Posted by jo | 66 Comments
Vintage Koala Toys
The koala is an iconic Australian marsupial. Cute and soft, it was inevitable it would be made into soft toys!
1920s
Australia’s ‘bear’, the koala became a popular subject for toys in the 1920s. The first soft toy koalas were made of koala, wallaby or kangaroo fur, with jointed arms, legs and head. Eyes were made of leather shoe buttons with a pure rubber nose. These noses have tended over time to become hard and brittle. Claws were leather. These toys are comparatively rare and highly collectable. Stuffed with woodwool, they have also become a favourite with insect infestations!
Koalas also became a very popular and fashionable trend during the 1920s. A wide range of koala merchandise was produced, not just for children but also for women and the home. These included koala tea cosies, muffs, purses and handbags! Each was also made from the same materials as the soft toys-fur, shoe buttons and leather. Knitting patterns for tea cosies offered another alternative for the home!
Many commercial teddy bear manufacturers also made koalas in the range. Steiff, the famous German manufacturer, as did Deans in England, and others around the world, produced mohair versions with glass eyes, and stuffed with woodwool.
1930s
Koala toys continued to be popular. Generally they were now produced from kangaroo fur, but were often no longer jointed, having a fixed head and limbs. The arms and legs were outstretched in a ‘starfish’ shape, and still with shoe button eyes, and leather claws and nose.
Sheepskin versions were also made, also with these features, and stuffed with woodwool.
Koalas made their way into popular children’s literature at this time, such as Blinky Bill!
1940s-50s
The koala toys of this period now had glass eyes and had leather noses, though increasingly synthetic rubber was used. Kapok or a kapok-woodwool blend was used as the stuffing. The shape remained the same as earlier versions! Unjointed, with outstretched arms, they continued to be able to sit on their bottoms unaided.
1960s
Glass eyes were now used, with kapok as the stuffing. These koala toys, made from kangaroo fur, tended to be lighter in colour than the very early ones, of wallaby, rabbit or koala fur, which were longer and darker. A common problem with the kangaroo skin toys is thinning of the fur and bald patches. This could have been due to problems in the tanning process.
1970s-present
Koala toys were still made from kangaroo skin, with synthetic rubber noses and claws, in the starfish shape. Kapok-filled, they needed to comply with new safety regulations and therefore to have plastic safety eyes. Increasingly, though, the koalas were made from synthetic fur, as public condemnation of the use of animal fur increased.
Koalas continue to be most popular as souvenirs of Australia, by overseas tourists. One of the earliest and most prolific companies responsible for their production is Morella.
Morella was, and is, largely known for its tourist trade toys. Morella started making its range of fur souvenir koalas, kangaroos and teddy bears in the 1930s. Made from wallaby or kangaroo fur, these early toys were filled with cork or woodwool, and later with rubber or flock.
Paramount had a popular range made from rabbit fur, during the 1950s, and examples with tags can still be found.
Many other companies continue to also include koalas in their range. The appeal of the koala ensures it will remain a popular toy!
Values
Most early koalas are unlabelled. Values given show the range from that expected at a market, to that in an antique shop or fair.
1920s jointed-$80-$300
1920s tea cosy-$70
1930s-$45-$200
1940s-50s-$30-$140
1970s kangaroo skin-$10-$40
Hi, from your description i think i have one of the earlier Jointed Koalas, all limbs move. His claws have come out but i still have them all and his nose is perfect and still supple. He has been wrapped up in storage for over 50 years and he’s in fantastic condition. Would you know what his value could be ?? He also has a friend, a large long legged brown felt monkey that has been with him for over 50 years, still researching that one. Cheers
Hi Dean,
thanks for your comment regarding your old koala. We are happy to offer a valuation of both of your toys-would you be able to send photos of them? This would help correctly identify them. Also, does your monkey have any tags, or glass eyes?
Hi Jo, thanks for the reply.
