gumby!

i was asked a question again at gumbyland about how to identify an original lakeside gumby bendy toy, so i thought i'd answer here so people who search can refer to it in the future ~

first of all, if you want to be certain you're getting an original lakeside gumby or pokey bendy from the 60's, you can look for one 'on card' (still in the original package) but i've seen these go on ebay for $75+, so be prepared to battle other bidders.. these are nos: a new old stock superflex bendy fresh out of an old unopened lakeside case ~

here's pokey, you can click on the photos to see the larger size ~

these 2 had some real wear so i was able to snag them for under $20 each ~

an original gumby or pokey bendy feels different than the more modern ones, the rubber is.. well, rubbery-er.. lol, less smooth, & pokey is a dark red. pokey gets orangier & they get more plastic feeling in the later versions. gumby's eyes are smaller, his headbump is pointier & his thumbs are prominent. there's a 60's date on the back and usually 'lakeside ind. inc. made in hong kong'..

mark ~

another ~

  

pokey has a little 'smile mark' on the bendy & the bitty..

these original lakeside bendys came with the jeep playset & are almost identical to the packaged ones.. 

the identifying mark on the back ~

this pokey has a lakeside ind inc. 1965 marking ~

original lakeside bittys follow much the same pattern ~

  

then there are the jesco versions that came in the 70's & 80's ~ also made in hong kong..

jesco bittys ~

  


jesco became trendmasters in the late 80's ~ gumby's headbump became smaller, his thumbs stubbier, pokey's mane is now up over the front of his forehead & his eyes are blue ~

made in china..


in the 90's jesco/trendmasters transitioned to the prema toy co. ~

   
toys will have both company marks on the back..

  

slightly smaller than most bendys is the applause version, he is a different shade of green & looks off to his left ~

  

prema/applause ~ identifying mark is on gumby's right foot ~ made in china..

same with the bitty version ~

from 1989, he's a tad taller than other bitties at 3 1/2" tall ~

i've found the applause toys to be less common ~

there are bittys, bendys & giant bendys ~

 
& pokey's pupils are black again ~

other contemporary makers include the nj croce co. & playskool (ri) ~

50th anniversary bendys ~

60th anniversary collector's edition gumby ~

2016 pokey looks a shade redder ~

playskool bittys ~

  

there are lookalikes that are often keychains, kid's meal prizes or game pieces, sometimes by 'sher stuff', 'applause'' or 'art clokey' ~

i call these my mystery gumbys, i don't know whether they are originals or counterfeit or what, but they are super-rubbery & have no identifying markings, almost like they're homemade. the bittys may have been coin-machine prizes?

update ~ check out the comments here! as it turns out, these unmarked bendies may actually be the rare 1964/1965 original clokey productions released early superflex bendies? ~ thanks, gumboflexo!

   

another one ~

he's a little beat up ~

saving possibly the best for last ~

here are some great examples of gumby rares ~

this is a nice vintage rubbery gumby that looks like the first lakeside superflex toys but has no marking at all ~

& rarest is this pre-lakeside gumby from 1964 ~

he was made by the gumby toy company by art clokey before all the others, found in the la area ~

as you can see by the tiny gtc mark on the back of his left foot ~

g.t.c. & a copyright c in circle above ~

update: click here for more about the rare vintage prema heart bendy :D ~

this is not even going into all the side characters that are available ~

visit gumbyland for more photos!

see also: gumby bendys & bittys & pokey bendys & bittys

disclaimer ~ these are just my best observations as someone who has been collecting gumby stuff for a long time, so if you note any mistakes or can add anything to this guide, feel free to let me know. for now, i hope this helps..

have a gumby day!
ghost & toxic

UPDATE!! Clarification from Joe Clokey ~

Great Blog Bren!

Here's the different bendables over the years:

1964-1968 60's shape Gumby. First a Run by Gumby Toy Company, and then all the rest by Lakeside toy Co. licensed by Clokey Productions. This, and all bendables were designed by Art.

1976 - A special "Super-Flex". This had a unique shape were Art combined the 60's design of the body and made Gumby's bump and face more like the '57 gumby. This is the most rare bendable, except for the run before Lakeside.

mid 70s - Jesco makes a run, the first of which look like the 60's gumby's, I think they used the old lakeside molds, then by the late 70's the new more modern design was produced and sold through the early 80's.

