The Bobblehead Origin

Typically, bobbleheads are 6″ tall pieces of plastic or ceramic that are attached to a spring. These figurines usually feature likenesses of popular sports personalities, or cultural figures, like cartoon characters, or even celebrities. Most bobbleheads are sold as souvenirs, but some fans collect them as part of a hobby. In some cases, a team’s mascot is portrayed on a bobblehead as well. These figurines are sold in stores and online, and they can also be found at souvenir shops. Typically, bobbleheads are made from plastic or clay, though there are also models made from other materials, such as metal or wood. They have become popular souvenirs because they are unique and fun to collect.

The first bobbleheads were created in China. They were exported to Europe in the 1760s. These figurines were also imported to England in the 1780s. They were initially made of paper mache or clay, though they were soon made of ceramic as well. A painting of Queen Charlotte by Johann Zoffany shows two nodding-head figures, one of which is the inspiration for the modern bobblehead.

In the late 1700s, German toymakers began producing their own bobblehead toys. They featured cartoon animals with long, flexible necks, and spring-connected heads. These figures quickly became popular with collectors around the world. Some of the first bobbleheads were made in such large quantities that resale value was limited.

The first bobbleheads were sold at baseball stadiums. They were sold as souvenirs, but many fans traded their favorites. Bobbleheads began to appear in other sports as well. In 1960, Major League Baseball introduced bobbleheads to the United States, and the sport took off. Unlike the earlier figures, bobbleheads were made with the faces of the player on the head. They also featured unique uniforms. They had large eyes, curly hair on the forehead, and chubby cheeks.

In the mid-1800s, plaster cats with bobbing heads were popular. However, in the 1960s, bobbleheads started to take on a more cartoonish look. They began to look more like young boys than people. In the 1980s, a new collecting craze began to form. This craze featured bobbleheads of sports personalities, as well as lesser-known cultural figures.

After the craze died down, bobbleheads became less popular. They were no longer given away by many teams. They were also expensive to make, so there was little demand for them. Some teams, such as the Boston Red Sox, did not give bobbleheads away for many years. However, in 1999, the San Francisco Giants decided to celebrate 40 years of playing at Candlestick Park by giving away retro-themed bobbleheads to fans. Executive Vice President Mario Alioto thought it would be a great giveaway for fans who remembered old relics from their childhood.

The popularity of bobbleheads waned in the 1930s, but they were revived in the 1960s. The popularity of the bobbleheads grew again during the 1960 World Series, between the New York Yankees and the Pittsburgh Pirates. There were three major league players present: Roger Maris, Willie Mays, and Mickey Mantle.