Sorry for the delay i’ve been interstate with work. I asked my mum to bring them down so i could get some pics of them today, i was in luck. Re the monkey…he has a tag saying joy toy inside behind the zipper that runs down his back. I forgot to measure them both unfortunately, i can do this in the next few days if needed. As i mentioned in my comment, the claws have fallen out of the koala and i’ve been told they did due to shrinkage over the years ?? When we got him his claws came attached in a plastic bag, he was very loved i think. I didn’t check the monkeys eyes but i will soon. What do you think of the pics. Cheers Dean
Hi Dean, thanks for your lovely clear pictures! Your monkey is cute, and in excellent condition! Did you know he is a pyjama case? He is made of either a mohair/synthetic blend or a synthetic woven-backed fabric. I’d say his eyes are glass. He would have been made either in the very late 1950s , up until probably about the mid 1960s. To buy him from a Teddy Bear Show he would cost about $70, up to $110 in an antique shop. Your koala is unusual! His fur, eyes and head shape say he is 1960s-early 70s, but his being fully jointed in unusual. If he had been one of the 1920s ones, he would have shoe-button eyes, as glass eyes came into use in the late 1940s onwards. He is made of kangaroo fur, and I’d say stuffed with saw dust-if he feels solid. The very early ones were stuffed with woodwool-so they are very light, and have a ‘crunchy’ feel if you squeeze them. His value would be about $60-$100, as he is unusual! They are both great toys to have in a collection, and both very collectable! Hope this helps in knowing who your ‘old’ friends are!
I don’t know if you will be able to help me. I was given a Koala bear when I was born in 1982 and it wasn’t new but not an antique I don’t think. It has a music box inside, the one where a cylinder with bumps goes around and fingers of metal make noise when they go over the different bumps making different pitches. (Not sure if I’m describing it right) I have been trying to find out who made it so I can try and find another one for my daughter. She loves mine and I don’t want it to fall apart. Would you be able to help me or maybe suggest a place I can go to find out?
Here are some pictures:
Any help would be appreciated! Thank you!
~Brittany
Hi Brittany,
Thanks for the lovely clear pictures of your cute vintage koala!
His plastic click-lock eyes were used from the 1950s, but were in general use from the 1960s. His moulded plastic nose, though, was used from the late 1960s onwards. With his synthetic plush fur, it is therefore most likely that he was made from the late 1960s-70s. It is lovely that he has his music box-the Swiss comb and toothed cylinder began having a moulded nylon cover, rather than all metal, in the 1960s. If it has a fully plastic cover, the music box would have been made in Japan from 1970 onwards. (Hard to see from outside his fur though!)
Unfortunately. he doesn’t have a tag or any easily identifiable features that could definitely say who made him. Many companies made similar toys, and so unfortunately I’m not able to say who did.
It may be difficult to find a similar bear, though sites such as ebay have many vintage toys for sale each week. His ‘brother’ may just be there! Other options include looking at teddy bear fairs, or perhaps buying your daughter a vintage Jakas toy koala, who also made some musical toys. Good luck!, Jo.
Hi – I am looking for a leather stuffed koala bear, I believe it had rabbit fur? on parts of it – It was a gift to my wife in the 70s from her dad, it was lost in a house fire (everyone was okay) and had sentimental value so I’m trying to find if it is still being made or something similar. Thank you for any leads or help.
Hello,
I saw from your old email from a year ago that you were looking for a Koala bear for your wife. If you did not find one let me know. I happen to have one that I purchased in Australia in the 80′s. I understand your wife’s attachement as my Dad gave me one in the 60′s!
Gwyn Jones
gjones@apr.com
Hi,
My oldest son was born in Moe, Victoria in 1974 and was given a used fur koala bear by an older couple whose children were grown, so I estimate it to be made in the late 1930′s. It has real fur with leather paws and a hard black nose–eyes are missing and some of the fur was rubbed off with love. It is pretty hard to the touch and legs not very movable. Could you give me an estimate of the value and if ebay is the only place to offer it for sale?
Thank you very much,
Bev Maki
Hi Bev,
Thanks for your enquiry.
Your little koala is rarer because he has moveable limbs, and is an earlier one. He would have been made in the late 30s-early 40s, from either wallaby or koala fur, stuffed with excelsior, and you are right in knowing that he would have had shoebutton eyes, or possibly glass ones, if he is a little later.
