1942 ULTRA-RARE or Prototype 23" Swedlin-Gund Corduroy FLOPPY PANDA WWII-Era Toy

Description: 23" Rare - Likely a Prototype 1942 Swedlin-GundAnthropomorphic "FLOPPY PANDA" With Original Tag Corduroy and Mohair over Cloth [ FEATURES AND DETAILS... ] After extensive research, I have been unable to find another example of this Swedlin-Gund anthropomorphic "Floppy Panda" from c.1942, so it is quite likely that he was a prototype that was never put into production, and this may be the only one they made. He did not appear in their toy catalogs. Further, the less-than-perfect quality of face painting (which UV lighting indicates is his original paint) suggests that he was a prototype. It stands to reason that they ultimately decided not to put this panda into production; the catalogs show many floppy pandas they produced, which all ... well ... actually look like pandas. I'm including a page from the GUND, Inc. Records, from the Brian Sutton-Smith Library and Archives of Play, which matches the patent number on his tag (134,117) to a patent that Gund filed in 1942 under the description "Mask for Stuffed Toys or Similar Article [Bear and Panda Mask]." He is ALL ORIGINAL, with a stuffed cloth body consisting of brown wide-wale corduroy, white mohair over cloth (mostly lost to age, but some mohair still remaining--see final 2 photos), and black velveteen ears.He is wearing a top that appears to be original to him, made of red felt, split along the back hem to accommodate his tail, and white lace fringe. If you collect rare and historical GUND toys ... he is calling to you! [ CONDITION... ]- Beautiful vintage condition, from a non-smoking environment. No bad smells. - Age loss to face paint, age toning to the cloth, various stains, and a small tear on the side of his neck as pictured.- Significant age loss to the mohair, but some is still there on his head and paws: see the final 2 photos. - The felt top has some age loss as well, mostly in back, and the fringe has significant age fragility and loss. PLEASE SUPERSIZE ALL PHOTOS, AND ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING/BUYING. I'LL BE GLAD TO ANSWER. [ ALL ABOUT SHIPPING... ]DON'T OVERPAY FOR SHIPPING: U.S. purchasers, you can choose from various shipping options in this listing. Shipping costs vary dramatically depending on your Zip code, so choose the one that best suits your needs. I never inflate shipping to make hidden profits. If you believe the shipping is too high, please message me with your Zip code, and I'll be glad to double-check it for you!SHIPPING UPGRADES: At our discretion, we may upgrade your shipping to a different service at no additional charge to you ... provided it's rated the same (or faster) than the service you chose. If you do not wish to have your shipping choice upgraded, please message me as soon as you complete your purchase. INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING: By default, international shipment is through eBay's Global Shipping Program, which means the shipping rate (cost) is determined by eBay -- outside my control. BUT ... If you live in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, or U.K., message me to see whether there may be a cheaper alternative using Priority Post -- depending on the size and value of your parcel. COMBINED SHIPPING: I will gladly combine shipping if you contact me and request a combined invoice before paying ... and provided the items can travel safely in the same box. WHAT, NOTHING TO COMBINE!? Click here to visit my eBay store: "Saddle Mountain Treasures" (opens in a separate window/tab) ... where you'll find more top-quality antiques/collectibles/artwork/dolls/and more!- Significantly not as described: A major flaw or discrepancy vs. what was stated in the listing. [ RETURN POLICY ON DOLL LOTS... ]It is with deep regret that -- after 14 years selling on eBay, and with 100% positive feedback -- I've had to change my return policy on dolls to "NO RETURNS, AND NO PARTIAL REFUNDS."As often happens, it's the few bad apples out there who ruin it for the rest of us. These dishonest people will buy a doll, then try to improve or restore it ... not knowing what they're doing. And then, when they realize they've ruined the doll, they return it saying it was defective. Or else they keep the doll and demand a "partial refund" based on the alleged defect -- which is another trending scam on eBay.I sell these dolls for a living so, my sincere apologies to you -- the honest majority of eBay buyers -- that I can no longer afford to accept doll returns. (Of course, shipping loss or damage is a different matter; that is fully covered by insurance.)BUT HAVING SAID ALL THAT ...I do bend over backwards, attempting to disclose any noteworthy condition issues I can find or think of. But these are antique and vintage dolls -- so, please understand that they won't be in brand-new condition. There will always be some minor indication of their age, and it would be impossible to itemize every single pinhead-size stain on the outfit, or hairline scratch on the body. Please expect these types of conditions with old dolls. [Blurb required by eBay for cell phone users:] *** PLEASE VIEW THE FULL DESCRIPTION BEFORE BIDDING. IT CONTAINS VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION. THANK YOU. *** If you are on a mobile device, click "Read More." Or, if you see a "Full Description" button, click on that.

Price: 268.99 USD

Location: Newark, Delaware

End Time: 2024-12-26T19:36:55.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD