Figures, Bobbleheads, Dolls and Teddy Bears

Starting Lineups - SLUs - Action Figures

The Kenner company began making NFL action figures in 1988 and stopped doing it around 2000. These small 5 inch figures became a huge success in the secondary collector's market.

I have recently acquired the 1991 Neal Anderson (one that slipped through the cracks and I failed to realize that I was missing it). That brings my collection up to a total of 36. I am still missing some regionally issued pieces such as the 1988 Steve McMichael ($185.00) and the rare and much sought after, 1989 Jimbo Covert ($300).

UPDATE !!!! He has arrived! Steve McMichael is "on the wall"...37 SLUs with only Jimbo Covert missing now...Hip Hip Hooray!




Here is a list of what I own...all are unopened:

1988 SLU Football 2 Neal Anderson
1988 SLU Football 37 Richard Dent
1988 SLU Football 51 Willie Gault
1988 SLU Football 90 Jim McMahon
1988 SLU Football 113 Mike Singletary
1989 SLU Football 2 Neal Anderson
1989 SLU Football 28 Richard Dent
1989 SLU Football 32 Dave Duerson
1989 SLU Football 74 Dennis McKinnon
1989 SLU Football 75 Jim McMahon
1989 SLU Football 101 Mike Singletary
1989 SLU Legends Series * 3 Mike Ditka
1989 SLU Legends Series * 8 G.Sayers w/must
1989 SLU One-On-One * 12 M.Singletary/M.Quick
1990 SLU Football 2A Neal Anderson Blue
1990 SLU Football 17 Dennis Gentry FP
1990 SLU Football 18 Dan Hampton FP
1990 SLU Football 19 Jim Harbaugh FP
1990 SLU Football 50A Mike Singletary Blue
1990 SLU Football 56 Mike Tomczak FP
1990 SLU Football 64 Donnell Woolford FP
1990-99 SLU Kenner Club Pieces * 12C Cade McNown
1991 SLU Football 3 Neal Anderson
1991 SLU Football 6 Mark Carrier FP
1991 SLU Football 11 Jim Harbaugh
1995 SLU Football 33 Chris Zorich FP
1995 SLU Timeless Legends * 10 W.Payton B/W Shoes
1996 SLU Football 29 Rashaan Salaam
1997 SLU Football 13 Brian Cox FP
1997 SLU Football Classic Doubles 7 W.Payton/B.Sanders
1998 SLU Football 23 Raymont Harris FP
1998 SLU Football Classic Doubles 7 J.Seau/D.Butkus
1998 SLU Football Hall of Fame 1 Dick Butkus
1998 SLU Football Hall of Fame 8 Gale Sayers
1999 SLU Football 14 Curtis Enis FP
1999 SLU Football Gridiron Greats 1 Dick Butkus


The value of this collection based on Beckett prices (Jan 2006) is $1,568..."FP" stands for "First Piece" which is similar to a "rookie" in trading cards. The 1988 Willie Gault and the 1991 Dan Hampton have values of $100.00 or more each, as does the 1997 Classic Double w/ Walter Payton and Barry Sanders...THAT baby is in gem mint condition too. Let us not forget the newly aquired Steve McMichael valued at $185.00 for a grand total of $1,753.00

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Figures, Figurines and Collector's Plates

The American Football Chess Set



This is one of the gems in my entire collection. It was a 25th Wedding Anniversary Gift that was purchased to somehow balance the X-tra Large Diamond received by my Bride. I mean EXTRA LARGE! The Chess Set players, which include the 49ers as the opponent, are hand made from Old English Soldier metal castings and hand finished and painted at Studio Anne Carlton in Hull, England. The tallest piece is about 3 1/2" and the set has considerable weight to it. Chess Sets like these range in value from $800-$1,000.


Hartland Statue

There are certain items that I see on Ebay every once in awhile that I really think that I should have, but I refuse to pay the price that eventually wins. One item in particular was a Hartland Plastics Chicago Bear Statue...It stands about 8-9" tall, made of all plastic (of course) and mounted on a plastic stand. It was manfactured somewhere between 1959-1963, and two versions were made for the 14 NFL teams at the time: Running Back and Lineman. I believe that sticker decals were provided originally, so one could use the number of their choice.