Again, you are correct in that the market is ‘down’ at the moment, and sellers aren’t getting the ‘true’ market value of most of the toys, especially koalas. He SHOULD be worth $50-$70,(ebay), up to $90 in an antique shop, with eyes. It is possible to find old shoe buttons in op shops, or ebay, antique shops, Chapel St Bazaar, and other collectors’ markets. New ones are available at doll and teddy fairs, ebay, or other places online.
He could be offered for sale on ebay, Abbingdon Auctions, (they have toy auctions regularly, in auction houses), Gumtree Auctions (online), possibly direct to antique shops, or even via ads on shopping centre notice boards!
Good luck!
Thanks
Hey, Jo – surprising as it may seem, you’re the online specialist when it comes to vintage koalas! Well, according to Google, anyway…so here’s my question.
This was found when our (mildly crazy) neighbour’s house was being cleaned out recently…any clues to age / value / anything like that? It’s clearly real fur, quite thick – albeit flattened – but he’s suffered a bit of damage over the years, and has no obvious eyes. Fixed head & limbs, leather nose & paws…I’m guessing 1930s? And would that be woodwool seeping out the seams?
Cheers for any advice you can offer,
R!
p.s. according to my wife, his name is ‘Mankie’ the koala. He doesn’t actually SMELL, but I can see her point…
Hi Rob,
lol-’Mankie’ is a great name!
You are right in assuming that he was made in the 1930s, and yes, that is woodwool (excelsior) that has been used as his stuffing. Originally, he would probably have had shoe button eyes, which could have been removed by a safety-conscious mum! You can buy replacements online or from Chapel St Bazaar, some antique or craft shops. His fur looks to be rabbit/hare, which was also used for toy koalas, as was kangaroo or koala fur! It may be possible to stitch up his holes using ‘ladder’ stitch, if the leather isn’t too brittle. Many companies made similarly-designed koalas, meaning unfortunately it is difficult to say who did! If he was repaired, his value on somewhere such as ebay SHOULD be around $40, (ebay buyers tend to want to get a bargain!), whereas he would be sold in an antique shop for around $70-$80.
Hope this helps!
Thanks, (and thanks to google for the good page ranking!) lol
That’s great to know – thanks!
R
Hi there,
I am looking for a wind-up kangaroo fur koala from the early 70′s to replace one that I sadly damaged, probably beyond repair. During the floods when it was so when everything got moldy and I tried to gently wash him, but his fur split in a number of places. He’s been with me since 1972. His music box still works! My little girl loves him and I’d love to replace him if possible, any ideas? I’ve checked Gumtree and Ebay…
Also, any ideas about who I could take him to for fixing – it’s beyond my sewing skills I’m afraid.
much thanks,
Anne
Hi Anne,
I’m so sorry your home was damaged during the floods-a terrible time!
Ebay is probably the best place to look for koala’s replacement. They are advertised occasionally, so you would have to keep checking unfortunately. Perhaps someone reading this page has one they would like to offer to you?
Because he is special to you though, it would be good if he could be fixed! Working with real fur is harder than making teddies from other fabrics, so there are far fewer makers who use it. One person to ask would be Brigit Charles from http://www.brigitsbears.com. She makes lovely real fur teddies.
I hope life is returning to normal for you now, and that koala can be repaired!
I am looking for a stuffed musical koala bear that plays “Waltzing Matilida. My mother bought this bear at FAO Swartz Toy Store in New York in 1979-1980. It was my son’s favorite and somehow we lost it. He is now expecting his first baby and I would love to surprise him with one. Can you help me find what I am looking for??? Thank you
Hi Linda,
What a shame that ‘koala’ got lost!
He was possibly made by Morella, here in Australia. Was he made from real fur? They are now made from synthetic fur but are still available with music boxes inside. If you are in Australia, many of the souvenir shops stock soft toy koalas, though the best quality ones are found in such places as the Melb. Aquarium’s shop. I’m happy to ask around the better ones, who tend to have better quality toys, to see if they stock musical ones, if you are not able to do so. There are a couple of good online companies selling quality koalas which play ‘Waltzing Matilda’ including http://www.aussiesheepandwool.com.au
Good luck!
