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 are the actual size of their real-life counterparts. Most homes could only fit ONE of these dolls at best, so they were treasured.
The standard was set by Ideal with its PATTI PLAYPAL line, although many other brands, including Betsy McCall, also offer similar products. The fun of owning companion dolls is that they can be redressed in clothing from any children’s store, so you can personalize them with an incredible 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 wide variety of hairstyles, some considered rare. Outfits, accessories, and brands offer endless variation. Our 5 granddaughters are fascinated by life-size dolls because they can really be a “sister” or friend in their creative play, leading to wonderfully imaginative stories. Adult collectors are fascinated by the delight of stumbling across a NEW hairstyle or color they’ve discovered. Mostly, they just make us smile with delight!