These rare figures command anywhere from $200 -$400,that's provided everyone knows that it is a "Hartland", and the last Chicago Bear sold on Ebay for $400. The one I bought last year was listed by a consignment seller and was listed as "an old Chicago Bear plastic doll"...NOT ONE WORD SAYING IT WAS A HARTLAND! Some guy thought he was going to sneakily buy it at $25.00, but I sniped him at the end for $40.00......$40.000....Wow!

I had never seen one of these before and I should have known that they existed...but in 1977 I was studying girls and beer in College...It's a 1977 Action Team Mate. Action Team Mates were made well before Kenner's popular Starting Lineup Figures. They were first manufactured in 1977 by Pro Sports Marketing and continued until the early 80's. They are 7 1/2 inches tall with movable limbs held together by rubber bands.

The Team Mates were only available through Sears and J.C. Penny's toy catalogs which means there aren't a lot of them floating around. All 28 teams were available in both black and white figures. There was also a field and benches that were produced that went with the figures.

In 1987 GI Joe introduced it's 2nd 3 1/2" doll based on a real life person: William Perry from the Chicago Bears. Hasbro originally intended the issue to feature Sylvester Stallone as Rocky, but Rocky toys became licensed under a Rambo toy line name. Anyway,Here's the scoop on Fridge's "file" card:

The Fridge

mail-order

Physical Training Instructor

E-5 (Army sergeant)

File Name: Sgt. William Perry

Primary MOS: Physical Training Instructor

POB: Aiken, SC

Secondary MOS: Special Services

Appearance: African-American; black hair and moustache; gap in teeth; sleeveless blue football shirt with white "72" on front; red, white, and blue wristbands; green pants with brown belt, red pockets, and white boots with grey kneepads

As expected, my Bears' Shrine continues to take on items. One of the great features of this forum permits me to maintain some sort of inventory (even though I have hundreds of things that I have not even put on here yet). The highlights of my recent purchases include the following:

The picture shows an early sixties Fred Kail 10 inch bank, a 1961 Roko rubber Bears doll, a 1962-64 Kissing Player Nodder and a rare 1977 Team Mate Action Figure. The nodder originally came with a matching Majorette doll that I have yet to acquire. The pair can reach a value of $475.00. I bought the 1977 Action Team Mate (the African American player version)to compliment my other figure that I already possess. The foot was broken, but I glued it on anyway (I know, as a collector you are probably not supposed to do that)...the figure is pictured on the far right
Fred Kail is a renowned Sports Artist who in 1958 was commissioned to create a 10 foot tall statue of Johnny Unitas, which still stands now outside of the Stadium in Baltimore. His popularity grew in the early sixties and many of his unique figurines and banks were made available to the public. These have become popular collectibles in recent years. Mine shows some wear, but I've been wanting one for quite some time, so I was willing to accept that fact. Apparently it was part of a promotion from the 2nd National Bank of Danville.

We're all familiar with those old electric football games and their players that vibrated up and down the field. There are a few years where the players that were manufactured by Tudor became quite collectible. Pictured below are two of the most famous sets made in the industry...the '67 Big Men (pictured in home blue) and the '69 Hog Legs in white, both made by Tudor. The best way for me to describe these pieces would be to quote an Ebay review by a user named capanther. He states the following: The most sought after Tudor Electric football figures are : 1967 BIGMEN , made in HONG KONG these players have Hong Kong engraved on the bottom side of each player. They are a little larger than the other figures. They have black shoes and are a little over an inch high. BIGMEN still sell for as much as 50.00 to 3 or 400.00 per 11 man team. The next most sought after TUDOR figures are known as 1969 HOGLEGS . HOGLEG players are smaller than BIGMEN and only 4 players are marked Hong Kong on the bottom of their base. HOGLEGS sell anywhere from 10.00 to 150.00 per team. The next type of TUDOR players came out in 1970 . These were called CHICKENLEGS. CHICKEN LEGS were still NFL teams with black shoes, but none have the Hong Kong marking. CHICKENLEGS still sell for 10.00 to about 30.00 depending on the team. In the mid 70’s Tudor switched production to Haiti and the Haiti figures are identified by 2 little burs on each side of the bottom of their bases. Haiti figures and Hong Kong CHICKENLEGS still pull about the same amount value wise. After Haiti production. Figures went to white shoes and basically have a value of 3 to 7.00 per team.

