The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

I can tell he likes music too!
I think its very well preserved. The chips and (shrinkage?) cracks are minor.

Does this style label place it in the teens?

James.

Roaring Twenties, don't have an answer to your label/date question. I think your Nipper is perfectly magnificent just the way he is (including chips and cracks). He's been around a long time and just showing his age! Thanks for sharing. Is he about 15" tall? Steve L.

I agree with you, Steve. I'm happy to have found this 14" tall Nipper.
I love its surface, both in texture and the warmth, not to mention that mesmerized expression. Wow!

James, my family on my dad's side is based in Canton Ohio and were veritable pillars of the town. I asked my uncle back there about that company and he mentioned Trilogy Plastics and a search got me this:

http://www.trilogyplastics.com/history.aspx

Trilogy Plastics entered the rotational molding business in 1987 with its acquisition of the Old King Cole Rotational Molding Company. OKC dates back to 1896 when it began making displays in Canton, Ohio.

In the early years they specialized in paper mache and plaster but became one of the early pioneers of the rotational molding process in the late 50's. One of the original products converted to rotational molding was the RCA Victor Dog "Nipper™" which they originally made in paper mache in 1917.

I thought the name seemed familiar.

You should be able to approximately date it by the material it's made of. It looks early to me.

James, you have a fine example of an early (circa 1920s) paper Mache Nipper. He appears to be unmolested and clean. The Old King Cole Company label adds to the value of your original Nipper. The very first paper Mache Nipper was introduced by the Old King Cole Company, Canton, OH in 1916.

For our books: Nipper Collectibles Vols I, II, & III, we did extensive research of the various paper Mache nippers manufactured by the Old King Cole Company. In 2003, we interviewed the then owner and president of the plant and gained an extensive history of the company and its production of Nippers. This information can be found in our first book: Nipper Collectibles: The RCA Trademark Dog. Anyone interested in the production of this dog as well as other variations of Nippers made by Old King Cole, can purchase copies at our website or on eBay.

Joan

Nice dog, James! That's the way to find them - -

George P.

Great information and comments.

gramophone-georg, it's very cool that your uncle has that later connection. Search the closets for the molds!

Joan, it's good to know his approximate age, and yes the finish is untouched. It is fortunate that the label sits in a slight recess under his paw. That kept it from getting worn.

Thanks so much.
James.

Congratulations: rescue dogs are the best!

Bill

Lucius1958 wrote:Congratulations: rescue dogs are the best!

Bill

Agreed... I have my own little live Nipper that I adopted from a rescue group. Now if only I could get him to pose with the Berliner rather than wanting to chew it...

He's half Boston Terrier, half Pit... 38 lbs of fury full grown, LOL. A fun lil' guy, just about Berliner sized too.

George;
What a great looking dog. I love pits, they can be a very loving and fun companion. Congratulations on rescuing this beautiful animal.

Bill