Rempel Mfg. Inc ca. 1948 Rubber Smilin’ Ed’s “Froggy the Gremlin” Squeaky Toy *SOLD*

Rempel Mfg. Inc ca. 1948 Rubber Smilin’ Ed’s “Froggy the Gremlin” Squeaky Toy 

We have for you a ca. 1948 rubber Smilin’ Ed’s “Froggy the Gremlin” squeaky toy that was manufactured by Rempel Manufacturing Inc. Of Akron, Ohio. 

The rubber is still intact, but as per usual with toys of this age, it may have petrified, discolored, warped, and/or cracked. Froggy no longer squeaks as the rubber has petrified. His right leg seems to have been repaired.

This piece is in very good all original condition. This piece shows the usual patina, fading, dust, chips, scuffs, surface rust, scratches, missing accessories, and wear that are to be expected from age and play. This is approximately 4 ¾” H. We invite you to view the photos to further determine quality and condition.   

A brief history of Rempel Manufacturing, Inc. of Akron, Ohio: 

Rempel Manufacturing, Inc. was founded in 1946 by classically trained artist, entrepreneur, and innovator Dietrich “Dick” Rempel, a Russian immigrant, who built his original plant in “the rubber capital of the world’ Akron, Ohio on Morgan Avenue.  

Rempel worked with artist Fred G. Reinert who designed toys for Rempel and was well known for his attention to detail. Rempel is known for his industrial design innovations, including the system that revolutionized the process of making rubber products by using a Roto-cast mold, that was patented by Reinhart and would make about 30 toys from one cast. Rempel also obtained numerous patents and copyrights for his industrial designs. 

Rempel Manufacturing started with the production of three rubber toy animals, designed and molded from clay by Rempel. They were then made with a revolutionary rubber processing system that created seamless rubber products. Some notable rubber character toys are the Cleveland Indian’s Chief Wahoo rubber toy, the Brooklyn Dodgers mascot the “Brooklyn Bum” or “Ho-Jo the Bo”, Josie the Lamb, Little Folk from Sunnyslope characters, and Smilin’ Ed McConnell’s “Froggy the Gremlin” of Smilin’ Ed McConnell and His Buster Brown Gang and later names Andy’s Gang TV show (also known as, Smilin’ Ed’s Buster Brown Gang show, Smilin’ Ed’s Gang show, and The Buster Brown Program). 

By 1963, Rempel Manufacturing, Inc. was the last firm in the country still making toys from 100% rubber. However, by the 1970s Rempel would end production and close up shop.