The Knickerbocker Toy & dolls Company was founded by Dutch immigrants named Van Whye. The firm's name was derived from Knickerbocker, a nickname given to Dutch immigrants. Later, the family decided to change their name to Knickerbocker. At first, the company was known for educational toys and wooden puzzles.

Knickerbocker acquired the exclusive rights in the 1930s from International Feature Service, Inc. to manufacture Krazy Kat and Ignatz Mouse toys. The company is also known for their pluche Disney characters and their Good Luck Bear. In the 1980s, Lionel Train Company took over Knickerbocker Toy Company and, with Lionel Train Company filing for bankruptcy in 1984, the line discontinued.

The Knickerbocker Toy Co. is probably best known for their Walt Disney character dolls, the Raggedy Ann & Andy and the Holly Hobbie cloth dolls. Dolls are usually of good quality and were made of cloth, composition and vinyl.

Knickerbocker was sold to Hasbro in 1984.

Knickerbocker value

What's it worth? Take a look at this Knickerbocker price guide: sold listings for a value indication.

Knickerbocker forum (28 comments)

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Whitney - April 24, 2017

I have a Hollywood Hound with a functioning original music box. Any idea when it was made or the value? The tongue is gone but his blue and yellow spots are still visible.
►reply: If you try google images: Knickerbocker hound music maybe you'll spot yours.

Dorothy - November 21, 2015

I have a mickey mouse stuffed wind up toy made by Knickerbocker Toy Company and would like to know what it is worth today. He still plays the original mickey mouse song and is in good condition. It has been kept in a McDonalds Bag since the 1900s.Please e-mail me with a response. Thank you.Sincerely, Dorothy McKeon
►reply: Hi Dorothy! Best is to compare yours with other Knickerbocker Mickey Mouse toys, Click here for a list.

Mariann - November 10, 2015

I have a very large Yogi Bear dated 1959 from Knickerbocker Toy Co. Also other side of tag says Hannah Barbera. He stands at least 2 feet tall. What can you tell me about it please?
►reply: Not much I'm afraid... but if you want to know the value, take a look at these sold bears on eBay.

Sheran - July 12, 2015

I have a doll called pudgy kuddles made by knickerbocker pat. pending. She is stuffed red and white poke a dots,big tummy, has a hard pressed oil cloth type face, big painted eyes, large bonnet with white heavy weaved stiff white material.Seen one years ago ,copied the tag ,but have never have seen another one. I think she was made it the 1920's early 1930's Any information would be appreciated.
►reply: Send me a pic (under contact you can find my email) and I'll post it here.

Candice - June 30, 2015

From what I've been able to gather, it's a Knickerbocker "Joy of a Toy" Musical Mouse. Mine has a music box and plays the Brahms lullaby. Here's one on a Facebook page for a company called Vintage Flea, and it sounds like the one that you have, Kathy. I've contacted them for more information and to see if they have ever seen another one. I'll let you know what I hear. I believe this one came a little earlier than mine, if it's '66 like yours. It has the black felt "fingers" and "toes" as you describe, but mine (from '70 or '71 I'd guess) doesn't have the black felt on the hands and feet. Also the shape of the foot on this one is different. On mine, the leg is simpler... just a cylindrical shape with the red and white polka dot fabric at the end. Jan, is there a way we can post photos to compare what we have and what we're finding? I'm on a mission to find another one that's the same vintage as mine! I'm so thrilled to be in touch with someone who also had one. This mouse is one of my most prized possessions. If not, please feel free to pass my email on to Kathy so we can compare notes. And thanks so much for providing this forum for us to connect!
►reply: Thanks Candice! I'll forward your message :-)

Candice - June 28, 2015

Kathy Brown, if you're still out there, I have information about your mouse. I have the same one, or possibly a slightly later version.
►reply: Hi Candice! What can you tell us about yours, do you know anything about it? I'll pass it on to Kathy.

Dave - May 22, 2015

Approx 8 inch tall doll black or brown suit yellow stomach feet and hands upturned nose looks like a mouse. Huckleberry hound on tag. Grey paint on back of head and ears. Anyone know this character?
►reply: You can find out which one you have by comparing yours with these on Google images or search here for: Knickerbocker Huckleberry Hound.

Lisa Valenta - July 6, 2014

Hi! I realized I have in my childhood keepsakes an "old" Joy of a Toy -Johnny Gruelle's Knickerbocker Toy Co.Raggedy Ann

A. - May 26, 2014

I have a Knickerbocker bunny from the 1930's we were wondering what are these antiques animals are made from?we have been searching to see if we find answers and nothing yet has popped up does anyone know?