I added a 1970's plastic bobblehead with freckles on his face. I had never seen that one before. Also, a 4 inch and 5 1/2 inch dolls made by Dakin in 1989. I think they are what was referred to as "Bendies", but I can't find any other information on them. A super great find was a 1983 PVC Huddles mascot figurine. Even though it is only 2 inches tall, it is a highly sought out collectible. I have seen them go for $30.00. Mine is extremely rare, as it is NIP...New In Package.

I have topped off my Starting Lineup collection with the elusive Jimbo Covert figure. Tuff Stuff lists a value of $400.00, but we all know better than that. I have also added a dozen or so loose figures, and Covert happens to be one of those, as well. When it rains, it pours.

 

Of course I have added more bobbleheads to my existing collection of those. I have the 2006 Blatinum versions of Tommie Harris, Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad. In addition I have the new 2006 "Knucklhead" bobbles of Muhammad and Urlacher.
.

SAMS, Inc is well respected in the Bobblehead doll industry as making a product of more unique and better quality. While most dolls today are of resin material, their's are made from a porcelain/ceramic type material. I have purchased #2437/3000 of both Brian Piccolo and Gale Sayers, which were manufactured in 1998. The value on these is about $75.00 each (presently).

One of my favorite things that I have added to my collection is a large (5 inch tall) Christmas ornament that was designed by Connie Payton for the Payton foundation. It was available shortly after Walter's death and represents Soldier Field and Walter's legend.


The following are a few more do dads of Brian Urlacher...his Knucklehead bobble, a 2006 Forever Collectibles Christmas ornament, a 10" acrylic standee and a cute little votive urlacher candle.

Other action figures of lower value include a 1996 Rashaan Salaam Headliner, a 1998 Curtis Conway headliner, and 1 998 Curtis Enis XL Headliner (large). In addition I have 2 Series 5 McFarlanes of Anthony Thomas, both 'Variants', one all white uniform, and one white mouthpiece figure.

                                         Here's an add on that I have: Old Soldier Field replica, serial #'d:

The following are a collection of my Bobblehead dolls that are NOT Brian Urlacher (he has an entire section dedicated to himself)...I really never intended to get into collecting Bears' Bobbleheads, it just happened. I found a rare one fairly cheap, and then I find a unique one, and then the next thing you know, I NEED MORE!

Here is an old photo from several years ago.  A lot of these bobbleheads are displayed in my closet.

I've got Dick Butkus Dolls from the special issue Hall of Fame to the Monical's Pizza Butkus...a 2003Santa Bobble, Mickey, Goofy and Donald Duck, McDonald's of A-Train and Urlacher that were recalled due to lead paint, a weird looking Canadian, man-faced Bobblehead...

Here's a pic of the group and then I will show a few individually. If you look closely you can see the likes of Dick Jauron, R.W. McQuarters, Jim Miller, Marty Booker...I think for awhile, the minute a bobblehead doll came out for a Chicago Bear, the player (coach) changed teams.

 

The oldest I have is a 1962 square "wood base" (if you every become an expert on NFL Nodders, you will find that they are categorized as square base, round base, gold base, toes up, etc. etc.) and I also have a 1968 "Merger Series" which is the year both NFL AND AFL dolls were made.....all were hand painted:

 

Here's a Dan Hampton Hall of Fame, a regular Butkus and one from the National Sports Convention, and one of Ditka:

 
I have a ceramic player doll made by SAM, Inc. in 1995, fairly rare. Rumor has it that the paint wasn't dry when they shipped and most were recalled. Only 1,000 have supposedly made it into the seconday market. I will also show you a 2002 Pacific "Heads Up" bobble of Anthony Thomas and a 2002 Sports Illustrated piece. Pacific sent out bobbleheads with cases of their card products.

 
And of course, we have THIS young man....Rex Grossman. This is a Draft Day Bobble that stands about 10-12 inches tall.