Thanks
Hi Jo
I have been looking at your site and the various comments. We are in fact still making the traditional Kangaroo Fur koalas (including the musical version). They can be purchased from the Eumundi Markets and we have pictures on their web site together with our contact numbers. Hope this helps.
Ray
Thanks for the info, Ray!
Hi Jo, I’d love some help with identifying these 2 koalas. They belong to a friend of mine and she’d like to know more about them. The first is a musical koala – he is made of real fur measuring 20cm, and plays Waltzing Matilda. He has a little turn-key in his tummy. The next is a mother koala with her little baby sitting on her back. They are both made of real fur. Mother measures about 20cm and baby about 10cm.
Many thanks for your help.
Karina
Hi Karina,
Thanks for your enquiry
The koalas sound cute! If they have glass eyes, they are probably from the 1960s-early 1970s. Plastic eyes became mandatory after this time. Their fur, if light grey and quite short, would be kangaroo, but if a bit fluffier, is most probably possum or less likely, koala.
The stuffing in earlier koalas was woodwool, which gave them a ‘crunchy’ feel. If these koalas feel firm, their stuffing is probably kapok or ‘sub’.
Morella was a prolific maker at this time, though several companies produced them.
Their value at a collectors’ fair would be about $30 each.
Hi
I have this koala bear, it is kangaroo fur, one glass eye, one plastic eye. It is stuffed with wood-wool and is about 15″ tall. The inside of his right elbow is ripped and you can see the wood-wool Would you know the age, manufacture or what you might think it is worth. Any information you have would be much appreciated. Thank you very much.
Hi Nancy,
He is one of the earlier koalas, as he is stuffed with woodwool and would originally have had two glass eyes. If his nose is leather, it would date him to the 1940-50s, or if it hard rubber, then he is probably 1950s. He would have had claws, either leather or hard rubber/plastic.
He is a nice big size!
The older ones are especially collectable. At a collectors’ fair he would sell for around $50.
It can be difficult to know which company made him as many made similar koalas, such as Morella, and JJ Jackson.
Hope this helps!
Hi Jo –
I’m so happy to find this site! I have a pair of Koala’s given to me by my late-great Aunt. I remember as a kid she saying “never get rid of these – they may be worth something!” So I didn’t. Now I want to. Spring cleaning is here! I was hoping perhaps to get some background on these little guys. They sit 12″ high – rubber nose, hands and feet. Whatever is inside sounds “crunchy”. They are in great shape – not missing any fur. I hope you can give me some in site. The tags are still on them – I attached a close up of what it reads. If you can’t read it, I’ll send another email with the verbiage.
I look forward to hearing from you.
With kind regards,
Wendy
Hi Wendy,
Yes, your koalas are in great condition! To still have their tags is also quite rare.
If they have glass eyes, they would have been made in the late 1950s-1960s, and appear to be made from wallaby fur. Their stuffing, as it is ‘crunchy’ is probably woodwool.
At a collectors’ fair, their condition and tags would give them a value of $40-$50, though they sell for a little less on ebay.
Thanks!
I had that teddy as a child, can I buy it? Or do you know where I can get one the same?
Hi Bryan,
We do occasionally see koalas at fairs and on ebay, though not often in as good condition.
I’ll try emailing Wendy on your behalf, to see if her koalas are still for sale.
Good luck!
Thanks
Hey there! I just bought this little guy and was wondering if you would know about him. Here are some characteristics: real fur, button eyes, crunchy when squeezed, tag on bottom right hip (some of it is gone, only the end letters “ht” are present, arms/limbs do not move, leather for nose, hand and feet. Do you know when it was made, by what company, and about how much it is worth?
Thank you for your help!
Christy
Hi Christy.
He is one of the older koalas-love his type of shoe button eyes!
As he has a leather nose and excelsior (woodwool) stuffing, he would have been made in the 1930s. He is in quite good condition for his age.
Many companies made them in this shape, though his part of a tag gives more of a clue. We’ll keep looking and let you know when we find out who’s it was!
His value at a collectors’ fair would be around $60-$80.