80's - I have to do some checking on this, but I think Playschool made some bendables, then by the mid 80's NJ Croce started making them. The modern shaped gumby is what these are like.

90s - Trendmasters makes the bendables.

Late 90's to present - NJ Croce makes the bendables.

2005/6 - Prema Toy (Clokey Productions) designs a 50th anniversary retro Gumby Bendable with a shape like the 60's Gumby character and a blister card with that period in ode to.

Soon to come a new 60th anniversary bendable made from the '57 Gumby mold. The first time ever!

relevant link

update: fellow gumby collector gumboflexo, who has commented here in the past, sent me this great lineup of various gumby models starting with the 1964/65 clokey/lakeside and the basic lakeside styles through 1973 (a few are missing because they are still mint in packaging :) ~

check out the subtle differences over the years, i'm fond of the slightly wider eyed version in the middle, which is the one i have at the top of this post :) anyone feel free to share information here, please leave comments regarding molds & models, markings etc as we still don't have a definitive list of all the old bendys that were available.. 

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Comments

[gumboflexo]

Great blog!

I also collect Gumby toys, especially from the 60's/early 70's period, so please allow me to share my knowledge and opinions regarding the various Gumby figures throughout the years.

The very soft, unmarked Gumby figures pictured here are absolutely legitimate Superflexes. They are the first versions, originally packaged in the rare Clokey Productions packages (1964/65) and the early Lakeside run. If you look at a mid-sixties Lakeside catalog, they are prominently displayed on several pages. These are my favorite Gumby Superflexes because they are so soft and flexible. They also tend to be the most valuable loose and packaged versions. Unfortunately, over time, the soft rubber compound used for these figures reacts to the plastic blister on the card in a negative way. The clear plastic becomes soft, wrinkled and sticky.

In the later sixties, as you show here, the figures were wider and more geometric looking. The material was still soft, but not as rubbery and "stretchy" as the earliest ones. It's fun to take note of the many different Gumby Superflex styles produced throughout the Lakeside era.

I remember the end of the Lakeside Gumby Superflex line (1973.) It was like the end of the dinosaurs. All of a sudden, I could not find them in any stores, anywhere. The early 80's Gumby revival was exciting because I never thought Gumby would return, but I was pleasantly surprised. In 1982, the first Jesco Gumby and Pokey figures were produced, and magazines were promoting them as mail order items. I have memories of these figures sitting in large bins in stores. They resemble the early seventies Lakeside Gumby Superflexes, but they have a very blank stare and the harder plastic material is not quite as appealing for a bendy toy. The packaging is not nearly as colorful and interesting as the Lakeside versions. As far as the modern Gumby bendables are concerned, the production is very slick, with a more uniform, precise appearance. The thick plastic bodies barely make a turn or twist, but like everything else, times change and toys change. They are certainly more durable than their rubbery ancestors.

Thanks for giving us a look at your very impressive Gumby collection.

[ghost]

gumboflexo,

hey, thanks! i'm so glad to know about those particular super-rubbery gumby bendies, i thought they could be originals, but without markings i thought maybe they were knock-offs released in another country? lol.. so cool to find out about them.

i hardly see many vintage gumby items come up on ebay anymore, i also like to collect the really vintage items rather than all the new stuff. i have found a few gems over the years, which you'll find over at my gumbyland website..

my earliest memory is of gumby, i was only 3 or 4 & i would watch gumby on tv, & i would get my dad to pull out my play-doh, which was kept on a big kitchen board under the couch, so i could make gumbys! haha..

i too was so happy to see gumby really come back in the early 80's, which is when i began collecting..

i would love to see pix of your collection if you have any, i'm always looking for gumbo's fire engine..

take care,
bren/ghost

[gumboflexo]

Hi bren,
Yes, I will try to take pictures of my vintage Gumby Superflex toys. I'll let you know when I post them.
By the way, your Moody Rudy is super cool! I wish I had a nice mint in package example like yours or even a mint condition loose figure. I don't remember seeing this toy advertised or in toy stores in the late 70's.
Paul

