Thursday, September 4, 2008

Vintage Thingies Thursdays: Vintage Toy Dog

I have a cute little dog to share this week for Vintage Thingies Thursday. Believe me when I say this toy pup has been loved and cherished for many decades. Likewise, the memories of the original owner of this little dog always warms my heart. You see, this little dog belonged to my paternal grandmother, my Memaw. I remember her having this little pup for as far back as I can recall. That being said, trust me... It's vintage.

I took a picture of the marking on this little dog. You will see the same marking is on the underside of the dog's mouth. I tried to Google this marking, but came up with nothing.
The marking says....the best that I can tell....

Blue Ribbon Shoes & NOV. Co., Inc. "BI" with a circle C in the middle.

Notice that the marking is on the underneath side of the dog's body as well as the head.



I am not sure about the "NOV" even being correct, my "vintage eyes" are failing me this morning. I am assuming that stands for novelty, but maybe not. This may be why I can not find anything on it....perhaps once again, someone out there can offer some info on the maker.

I wish I knew where my grandmother got this little dog. I am quiet sure that I asked her at least a dozen times, but I just can not pull that memory from my brain. I do however, remember she kept this little dog on a shelf in her hall closet. I remember playing with it when I was younger. I was intrigued by the moving legs and could pose this little dog in a standing position. See....like this.

I bet this dog was posed in this position hundreds of times.

I wonder if this could have been a give-a-way if you purchased a certain type of shoe. I first thought of Buster Brown, and the cute little dog in the logo, but I am just not sure. I do however, remember the only shoe store in my grandparents town. It was on Main Street, with large plate glass windows, and the Red Goose Shoes sign on the front of the store. Just like this one.

I can still see that little store, with its hardwood floors, its round shoe displays of "grandma" looking shoes, and the large golden egg that was displayed in the window...funny what you can recall from your childhood when you stop and think about things.

I wonder as I write this, where my grandmother got this dog, and was it as special to her as it is to me? Did she worry when we played with this little dog that we would destroy him? Why did she keep it in her hall closet? All I know is my Memaw never said we could not play with this little guy, but then again, my memaw would never have said no to us, no matter what. I guess as small children, we just knew to take care of him. Boy, am I glad we did.

I hope you enjoyed looking at this little vintage dog today on Vintage Thingie Thursday. Be sure to check out Confessions of an Apron Queen's blog and take a look at all the other great vintage treasures that are on display, and read about their stories. You will be glad you did.

23 comments:

  1. How much is that doggy in the window...oh he's priceless!!!! Lovely hearing about it's history and thankfully your Memaw didn't throw him out like so many priceless treasures that have been lost in the past!! By the way Dora's adorable searching for that needle in a haystack lol!!! xx

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  2. I've seen others dogs like this in my past, but I remember no details. Sorry.

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  3. This little guy is precious. I am so glad you have him! Loved the little additional treat of the Red Goose Shoes sign.
    My little brother had a rubber squeaky dog similar to this, but it was not this brand. I wish I could help you identify it.. I'm sure someone will.

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  4. oh he adorable and quirky! love it!

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  5. How unique that lil doggie is-you have the best treasures

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  6. I haven't seen a toy like that in eons. The ones with movable head and legs! My dog would have destroyed that toy one because it has a squeeker. Very nice.

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  7. Yes, I certainly enjoyed reading about this little figurine. It's great that you still have this sweet heirloom from your grandmother.

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  8. Your little doggie is sweet. He is definitely a happy little guy.
    The history of how he has been loved all these years is wonderful. What a cute treasure from your Memaw!

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  9. That little doggie is adorable! You are lucky to have such a cute dog with such a wonderful memory.

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  10. Thanks for visiting me. Yes, Ruby does look like Sophie, but my Sally might look like her even more. Our Molly looks like your Dora. We have five doxies plus another four puppies that will find new homes this week.

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  11. Wonderful little pooch. Your Memaw sounds like a wonderful old soul...I miss my grandmother so very much.

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  12. Very cute little dog. And I love the story that accompanies it :) Maybe you'll find out more if you ever come across antiques road show...

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  13. I bet you're glad you took good care of him! Very cute!

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  14. Sweet doggie. Sorry I can't help with any info on it. I have seen dogs similar to this at antique stores. I'll have to keep my eye out for one again and see if anyone knows anything.

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  15. We all grew up with this stuff, if we're all over a certain age...but yours...survived! Thanks for the memories, and nice story.

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  16. What a sweet puppy and a charming story, I also love the tablecloth he is sitting on!

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  17. awww how cute! I remember having toys like him when I was growing up :-)

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  18. I remember seeing dog toys like this on eBay so you might find more information there if you search on "vintage dog toys." I wonder if he was given away when you bought a pair of shoes. He really is cute!

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  19. me again - i have something for you over on my blog. come and get it!

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  20. That's really cute. Does it still squeak?

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  21. I love this little dog, especially the expression on his face! I think the Buster Brown idea might be right.

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  22. Hi I googled blue ribbon shoes and
    came up with a shoe stores name in
    Decatur, Alabama.... maybe a premium
    giveaway from there? Anyway he's
    is so cute!

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  23. also looks like the rubber one you all played with in the bath tub.

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Sometimes someone says something really small, and it's like it fits into this empty space in your heart!

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Suzanne

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