Thanks
Thank you so much! Do you think perhaps he would have been made by the company Merrythought? That has been the only company I could find with those last two letters. Thanks again for your input, I really appreciate it!!!
Thanks!
‘Merrythought’ does fit the clue on the tag, though I haven’t found any indication that they have used real fur to make toys in the past, but will keep looking! lol
Paramount in Melbourne was also a large maker of fur koalas beginning in the 1930s to early 1970s Could the ‘h’ possibly be an ‘n’? Interesting site, thank-you.
Thanks Barbara!
Yes! It could well have been Paramount! They were a prolific maker and if the ‘h’ is indeed a distorted ‘n’ then that would ‘fit’!
Hi Jo,
I have a question about my bear. it has a metal ring in the belly that can be unscrewed, i have no idea what it is,, do you have any idea?
Also do you have an idea on date or origin? it only has one eye but it seems to be either glass or hard clear brittle plastic and plastic claw and the nose seems like it may be rubber.
Thanks and great site!
Elliott.
Hi Elliot,
Thanks!
Your mystery metal ring is the key wind of a music box inside his tummy! It may be loose if it is unscrewing, as it should wind in a clockwise direction, and then play a tune such as Brahm’s Lullaby. He would have had glass eyes, and was made in the 1950s-60s by one of several companies, such as Morella or Paramount. Unfortunately, it is hard to be more precise as to his maker, as often the companies made similar toys. Hope this helps!
Hi Jo,
I’m hoping you might be able to provide the manufacturer or some possible manufacturers of the following koala:
He was likely made in the 1980s or 1990s, and the tag (which isn’t clearly visible on his bottom in the picture) says “Made in Thailand”. The koala was obtained in the late 1980s or early 1990s from Bangladesh.
Any additional information you might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Hi,
He is a cute little koala!
I have searched through all the resources I have but unfortunately was unable to locate a possible maker. I will keep him in mind, though, and let you know if I find some information at a later date!
Hello!
Thanks and thanks for checking! He seems to have a well-hidden past.
HI COULD ANYONE BE ABLE TO TELL ME THE VALUE OF THIS KANGAROO FUR KOALA BEAR, THANKS
NE
Hi,
Thanks for your enquiry
He is in great condition! His value depends on several factors. If he has glass eyes, he would be from the 1960s, though if they are plastic, then he is 1970s. He also looks to be a larger size. I can’t quite read the label, but it adds to his value. Assuming he is around 30cm tall, if he was from the 60s, he would sell at a collectors’ fair for $70-90, and if he is 1970s, for $50-60.
Thanks!
Hi there Im having a lovely time looking at the site and the different koalas.
I had a toy musical one sent to me in the 70′s from my Aunty when I lived in the UK.
Dont know where he went tho ;(
However Im a ‘picker’ and proud of it and when my friend and I were trawling the pavements on our treasure hunt I found this adorable big koala thrown on the rubbish pile.
It seemed so wrong to leave him there and so I rescued him.
Im curious to know his age and value (although he is priceless to me).
What I know is
* He is about 1.5 kilos and very solid/firm not at all cuddly.
* He has plastic eyes and claws and plastic nose.
* He is about 52 cm tall and at his widest point (under his
armpits!) he is 74 cm so he is a big boy.
* I am sure he is made of roo fur he its so soft but Im not 100%
sure its an educated guess!
Anyway I feel sure Ive foudn the expert here so cant wait to have your opinion of my boy.
Thanks so much Janette (Perth)
Hi Janette,
Thanks!
He certainly is a big boy! Unfortunately your photo hasn’t loaded properly-would it be possible to try reloading it-it would be great to ‘see’ him!
Based on what you have told about him, he would have been made in the 1970s, and stuffed with either foam or polyester fibre, very firmly, which gives him his weight. You are correct that his fur is most likely kangaroo.
Not many were made in this size, and so he is comparatively rare! His value is therefore $100-$150 if sold at a Collectors’ Fair.
A great find!
Hi I was wondering if you could find anything out about this bear, It belongs to my mother and she wanted me to look it up, but I couldn’t find anything out about the company. Thank you in advance for all your hard work. Yellow tag reads Days Road Fur Products.