I have, however, become more "picky" on what I choose to add to my already massive collection. I am quite interested in older stuff now (probably because I own quite a bit of the newer items). I acquired another older bobblehead from the 60s. Collector's refer to this edition as the 1965-67"Realistic Face" nodder. The one I purchased is a tad bit distressed on the back of the head and has a small crack in his jaw, but he displays well regardless. The item was actually listed on Ebay twice. the first guy bought it for $59.00 and immediately went for a profitable resale. I then bought it from him for $19.00, AND HE THANKED ME GRACIOUSLY FOR MY BUSINESS! LOL! In near mint condition this doll would be worth $200-$250.

My wife and I parted ways for one shopping trip. My job was to find some superman and batman action figures that we were to donate to some needy children. Naturally I went to Toys R Us and found exactly what I needed for the kids. Of course, being the big kid THAT I AM, I just so happened to run across the new 2007 Offensive Players Team set, offered by McFarlane Sports Figures. They have the Bears' starters (except Benson is included, and not Jones) from Super Bowl XLI. The figures are 2 inches tall and come packaged in a nice display...

Next I have added some 2008, 2009 and 2010 Bobbleheads

http://bearfanatic34.blogspot.com/2006/05/bobbleheads_31.html

McFarlanes:

Monday Night Football singing and dancing bobblead...

This guy is called a Metro 'Bump and Go'.  He walks around and bumps into things and bounces off and continues his trek (hence, the "bump" and "go")

2011 McFarlane Playmakers - Devin Hester

2012 Oyo figures. These things are tiny little guys about an inch tall that you put together like leggos, I think.  They are getting $12+ a piece for these dumb things.




Here is a copy of the marketing hype:  Name: Jay Cutler [Chicago Bears] 

Manufacturer: OYO 

Series: OYO NFL Football Mini Figures 

Release Date: October 2012 
For ages: 4 and up 

UPC: 099304297292 Details (Description): OYOs are designed with eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and other facial characteristics that best represent their real life counterparts! Unique ball design snaps onto hand and allows your OYO to grip and throw. Cool down with the attached water bottle after making the great play. Specially designed, rotating forearms for sports figures to allow for action! Without knees that bend, you walk like a mummy! Additional joint allows OYO to run, sit, squat, and throw. OYO
DNA Number - Printed right on the stand is your OYO's very own unique DNA number. This number can be used to identify your OYO. Look out for special membership offers where you can use your OYO's DNA to "Play"! Each OYO comes with their own stand, which lets you position and pose your OYO for display on any flat surface. Or, snap your stand onto a building block grid and build your own scenes! OYOs play nicely with other toys! OYOs are compatible with other name brand building blocks, so your OYOs can become part of your favorite scene. We encourage you to build and play! 
*Notes: Compatible with Lego, BrickArms and other building bricks!

I bought s neat grouping of 1976 Homeco metal wall hangings that have been customized already.  With a little planning and changing, I see great plans for these in the future.  Wink, wink.

Adding to my 1983 collections of have purchsed the "white" Tonka figure and a 21 inch inflatable Huddles.

The Trudy Bears from the early eighties have always been added to my stuffed collection.

And yes, they are ALL different.

In 1994, the NFL must have had a big contract with Warner Brothers.  There was a lot of cartoon based stuff that was created.  I have several Flintstone items, Taz and Tweety etc.etc.

1999 Nanco Cheerleader Bear


20 inch "The Pro Bear"


Mickey - I think he was sold with a blanket accessory.  17 inches tall

I love these team ornaments.  For about 5 years they had the same pose and just changed the face colors and numbers.  It must have been so much work because now all the jerseys and players are 00.  I should get a picture of the group of ornaments that I have.

Found it !  The first one has Urlacher, Marty Booker and Grossman.  The next year was Urlacher and Briggs holding up Hester.  Then came Grossman, Urlacher and Cedric Benson.  They gave up and finally went generic with all the players wearing 00.  lol

That should be Victorias Secret Pink Secret Dog

Ashton Drake Fan Baby

I found this "Miggle" (Tudor) electric football player, the QB version.

Here is my cabinet with mini-figures:

Frogs

Gnomes, etc.

Just picked up a Trudy Cheerleading Bear, a set of 1999 Nesting dolls,  a new Rallymen Cutler doll and a 1999 small bobblehead key chain still in the package.