[ghost]

yes, that was just a stroke of luck to find moody rudy mint that way, i have an old loose one that's so worn out he looks positively scary.. lol.
but then, i'm an la area native, so i bought up every old gumby item around over many years in the right location, i guess? glad i found him before moving on up here to portland. & now i hear that cool shop is even out of business. i look forward to your pix!
bren

[gumboflexo]

Hi bren,
I just uploaded a few photos. I hope you enjoy viewing them!
Paul

[ghost]

hey paul, wow! i've never seen so many gumbys on card in one spot! i left comments over on your flicker photos, but i just also noticed the little green note/page with your items, it looks like it has a zoop & too or loo on it? (gumby's friends) i have seen on ebay a quarter machine display card that was similar, with bitty-style figures..
wondering what it is?
thanks so much for putting those up ~
bren

[gumboflexo]

Your welcome bren.
I will be posting some Lakeside catalog pages that I think you'll enjoy viewing. The green display card does appear to be from a machine display, but this ones says "only 1c" and it is dated, 1968 Lakeside Industries. I will post a close-up for you.
Paul

[gumboflexo]

I mean you're welcome (lol, rushed typing.)
I just posted the display card.
Paul

[Sherry Hunter]

Posting a 1964 Gumby on eBay tonite if anyone is interested... seller is sukeyjane7

[dolphina]

Have you ever saw a gumby and pokey yo- yo

[ghost]

i've only ever seen this one from 1988 ~
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Gumby-Yo-Yo-1988-RARE-/151305713447

[Donella Fitzgerald]

I found a Gumby at an estate sale and right below his face .is a clock and it was a digital clock but he looks vintage but I don't know, do you have any idea

[ghost]

could it be this one?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/RARE-GUMBY-BENDABLE-WATCH-1994-SEALED-WRAP-AROUND-ANYTHING-/231298959874?pt=TV_Movie_Character_Toys_US&hash=item35da7e0a02

:)

[Billy Pedone]

I just posted one on ebay. pre lakeside only mark is G.T.C., Gumby to company was owned by Clokey and Kellogg and had a small run only in LA march 64. I read another story Clokey gave about 22 dolls away at a party in 1964 before lakeside also

[ghost]

billy ~
wow you really do have a rare one there! i did know art gave away early gumby bendys & some with the prema symbol on them also, but i've never seen that gtc mark.. as you can see in the closeup above my early superflexes clearly do not have it. good luck with your auction..

[Joe]

Great Blog Bren!

Here's the different bendables over the years:

1964-1968 60's shape Gumby. First a Run by Gumby Toy Company, and then all the rest by Lakeside toy Co. licensed by Clokey Productions. This, and all bendables were designed by Art.

1976 - A special "Super-Flex". This had a unique shape were Art combined the 60's design of the body and made Gumby's bump and face more like the '57 gumby. This is the most rare bendable, except for the run before Lakeside.

mid 70s - Jesco makes a run, the first of which look like the 60's gumby's, I think they used the old lakeside molds, then by the late 70's the new more modern design was produced and sold through the early 80's.

80's - I have to do some checking on this, but I think Playschool made some bendables, then by the mid 80's NJ Croce started making them. The modern shaped gumby is what these are like.

90s - Trendmasters makes the bendables.

Late 90's to present - NJ Croce makes the bendables.

2005/6 - Prema Toy (Clokey Productions) designs a 50th anniversary retro Gumby Bendable with a shape like the 60's Gumby character and a blister card with that period in ode to.

Soon to come a new 60th anniversary bendable made from the '57 Gumby mold. The first time ever!

[ghost]

joe! ~

thanks so much, i've really needed the definitive word on these & now i'll be able to update this guide accordingly since i seem to receive lots of questions at gumbyland..