Hi Eileen,
He is in fantastic condition!
I found an address for the company that made him:
Day Road Fur Products,
7 Burwood Ave,
Woodville, South Australia 5011
tel: 082686105
They are referred to as being doll and toy manufacturers.
Hope this helps!
I would love to find a Vintage Stuffed Koala Bear Plays Waltzing Matilda. I have found a couple on ebay or other sites, but they’re already sold.
I have very sentimental reasons for wanting to find one. My father sent me one in the early 60s when he lived in Australia for a year. Though I slept with it every night for 12 years, my roommates dog destroyed it one weekend. My father died last year, and I have been on a search for a replacement.
I believe it was probably made of wallaby fur. The “arms” were stiff – it was not a soft and squishy stuffed animal, but the fur was very soft, the eyes were glass, the noses was a soft rubber or suede.
Please let me know if you ever find one that someone would want to sell.
Thank you!
Hi Patricia,
I’m so sorry that your precious koala was damaged in that way. We attend several Collectors’ Fairs each year and visit many other places where koalas are sometimes offered for sale and will definitely be looking for you. We’ll also let the traders and other collectors know, so that they can also be looking. Is it possible to post a picture of one you have seen that is very similar to your koala, as that will help to find the ‘right’ one.
Good luck!
hiya! i have a kawala bear whih has th waltsing matilda musical box inside and still works ive been given many rough prices but dont no anywere i can get it valued properly or maybe even were i may be able to sell it, it says sankyo on the actual metal winding key its in pretty good nick too.. x
Hi Katie,
Your koala is collectable, and we are happy to offer a valuation for him. Would it be possible to add a picture of him, as this would help to give the most accurate value? To further assist in accuracy, we also need to ask how high he is, whether his eyes are glass or plastic, and whether he has any tags or labels.
Look forward to ‘seeing’ him.
Thanks!
it has plastic eyes and claws xx
he as no labels i imagine who had it origionally pulled it off as the only damage is a small area on the bottom,my mom was given it about 5 yrs ago from a very well to do man, hed had a sort out and didnt want it n e more.. he said he`d had it yrs and was his mothers as i said it says sankyo on the winding keys but thats all i can tell you unfortunatly.. x
Thanks for the extra information, Katie. He is cute and in good condition! He would have been made in the 1970s, possibly by Morella or Paramount, from kangaroo fur. Several companies made very similar koalas and so unfortunately it can be difficult to determine exactly which company made him.
Collectors also like the koalas which are musical.
It is possible to sell him on ebay but buyers on this site tend to bid less than the price he could be sold for at a Collectors’ Fair.
You cold try offering him to a shop which sells old toys, or to a trader at a fair. He would sell at a fair for A$45-$60.
Thanks
Jo,
Can you help me identify if an item is KOALA FUR OR KANGAROO FUR. It has no marks or tags. I will try to upload the photo.
Thanks heaps for your help.
I have a Koala that’s 11 inches high (28cm) and 10 inches wide(ear to ear with glass? eyes, black plastic hands/feet, a rubber nose and a pink (maybe was originally red?) bow with a yellow tag the shape of Australia on it with “AUSSIE” KOALA BEAR OBTAINABLE ONLY FROM “THE” WOOL STORE, HER MAGESTY’S ARCADE 28-9811 SYDNEY and “The Koala Bear story” on the reverse – he’s not “squashy” ie really firm – even the ears don’t bend – looks like real fur – there’s probably about 8 or 9 pattern pieces that go together to make him. Any ideas on manufacturer, age, value etc? I’m in the UK and found him at a car boot fair last week!. Many thanks
Hi Iain,
Thanks for your query. If you have a photo that you could upload it would help to give a more accurate identification, however, assuming he does have glass eyes, he would have been made in the 1960s. He would be stuffed with sawdust, or very firmly packed with crumbed foam rubber, and most probably with kangaroo fur used as the fabric. He would sell at a collectors’ fair for $AU50-80, as he still has all his tags. Thanks
Hi Jo,
here is the photo again. Dont know if it is made of kangaroo fur or koala fur. Can you help identiofy which it is? thanks a lot.
