The Ideal Novelty and Toy Company founded in 1902, produced the Patti Playpal doll series from 1959 – 1962. Patti was life size for younger children and could wear actual children’s clothing. These were called companion dolls and most were about 36 inches tall.
companion doll
Ideal Patti Playpal Doll 1960 & Orig Box Blonde Pulled-Back Hair, Modern Dress
Gorgeous pre-loved Patti Playpal Doll 1960 Ideal 35″ Companion Doll, with beautiful high color. Blonde pull-back hairstyle, super-clean doll in her original box.
She’s wearing her original shoes but is in a custom made replacement dress,slip,panties and socks. All are in excellent condition.
Terrific display doll. She can stand alone well but is somewhat loosely strung so needs to be positioned. Arms hold most poses.
Box shows wear and tear but is always fun to find with the doll. Find this and many other vintage dolls in our eBay Store Connectibles.
Pullan vintage 1961 BOBBY 31″ Companion Doll BAD BOY Furniture PROMO Canada
Featured here is an unusual and hard to find vintage
companion doll made by Earle Pullan Company circa 1960’s. He’s a large 31″, and was used for a promotion by the Bad Boy Furniture Company in Canada. He’s dressed as a prisoner because the TV spots starring the owner used the phrase that their prices were so low, it was a “STEAL!”
- Great story behind this doll’s uniform, and great condition all around!
- 31″ Vinyl head, hard plastic body – excellent overall with very light wear.
- Outfit is all original to the store, and is in very good to excellent condition. Includes cap, shirt, pants, black vinyl shoes.
He’s a great size for you to add to your Playpal displays as well, and re-dress if you choose, but I love this unique, original costume. Find this and many other vintage as well as new dolls in our eBay store connectibles.
Companion Dolls – Patti Playpal
In 1959 a NEW and unique design of doll was offered to lucky girls – “life-size” was the defining new concept for COMPANION dolls. Whether a 23″ baby, a 28″ toddler, or a 35″ doll the size of a 3 year old, all the actual size of their real life counterparts. Most homes only had room for ONE of these dolls at best, so they were treasured.
The standard was set by Ideal with their PATTI PLAYPAL line, although there are many other brands including Betsy McCall. The fun of owning companion dolls is that they can be redressed in clothing purchased in any children’s store, so you can personalize them with wonderful variety. Patti Playpal wears approximately a size 3T, and many collectors enjoy dressing them for special holidays – picture her standing next to your family Christmas Tree, or in a Halloween costume next to your display!
Starting or adding to a collection is relatively easy- there is a large variety of hairstyles, some considered rare. Outfits, accessories, brands all allow for endless variation. Our 5 granddaughters are fascinated with life-size dolls because they REALLY can be a “sister” or friend in their creative play, leading to wonderfully imaginative stories. Adult collectors are fascinated with the delight of stumbling across a NEW hair style or color that they’ve discovered. Mostly they just make us smile with delight!