Kenbrite Playmobil / Pocket People Update

I've been remiss in not posting about the wonderful new third edition of Axel Hennel's Playmobil Collector book. This great book is an extraordinarily comprehensive reference guide to Playmobil worldwide, containing 4500 images over 650 pages. This edition has an expanded Australian Kenbrite section, as well as increased coverage of promotional items and catalogs from all eras and locations. There is even a nifty limited edition available with an exclusive Klicky (single figure)!

Indispensible to any Playmobil collector, order one today!

I posted a scan some time ago of a 1977 promotional tie-in between Kellogg's and Kenbrite, the Australian distributor of Pocket People / Playmobil. At the time I speculated whether it had actually occurred, since an example of the box or other supporting material had not surfaced.

I'm delighted to report the recent appearance of the back and side panel of this box, finally proving that the promotion did indeed go ahead. By sending away a 50c money-order (!) and nominating your choice of theme (Cowboy, Knight, Workman or Nurse) you could receive one Klicky (with accessories) from Kenbrite. I was more of a Coco Pops kid so I guess that's why this one passed me by! The expiry date on the order form is December 31, 1977.

It's pretty cool to know that stuff like this is still popping up more than 30 years after the fact! I presume the figures were sent bagged, I'd love to hear from anyone who might have sent away for this offer.

Cheers!

Will

Kenbrite GI Joe Adventure Team Commercial

Check out this super cool GI Joe Australian TV spot from the early 1970's, before colour TV was common in Australia!

The vintage 12 Inch GI Joes were distributed in Australia by Kenbrite, later famed for the Australian release of Playmobil, known here as Pocket People. Interestingly the old store stock Joes I've been lucky enough to uncover over the years were more likely to be of Canadian origin than USA, us Commonwealth nations have to stick together you see. 

Meanwhile Toltoys were distributing Action Man alongside Joe on the toy shops of the 70's, confusing the hell out of collectors today trying to sort though vintage part lots containing both! 

Cheers,

Will

Kellogg's Corn Flakes Playmobil Promotion

I found an interesting photo showing a 1977 box of Kellogg's Australia Corn Flakes, with a Kenbrite Pocket People (Playmobil) mail-in offer. It appears that you could send in the coupon (and 50c) to receive a Playmobil figure. 

Does anyone have an example of this box? I know there are some hardcore cereal collectors out there who must have seen it in their travels, I'd love to present a colour picture here on Toltoys.com!

You can get me on email will(at)toltoys(dot)com anytime...

Cheers!

Will  

Missed an important birthday...

Yes I didn't notice that Toltoys.com turned 2 a couple of weeks ago. They grow up so fast *wipes tear* 

But it's not too late to celebrate, so I've called up the lads and they've rocked around with a a few cases of frosty Lowenbraus!

It's not possible for me to hold my little Kenbrite Pocket People mates (Known to the rest of the world as Playmobil) in any higher esteem than I already do, I mean how many toys do you know that came accessorised with cases of beer? After a hard days firefighting a bloke needs a brew, and Playmobil knew it. 

So here's cheers to Playmobil and their visionary design crew, and to all the supporters and contributors of Toltoys.com over the last two years. 

Thanks all!

Will