Kim - January 4, 2014

I have a Knickerbocker Teddy Kuddles from the 50's or 60's (Joy of Toys label). It has been well loved and I have been trying to find a photo of his original condition in order to get him restored but have not been able to find one. He is a brown mohair bear about 36" tall with velveteen paw pads, snout, AND tummy. He has black plastic (possibly glass) eyes with blue, white, and black felt behind them to make up the eyes. Can anyone help?
►reply: Knickerbocker made lots of bears. Did you try : Google Images?

Joanne - December 22, 2013

I WOUKD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE BABY RUBBER FACED SANTA DOLLS... SOME HAVE BLACK FEET, SOME WHITE! Anyone have history on them? TY

Pat - December 17, 2013

My friend has two Santas acquired at the same time from Macy's NY in 1955. They say "Knickerbocker Toy Company", and they play Silent Night. Both had the same white faces at the time. The dolls were displayed at Christmas, and then stored together. Each year the rubber on the face of one of the dolls darkened to the point where it is now a black Santa doll. I wondered if anyone else has reported this happening?

Alyssa - May 18, 2013

i have a wind up musical knickerbocker toy that sings rock a bye baby and it looks like a koala/bear/dog can anyone tell me what he is?Looks to be very old

Kathy Brown - February 16, 2013

I have a 1966 Knickerbocker Kuddles 12" stuffed mouse.It is gray fur with a white fur stomach and chin,black nose and whiskers,cartoon eyes and red w/white polka dot lining the ears and bottom of feet and paws made of cotton material.A red ribbon around its neck,and i can't find anything about it.do you know?

Deb M - February 9, 2013

i am looking for a Kickerbocker stuff lion that was probably from the 60's
►reply: Search for Knickerbocker lion and maybe something comes up.

J. Kolencik - February 7, 2013

Looking for green plush frog wearing denim overalls circa early 1980's
►reply: Search regularly on this website for knickerbocker frogs.

Judi Debrick - January 6, 2013

I have a 1955 Knickerbocker Baby Santa, that winds up an plays silent night. It was left to me by my grandmother.
►reply: Great little doll! Also quite common. One on ebay from the same year fetched 51 USD last month, just before the holidays ;-) Don't know though if this example had a music box.

Cbp - July 12, 2012

I have a 1950's Knickerbocker Joy of a Toy Animals of Distinction brown bear with black eyes felt ears and a music box on the center front. The tag is located on the right side with the number 18 on it. I am looking for a value.THX

Dan Gibson - March 31, 2012

I have a 1977 Knickerbocker Mickey Mouse doll with a wind up music box that plays the old Mickey Mouse theme song. The doll is dressed in blue pants, yellow

Mike Bihun - January 16, 2012

I have a tiger with a wind up music box. The label on the side says Animals of Distinction, I am looking for info. Value?

Sandi - December 7, 2011

I'm looking for information about Knickerbocker ride on toys, specifically a black horse ride on toy. The horse came with a bridle and saddle. If anyone knows where I can find anything out about this horse, please let me know. Thanks!

Ricardo - July 29, 2011

I would like to sell 24 miniature leather bound books William shakespeare published by knickerbocker leather
►reply: I would suggest selling them on eBay, look here for some price info: Knickerbocker Shakespeare.

Mallori Ramey - July 28, 2011

I have a complete knickerbocker snow white and seven dwarf doll set in good condition--any idea how much I should sell them for?
►reply: Depends on demand and state. Look here for more info: Knickerbocker Snowwhite or try Google.

Susan Nash - July 25, 2011

I have a stuff bear or sad face mouse with eyes shut the face is painted on wanted to know how old and what its worth.

Michelle - December 9, 2010

Knickerbocker made dolls for the house they are available from ebay right now, but i only see the one post. better hurry!

Carol - November 6, 2010

knickerbocker made a moppets dollhouse with a doll covering the house. Did knickerbocker make any dolls to go with the dollhouse? If so do you know who?
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The Moppets Secret Doll House was essentially a doll with a large skirt. If you take the doll out of the top of the doll house and detach the skirt you could then play with her in the dollhouse. I am not sure if there were more dolls made for this house.

Bob - October 27, 2010

I have a set of 13 leather bound miniature books of shakespeares plays. mfg Knickerbocker Toy and Novelty. What is their worth?

Kathy Lillo - September 20, 2010

I have a knickerbocker doll that was given to me in 1959 and would like to know the value of it. It is in mint condition and is in a plastic egg parcially covered to look like the doll is breathing.