creations. Knickerbocker’s expertise in toy manufacturing and Disney’s innovative storytelling proved to be a winning combination, with these plush dolls becoming popular among children and collectors alike. Other characters created included a full Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket.

During the 1930s, Knickerbocker introduced a unique bear called Winston, the Good-Luck Bear, which became known for its heartwarming legend. According to the story, a mother gifted Winston to her daughter, who was struggling with infertility. The mother instructed her daughter to keep Winston on her bed for good luck, and within a year, the daughter had given birth to her first child. Although Knickerbocker couldn’t guarantee such results for everyone, Winston’s story added to the company’s lore and increased the bear’s popularity.

From the 1930s to the 1960s, Knickerbocker expanded its product line, producing toys and collectibles featuring well-known characters such as Raggedy Ann and Andy, Holly Hobbie, Nancy and Sluggo, Hanna-Barbera characters, Sesame Street characters, and Smokey the Bear. The company’s bear business also thrived, with slogans like “Animals of Distinction” and “Joy of a Toy” adding to its branding appeal.

In the 1980s, Knickerbocker was acquired by the Lionel train company, leading to a significant reorganization. Applause, a division of Knickerbocker, took over the production of Raggedy Ann and Andy, introducing design changes such as stitched facial features and painted eyes, nose, and smile. However, Lionel’s bankruptcy in 1984 marked the end of the Knickerbocker Toy Company as it once was.

The tradition of high-quality collectibles at an affordable price was revived in 1990 by Louis and Tammy Knickerbocker, who, despite sharing the same name, were not related to the original founders. Today, the L.L. Knickerbocker Company carries on the legacy, producing a wide range of dolls and collectibles that continue to embody the craftsmanship and creativity that made the original Knickerbocker Toy Company a beloved name in the toy industry.

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