I found some small 2 inch figures that I did not even know existed.  They are 1994 Micro Stars, and included in the series were Chicago Bears Steve McMichael and Richard Dent.  I have them both (can't find my pic of McMichael)  Oops. Found it.

Bought another set, don't know why....lol

Here's an old page from 2006 with other Bobbleheads.
http://bearfanatic34.blogspot.com/2006/05/bobbleheads_31.html

Update:  I added a 1980's Jim McMahon shelf doll, A set of Lil Teammates from 2012 and a limited edition 2013 Jay Cutler "Varsity Jacket" bobblehead.

The NFL and McDonald’s (MCD) have partnered up to release a series of football-themed Happy Meal toys starting next week.

Advertising Age reports that the promotion between the fast food chain and the NFL will begin today Nov. 15, only five days before the season three premiere ofNickelodeon’s TV show NFL Rush Zone: Season of the Guardians. McDonald’s will run this promotion through Dec. 12 and the Happy Meal toys include 32 ‘Rusher’ figures that represent the NFL’s 32 teams. Each toy will show a figure throwing a football based on each team’s history. (http://investorplace.com/2013/11/mcdonalds-nfl-team-first-ever-happy-meal-promo/#.Uoe41nCsg6Y)

Of course I managed to get this lil toy on November 15th.

I do have a separate collection of "Russ" items.  Russ was known for it's trolls, so I picked up a couple of odd ones.  The first one is 4.5 inches tall and made of a plastic/rubber material, and the second one is a 10 inch doll.  I'm not quite sure why the "BEARS" stitching is inside out.

Here are all of my Teddy Bears:

Russ

Trudy

Dakin

Cool Beans

I had to have this Gund Gridiron Bear because I am "The BearFanatic34" and it is hilarious.

This is a fully vocal and animated football bear named Gridiron Fanatic Bear by Gund . This bear is brown and wears a red, white and blue jersey with 00 and FANATIC on the back... says so many different phrases just by squeezing his hands or his paws. If you squeeze his left paw he says 5 different offensive phrases and if you squeeze his right paw he says defense sayings. His right foot you will get more phrases and boos and if you squeeze his left foot he starts yelling different touchdown phrases.  It is 11 inches sitting. Oh did I mention he moves all over the place while he's screaming phrases!

 
 I bought a large Chicago Bears patch that might just cover up that All Star patch.

  Sometimes I just buy stupid stuff on sales racks.  I call this Nerd Bear but I think the official title is Study Buddy.

....a 1998 "Planet Plush" Chicago Bear named "Windy"...by Sally Winey

Original Cabbage Patch Doll in Bears' clothes

New Puppet to add to my Puppet collection

Jasmine

2014 McFarlane - Brandon Marshall variant

Celebrating 100 years at Wrigley Field, Chicago's greatest athletes were made into bobblehead giveaways. Red Grange.

I bought a rare 1967 Gund Doll and a few month's later I hit the jackpot with one NEW IN THE BAG!

 

Above is a bear created by Littles By Kris....this is her explanation:

    ~~~WALTER PAYTON BLACK BEAR~~~

         Up for your consideration is this Walter Payton Black bear figurine wearing his Chicago Bears #34 jersey. He is only 3" high. He is handpainted and handsculpted of polymer clay with lots of love and attention to detail! 

       I never use molds so all of my miniatures are one of a kind creations and can't be duplicated. Each sculpture will come to you with a handsigned certificate of authenticity. 

       My art is designed for the adult collector and is not suitable for children. The pieces are very small and can break and cause a choking hazard. 

 Below is a piece by Robert Harrop who is a well known British artist, I guess.  He did a Rotweiller collection of NFL teams.

And included in my collection of silly, animated singers and dancers, I am pleased to introduce Gemmy:

The Chicago BEARS Singing & Dancing Number One SUPER FAN
Wearing his Team Jersey, Wig and Foam Finger- By Gemmy
He even Shakes his Hiney!



Standing 14" Tall and is in Very Good Condition
This is one of the best Props that a Bears Fan could possibly Own!
When something Great Happens in the Game- Press his Button and he will give you a Victory Cheer!
He is Dressed to the T with his Bears Jersey, Black and Orange Wig,
And the Huge #1 Foam Finger!