60th anniversary gumby! are we really getting that old?! lol.. i can't wait for this..
also excited about the original gumby adventure episodes you remastered!! thank you!! :)

[ghost]

rare 1964 gumby toy company bendy added!
thank you, billy!
:)

[Paul]

Hi Bren,
It's me, Gumboflexo! As always, your Blog is loaded with great visuals and great Gumby-related info.
I haven't abandoned my obsession with Gumby, and some of the recents comments got me even more interested in the subject.
The GTC Gumby may be the pre-Lakeside version, but it can also be found in Lakeside packaged Gumby Superflexes. Many years ago, I removed Gumby from his Lakeside package and noticed that he had the G.T.C imprint on his back. It's not that unusual for toys like this to be mixed in with older inventory, and as kids, we never knew the difference. I've had several of the earliest Lakeside Gumbys as well as the "Clokey" original packaged version, and there was certainly an overlap of leftovers that made it into the Lakeside packages.
I'm very curious about Joe's timeline regarding Jesco Superflex toys. I have a strong memory of these making their first appearance in 1982. It was very exciting. If there were any Jesco Gumbys produced in the 70's, they must have been regionally produced or test market toys.
I can only speak for myself, as they were not available in the 70's in New York City.
Paul

[ghost]

gumboflexo!
so good to see your comment.. i thought of your fantastic superflex collection when i came across someone through ebay that had mip/nos bendies right out of the shipping cases.. but your flicker page went away & i couldn't find a way to alert you..
i've been emailing back & forth with someone searching for the rare 70's bendy joe mentioned, it seems to be the 1976 bendy with the prema symbol on the chest that appears on some of the items i have up at gumbyland.. from what i've heard art gave many of these away.. i'd love to find one..
that's not too surprising about the gtc bendy as there seems to have been so much variety in those early versions, some without markings at all..
i have loose old bendies with entirely different textures as well..
i always appreciate hearing what you have to add here on the subject :)
we're all looking forward to the release of the 60th anniversary bendy (sept 22) that joe announced! it seems the remastered dvd set along with bendy can already be pre-ordered here ~ http://www.ncircleentertainment.com/gumby-complete-50s-series-plus-bendable/843501004913

[Gumboflexo]

I dismantled my site because I wanted to redesign it. I've been procrastinating but I hope to have it up and running again.
Thanks for the Gumby DVD link. It will be very interesting to see the 50s style gumby bendable. The original 1976 Deluxe Superflex Gumby is really special. The material used is softer (much like Moody Rudy, which was produced around the same time.) and he is larger than the standard lakeside Superflex. One other thing; I remember commenting on some of your loose unmarked Gumby Bendy figures, thinking they were legitimate originals. I think I have one of these in my collection as well, but now I'm not so sure about their origin. Apparently, there were some knock-offs floating around in the 60s, so who knows. They look "almost right" and they still could be authentic, but a second look makes me wonder. Another mystery in the toy production world.
Paul

[ghost]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HWI4H4ugkmc&list=PL1C61E0A119A76B39&index=10
isn't this the '76 bendy in the moody rudy commercial?
he looks like the one with the prema mark except i don't see one there.. maybe the one with the symbol was used more as a model in studio rather than sold?

yeah, i know i read or heard somewhere about the knock-off bendies that were created (maybe it was art talking on the gumby dharma video?) well, then they remain my mystery gumbys :)

i've been able to play happiness broker a few times helping some friends reunite with mip/nos gumby & pokeys through the guy on ebay i mentioned.. he may still have some so let me know if you're interested.. i believe he had more shipping cases too..

when your pinterest page is back up let me know & i'll follow..

[Gumboflexo]

Thanks.
The 1976 Superflex Gumby is on the Moody Rudy commercial (at least it looks that way to me.) He also appears on greeting cards, various posters and VHS packages dating from the 1980's. The heart imprint, is in fact, on the actual toy, and I'm guessing it's on the Gumby from the Moody Rudy commercial as well, but I don't see it there either. That advertisement is a very blurry, low-res copy, so it's difficult to see details. I could be wrong, as there might be some prototype Superflexes used for ads only. This toy was produced at a time when interest in Gumby was at an all-time low, so I doubt very many were manufactured. It's one of my favorite vintage Gumby figures. Let's hope the 60th anniversary bendable closely resembles the original.
Paul

[ghost]

when you go to the gumby store page at gumbyworld here ~ http://www.gumbyworld.com/gumby-store/ there is a superflex toy pictured top left that makes me curious.. is this a first peek?

