Could these be the oldest wrestling figures ever?

TWJT
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Could these be the oldest wrestling figures ever? Jun 16, 2023 1:09:15 GMT -5 via mobile g4 and walter7paisley like this

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Post by TWJT on Jun 16, 2023 1:09:15 GMT -5

I’ve heard the theory that the AWA figures of the mid-‘80s could’ve been the oldest wrestling figures, but could these actually be?

insidetheparkcollectibles.com/1952_rittgers__gorgeous_george__wrestling_trio-lot11642.aspx

They are from the early ‘50s, and even though they technically poke fun at pro wrestling a bit, they were wrestling figures. Does anyone know of any wrestling figures that would go back farther?

Last Edit: Jun 16, 2023 1:09:50 GMT -5 by TWJT

romanthenewyorker
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Could these be the oldest wrestling figures ever? Jun 16, 2023 15:51:29 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by romanthenewyorker on Jun 16, 2023 15:51:29 GMT -5

That could very well take the cake, Bull Marks Sofubi Wrestlers are on paper as the first licensed Wrestling Figures to have been made:

These could very well be the first Wrestling figurines produced, maybe some older wooden toys too

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walter7paisley
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Could these be the oldest wrestling figures ever? Jun 20, 2023 8:49:13 GMT -5 via mobile 2sweeeeet and MKSavage like this

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Post by walter7paisley on Jun 20, 2023 8:49:13 GMT -5

Jun 16, 2023 1:09:15 GMT -5 TWJT said:

I’ve heard the theory that the AWA figures of the mid-‘80s could’ve been the oldest wrestling figures, but could these actually be?

insidetheparkcollectibles.com/1952_rittgers__gorgeous_george__wrestling_trio-lot11642.aspx

They are from the early ‘50s, and even though they technically poke fun at pro wrestling a bit, they were wrestling figures. Does anyone know of any wrestling figures that would go back farther?

Amazing, and truly terrifying.

Stephen King Rules

akawildfire
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Could these be the oldest wrestling figures ever? Jun 25, 2023 18:33:18 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by akawildfire on Jun 25, 2023 18:33:18 GMT -5

The earliest official figures are sofubi from 1965 or so and then popy from 1981 and then the awa. Those statues are from rittgers and are pretty cool but they are more chalkware statues not figures but are based on wrestlers so some people may classify them as such. There is also a official gorgeous George hand puppet from the 50s but is extremely rare.

OH No!! My warning level is at 50% for speaking the truth..... What will I ever do!!![/img]

@Chair.Shot
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Could these be the oldest wrestling figures ever? Jun 26, 2023 11:52:32 GMT -5 via mobile

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Post by @Chair.Shot on Jun 26, 2023 11:52:32 GMT -5

Very fun find!

I guess it all depends upon your definition of “figures.” As some said, those are closer to statues…but then again, so we’re Galoobs (but those were near impossible to break)!

Here is a fun discussion of early wrestling merch:
wrestlingclassics.com/cgi-bin/.ubbcgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=148807

@Chair.Shot Main Eventer WF 10+ Year Member Joined on: Jan 31, 2012 4:38:24 GMT -5 Posts: 4,866	Could these be the oldest wrestling figures ever? Jun 26, 2023 11:56:04 GMT -5 via mobile Quote Select Post Deselect Post Link to Post Back to Top Post by @Chair.Shot on Jun 26, 2023 11:56:04 GMT -5 Bonus images of the Gorgeous George puppet that was mentioned:

Post by TWJT on Jun 16, 2023 1:09:15 GMT -5

Post by romanthenewyorker on Jun 16, 2023 15:51:29 GMT -5

Post by walter7paisley on Jun 20, 2023 8:49:13 GMT -5

Post by akawildfire on Jun 25, 2023 18:33:18 GMT -5

Post by @Chair.Shot on Jun 26, 2023 11:52:32 GMT -5

Post by @Chair.Shot on Jun 26, 2023 11:56:04 GMT -5