Hi Jean,
Your koala definitely has a head made from kangaroo fur. I’s say then that his ‘body’ is also made from kangaroo, as koala tends to be a longer fur. He appears to be flat, with a stuffed head. Is he a muff? These were very popular during the 1930s-40s. If so, and he has shoe button or glass eyes, then he was most likely made during this time. Hope this helps! Thanks
Hi Jo,
I have found this koala in a charity shop and I’m curious to know his age, value and maybe his story.
*He is about 25-27 cm tall and his weight is 300 gr.
*He is made of real fur (I don’t know what kind of).
*The stuffing sounds “crunchy”.
*He has glass eyes, rubber nose and claw (I found him with only one claw).
*The music box is in good order and playing ‘waltzing Matilda’. The fur and leather around music box a bit crumbled off.
I have thought to give this guy to my friends toy museum, so I wanted to find out something about him
Thank you in advance, Sasha.
Hi Sasha,
your lovely koala would have been made in the 1950s-60s, probably from kangaroo fur, and stuffed with woodwool. Several companies made similar koalas, including Morella and Paramount. He is a great ‘find’, and would be valued at $40-50, if sold at a Collectors’ Fair
My father was in the Merchant Navy and bought this bear in Australia when he heard of my birth in 1947. It has lived with me in UK ever since then and is called Kaia.
At 65 he is wondering about his retirement years !!
Does he have any monetary value and if he wanted to donate himself to a museum would anybody be interested ?
Hi Val,
thanks for your enquiry. It is wonderful that you have been able to keep Kaia! He is probably made from koala fur, with leather nose and claws, and stuffed with woodwool. His eyes would either be glass or shoe buttons. He is very collectable, due to his age and his good condition. A museum would be happy to take him, or there would be collectors happy to buy him on ebay! His value at a fair would be $60-$100 AU. Hope this helps!
Hi Jo,
Sharing a photo of my three elderly fully jointed Koalas talking about the good old days .. which for these old arthritic chaps was probably in the 1930s. All three have glass eyes, are cotton stuffed, the two large boys have rubber noses, and the small chap has a leather nose. All kangaroo fur.
What do you think of these characterful trio?!
Cheers
Karen
Hi Karen,
I apologise for the delay in replying to your email. They are wonderful! The old jointed koalas have so much character and are comparatively rare! Yes, they are all from the 1920s-early 40s. It is quite rare for the largest one to still have all his rubber claws. The centre koala is probably a ‘Billy Bluegum’, modelled after the character created by Norman Lindsay, and who made his very first appearance in the ‘Bulletin’ newspaper, in 1904!They are a fantastic collection
Thanks Jo!
I also really love the look of the old jointed koala toys.
Here’s a photo of my oldest two, both over 100 years old.
The large one on the left is very early, mohair, jointed limbs, one shoe button eye, woodwool stuffed in his body and head, and cotton stuffed in his limbs. He had a glued on nose originally. Stitched mouth.
His slightly younger and smaller friend is fully jointed, kangaroo fur covered, cotton stuffed with English style painted glass eyes, and a leather nose and claws.
They have been much adored and loved companions, and are now enjoying a slower pace of life in their retirement.
Kind regards,
Karen
Hi Jo!
I was so happy to find your site today! I have acquired a very old jointed koala bear with what I believe to be kangaroo hide as his wrap and stuffed with woodwool. His nose is solid rubber. I have tried to upload photos of him but it keeps telling me I can only upload images, which is what I’m trying to do! Do you have an email address I could send some images to? I’d really appreciate your input as I’m a bit perplexed about his origin. Thank you!
Hi Corcag,
Does your koala look like any of my three jointed koalas in the photo of the posting before yours? The jointed koala in the middle of my trio is a Billy Blue Gum, which were made in Queensland – does it look similar to yours? I’ve found advertisements for these dating back to 1931.
Kind regards,
Karen
I have a stuffed koala. When he was purchased in 1986 and were told real koala fur. He has plastic eyes, nose, and rubber paws. He is 22in tall by 17in paw to paw. There are no tags. Any information and valuation would be appreciated, thank-you.