[Gumboflexo]

No, that looks like an original ad promoting the first Superflex Gumby (Clokey, pre-Lakeside., 1964/1965.)
Have you seen the Clokey signed Gumby figure with the heart stamp? This is a smaller version of the 76 Gumby without internal wires and face paint. It pops up from time to time and it's very cool.

[ghost]

good to know, that pic has probably been there all along & i just noticed it..lol

you know i remember seeing the little prema heart gumby bendy, whether it was on ebay or someone writing in to gumbyland with questions i don't recall, but obviously it wasn't in my gumby budget at the time to pick it up :/ but as i've told others, after 16 years buying & selling on ebay i've come to believe everything still exists & will turn up eventually there.. i sure hope to bring one home to gumbyland someday..

[bren]

i'm not sure where i got this photo, on ebay or if someone wrote to me at gumbyland, but here is what the prema symbol bendy looked like ~
http://www.brensgumbyland.com/images/gumby%20prototype.jpg

[Gumboflexo]

Bren,

The figure you posted is the one I spoke of that was sometimes signed by Art Clokey. They are similar in appearance to the rare 1976 Superflex but smaller, wider, and no wires or painted features. That figure is about 6.5 inches tall.

Here are two image links (front and back) of a packaged 1976 one from my collection. The Gumby figure is about 7 inches tall.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/gumby%20card2_zpsiilieeo3.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/gumby%20card3_zps4cvseh24.jpg

Paul

[bren]

how cool, paul :D
I know I've never seen that one in its original bicentennial style packaging that way!

i do seem to have a later version of the postcard included ~ http://friendlyghost.typepad.com/lost_found_vintage_toys/2015/03/gumby-cards.html

that bendy is definitely something for me to add to my toy bucket list..lol

[All Things Animated]

@Gumboflexo (Paul)

GASP! The 1976 57' style superflex Gumby! What a treat for the eye to behold!

Do you know where one could possibly locate one?

I happen to be the one who's been emailing Bren and I assume I can speak for both of us when I say that's a figure a real lover of Gumby should have!

I'm looking for one at the purpose of using it for animations I do. I'm hoping to obtain one and feature it in shorts reminiscent of the 1950's style dialogless episodes.

I'd pay a pretty penny to get my hands on one!

[Gumboflexo]

It really is extraordinary, and I've had it in my collection for many years.
I'm torn between my nostalgic love of the original lakeside Superflex and this spectacular 1976 Superflex (no memory of this.) So, I'll have to say I like them both for different reasons.

[ghost]

'made in america by americans' & art's wonderful message on the reverse, it is indeed special & unique in every way.. yes, please let us know if you discover a source for any more..

strange that there were the two different sized bendy toys & the smaller one is not a 'bitty' as you'd expect..

it gives me something out there to keep looking for :)
thanks again!

[ghost]

oh! & a zoop & the glob & the groobee + other characters on the plastic wrap.. how fun is that :)

[Gumboflexo]

Yes, it's a very festive package. Apparently, Art Clokey really put a lot of care into the whole production of this figure.
Bren, I'm glad I finally got to show you (and those who admire your blog) this Superflex because it's somewhat of a mysterious part of Gumby toy history. Now you know what to look for when one turns up.
And I agree, even the rarest collectibles seem to turn up at some point in time. I hope you find one!

[Gumboflexo]

All Things Animated,
I wish I knew where you could locate one. Mine came from a totally random source. Hopefully, you'll find one to use for animations because unlike modern bendy figures that don't bend well, these old, soft, rubbery figures are very flexible.
Paul

[All Things Animated]

Gumboflexo (Paul),

It is rather sad but the current bendables really don't do wonders with animation and as a kid they really didn't make great toys either.
I've been using Jesco Gumby and Pokey figures at the moment for animating and those are great compared to the products we get today! They flex in all sorts of positions and can really bring my stop motions to life. Yet I still dread the day the internal wires no longer work for those as well, it's not easy getting ones hands on a good Jesco Gumby either.
I'm hoping by some stroke of luck I can find the 76' somehow. I've emailed a couple people but aside from yourself and Bren most people have no idea what I'm talking about unless they know the Clokey's personally.
You just got to remain positive though! they'll turn up someday, somehow and in someway!