Condition is Very Good
No damage, breaks or issues with his operation
Clothes, Wig and Foam Finger are all clean with no rips, marks or stains
His Face and Arms are all clean with no marks or damage
Batteries were added and are included
No box or instruction sheet is included


Press the Button on his base to activate his Fun
He sings all kinds of different cheers and chants
Like " Are You ALL Ready for This?"
As this Song plays he Dances and Spins around in a 360
And my Favorite part is how he shakes his big Hiney!
He yells Defense, Charge, Yea Baby- and More!!!!


If you Love Football and the Chicago Bears
This is a Must Have Game Day Prop to Have!


Doesn't take up too much space either
Stands 14" Tall and measures 10 1/2"W x 6 1/2"D
Base measures 5 1/2" in diameter x 1 1/2"H

2015 Hallmark Ornament Jared Allen:

                                                             Ashton Drake Dolls

                                                 2021 Hallmark Ornament Khalil Mack

Steve McMichael Texas Bobblehead

Urlacher Danbury Mint

Mike Singletary Danbury Mint

1960's Hartland Statues (I finally got the "Lineman" to go with my "Running Back"  Condition is extremely good

                                                Justin Fields 2021 Draft Day Bobblehead

Brand New 2022 Dragon Imports Figures, regular and "chase"

2022 FOCO Fan Cave Bobblehead

2022 Spongebob Square Pants Bobblehead

SpringyLegs Bobblehead

 I love this ornament!..I bought it because all 3 of those players got traded or waived.

Little clip on fella...squeeze him and he opens up his arms to clip onto something

1960's Kissing Nodders

Kissing sets were made from 1962-1964. Slightly smaller (5.5") and

feature a player with his eyes closed being kissed by either a majorette or cheerleader

           The pair is magnetized, so if you place the Majorette/Cheerleader near the cheeks of the              player they lock up a sweet smack.

2023 William The Refrigerator Perry Chicago Bears Super Bowl Touchdown Exclusive Newspaper Base Bobblehead and Bobble Belly 360

"Weird Ohs" McMahon as "McBash" ( Custom made)

Original Killer McBash kit before painting

Walter's Last Game Custom McFarland figure

2022 Richard Dent Chicago Bears Retired Pro Gate Series Bobblehead 322collage

2022 Mike Singletary Chicago Bears Retired Pro Gate Series Bobblehead 322collage

2022-03 "Then And Now" dual bobblehead:  Jim McMahon and Justin Fields

Da Coach - Citizen Brick 3D printer figure...Version2 Ditka

1996 Vintage Lord Howards Original NFL Chicago Bears 3 4th inch Victory Bug......sometimes I ask myself "why" when I buy things.  Ya open this tiny wooden (unfinished?) ring box, and inside is a little bug with waving legs.

Original ad for The Fridge GI Joe figure

Funko Pop Gold 5 inch AND 12 Inch

Leggo-like Jay Cutler 2-3 inches tall

Red Grange 100 Year Bobblehead SGA (Stadium Giveaway 2019)

2022 Day of The Dead Bobblehead

              Early Football Heroes Stamp Bear Collectible USPS Plush Bronko Nagurski 2003 Toy

2008 Series 18 loose Devin Hester McFarlane

PROTOTYPE!!!!!!

This is an unpainted prototype of the Hester figure from McFarlane.  I inquired of the seller to provide me more information on how HE obtained this gem. I asked him "Can you provide me with more details on how you obtained or possess this prototype figure. Do you have any affiliation with the McFarlane company? Are you the designer/creator of the figure? Are there more than one of these figures? Is this a one of a kind original?

This was his response:
"Hello BearFanatic.  Back in the day I was a member of the original spawn boards and had searched for prototypes for years. A guy who worked for Mcfarlane in New Jersey contacted me and said that he had the Engineering Prototypes (EP) from series 18 and 20. 20 hadn't even hit retail yet and I agreed to purchase all prototypes from both series. These were engineering prototypes and probably the only ones, unless they had to send them to other departments for approval in other states or countries. I was a very serious collector of sports picks and have never seen or heard of others existing from either series. hope this helps and thanks for your interest

""