The Latest Craze of the Amazing Bobblehead Is Not the First One
Can collectibles be fun? When collecting a wide variety of different items, it is possible for the collecting to become profitable. From rare bottle caps to upside-down stamps, we can make a small fortune by securing the right item in our collection. On the other hand, we must always remember that collecting is a hobby. If we fail to have fun in the collecting, is it really worthwhile? If we collect strictly for profit, then it becomes like any other financial investment.
In the case of sports memorabilia, we can collect a variety of items, ranging from NFL flags and NFL jerseys, to NFL replica helmets and NFL trading cards. In the case of Bobbleheads, the items themselves are enchanting. Bobbleheads bring the traditional figurine to life. The bobbing of the head is lively, yet not overly annoying. Bobbleheads subtly resemble a toy, yet they are clearly collectible collectibles.
Born in a book
Were Bobbleheads “born” in the United States? You might be surprised. The Russian author Nikolai Gogol was the first to refer, in writing, to a Bobblehead-type toy. In his short story, entitled “The Overcoat,” Gogol referred to a character with a wagging neck like “plaster cats’.”
Before Bobbleheads became sports merchandise, Germany produced larger Bobblehead-toys, which they referred to as “Nodders.” As you might guess, both the terms “Nodders” and “Bobbers” originate from the way that the dolls’ heads move up and down. What exactly were Nodders? Nodders were various types of huge ceramic figures (i.e. animals), which were typically between 6-8 inches in height.
The Knicks, the MLB, and papier-mache
From the 1920s to the 1950s, the popularity of Bobbleheads never remained consistent. In the 1920s, the New York Knicks’ Bobbleheads became one of the first sports Bobbleheads produced. However, from the 1930s to the 1950s, the public’s interest in Bobbleheads had dropped dramatically, with manufacturers only producing a very limited number of the dolls.
That brings us to 1960. By that time, Major League Baseball had produced a new, papier-mache type of Bobblehead doll. The league had produced dolls for each team in the professional baseball league. Then at the 1960 World Series, vendors sold a series of Bobblehead dolls whose uniforms indicated that the dolls represented all-star MLB players, such as:
Roberto Clemente
Mickey Mantle
Roger Maris
Willie Mays
However, there were a few problems with these Bobblehead dolls, which were absent in later Bobblehead football memorabilia. Firstly, all of them had a standard face. Secondly, the manufacturer had constructed the dolls of papier-mache. Thus, as you might suspect, few of them have survived until now.
New dolls for a new era
In the first half of the 1970s, the demand for Bobbleheads grew. The new dolls consisted of ceramic material, thus making them sturdier. Popular Bobbleheads during this period included cartoon characters, sports figures, and members of the Beatles. In fact, the Beatles Bobbleheads become some of the most valuable and scarce ones of all time. However, once again, the demand for Bobbleheads would nod off, until the 1990s.
A Giant Bobblehead
During the 1990s, a new innovation in the production of Bobbleheads emerged. Manufacturers began to use plastic rather than ceramic. This made it easier to produce high-caliber Bobbleheads, while lowering the production costs. Then, the next Bobblehead boom started. During a home game in 1999, the San Francisco Giants (MLB) gave away 35,000 Willie Mays Bobbleheads to its fans. Both Giants fans and sports memorabilia collectors praised the new dolls.
After the Bobblehead giveaway by the Giants, the demand for the unique toys took off. Bobbleheads of less renowned figures in American culture appeared. Furthermore, the form of the Bobblehead became more varied, including the creation of mini Bobbleheads (mirroring the creation of mini replica helmets, such as a colts helmet) and customized Bobbleheads. In addition, Bobbleheads became increasingly more like the people they immortalized. For instance, Bobblehead dolls include very precise details, such as particular hairstyles and tattoos.
When collecting sports memorabilia, you have many options from which to select. Here are some reasons why you should certainly consider collecting Bobbleheads:
1. They can increase in value
Some Bobbleheads are produced in limited-edition numbers. As with any other type of collectible on the market, the smaller the number of pieces that a manufacturer produces, the greater the value of the Bobblehead will be. You will certainly have to do some homework regarding which Bobbleheads have the highest demand. However, you should certainly keep an eye out for “special” Bobbleheads that deviate from the norm. For instance, Bobbleheads with team mascots, Super Bowl Bobbleheads, etc., special Bobble Head sets, etc. could be worth more than “standard” Bobbleheads.
2. Bobbleheads are sturdy
Bobblehead dolls (such as those representing players who wore or wear a cowboys helmet), stand on a sturdy stand, thus ensuring that the doll is secure in whichever pose it is in. Whether the player’s pose is passing a football, preparing to catch the pigskin, running with the football, etc., the sturdy stand helps to ensure that the figure will remain in that position.
3. Bobbles include exquisite detail
Bobbleheads are manually painted, ensuring that the doll’s designer captures the details of the player. That includes the idiosyncrasies of the player’s head and face, his uniform, shoes, etc. The craftsmanship of Bobbleheads is outstanding, helping to boost the quality and value of the doll.
4. Bobbleheads make the perfect gift
Sometimes it is difficult to select the perfect gift for a sports enthusiast who seems to have every sports memorabilia item available. However, Bobbleheads can create the perfect gift for even the choosiest sports fanatic. You will have no problem picking the right Bobblehead for a birthday or holiday gift.
Bobbleheads, such as nfl bobbleheads, are not new to the market. However, their most recent comeback verifies that Bobbleheads have withstood the test of time. While some aspects of the dolls have changed, they have remained a beloved quality item for NFL fans and collectors alike.
Tags: Football Memorabilia | Football Memorabilia | Sports Merchandise | Sports Merchandise | nfl bobbleheads | nfl bobbleheads | cowboys helmet | cowboys helmet | colts helmet | colts helmet