[Gumboflexo]

Here's my two cents on the Gumby bendable situation, past and present:
The original 64/65 Clokey and early Lakeside Gumby and Pokey Superflex figures were extremely pliable, with the ability to twist, turn and bend into almost any position. When Lakeside moved its manufacturing to Hong Kong, the materials used were a more rigid vinyl, similar to the early to mid-1980's Jesco Gumby figures. After the 60's run, all Pokey Superflexes had minimal body flexing capability, but good leg movement. I consider the late 80's to the present day to be the modern bendy era; very rigid, glossy vinyl with hardly and bending capability. The arms on Gumby and the legs on Pokey are fine, but that's where the movement ends. Keep in mind that the manufacturers of these bendable toys must abide by modern toy guidelines and constraints, such as safety of materials and durability. They don't bend well but they do not break or rip easily. Overall, it is safer for children. The 1976 Gumby is unique because it's larger, durable and just as soft as the earliest Gumby Superlex figures. The wires are better positioned for more subtle, animated poses as well. It would be great to see a newly manufactured Gumby that is aimed at older children and adults, with an assumption that we will not try to chew on it or try to eat it. LOL

[All Things Animated]

What I know is they are in the process of creating an entirely new Gumby bendable based off his appearance in the late 50's for the 60th anniversary of Gumby's debut in 1956.

Of course even though it would be assumed most who would probably purchase this Gumby figure would be older adults looking back on their memories of Gumby from the 50's or collectors it probably will still have the same anatomical structure of any generic modern bendable.

It's looking like I may end up using this Gumby for animation purposes to capture the Gumby from 57' but I'm still going to search as best I can for the 1976 superflex. Once I find a lead I'm gonna do my best to get one! I got money put away specifically for that one bendable and its substantial even for a rare item!

[ghost]

paul,
i don't know if you'll see this but there is someone on ebay who has had one of the patent pending early gumby bendies up for awhile & he has a nice comparison chart & detailed description ~
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-1965-GUMBY-Rare-PATENT-PENDING-/111717823525?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1a02e6b425
today i asked him if he happens to have a photo of the back of the bendy, so i'm waiting..
meanwhile i pulled out my 2 old 'mystery bendies' to compare & i gotta say they look an awful lot like this one.. maybe they are originals? the bodies on mine bend rather well & the rubber is very nice & soft, seems like there are still working wires in the upper arm/shoulder area, but any lower in the arms are either too broken from wear or the wires end halfway down the arm.. anyway, i was starting to believe they were knock-offs, but now i'm doubting that..
the face seems a clear match too..
the bitties from the same picture are still a mystery though..
:)

[Gumboflexo]

Hey Bren,
I have a feeling you're right. The reason I started to wonder about your two bendies (and some of mine as well) is because of research I did on the origin of the Superflex Gumby figures, including the Lakeside production. Apparently, there were knock-offs made during the early Gumby Superflex era, but since there are usually no logos or copyright markings, they would be difficult to authenticate. Your very cool bendies sure do look like the originals, but the yellow paint on Gumby's mouth is very glossy and vibrant, a trait not seen on those fantastically soft, pliable early figures. On the other hand, I can line up a bunch of Gumby figures, all from the same era, and no two look alike. (In that sense, they're almost like real people, LOL.)
I have some red and blue Gumby bendies from that early period. The red one is the usual soft rubber, but the other is a more rigid kind of vinyl. Strange, right?
Perhaps the so called knock-offs did exist, but were possibly made of a different material. Also keep in mind that I've removed a few of those very early Lakeside Gumby figures from severely damaged packages, only to discover that there are no markings on Gumby's back. So I'm thinking that yours are probably the real thing. By the way, those bitties in your collection are amazing, especially the Blockheads.

[ghost]

paul,

you are right the yellow mouth is remarkably unfaded on them.. turns out the ebay guy is selling the bendy on consignment & can't take any more photos.. :/ was hoping for one more point of comparison..

when i pulled out those mystery guys i didn't expect to find that they flex so well, that leads me to think it's copper in there, i had won the whole lot many years ago as a lot on ebay along with those odd bittys, someone took good care of them all.. :)

looking at this ebay guy's chart i have identified that i have at least one of each of the lakeside 'variations'.. & like you said, they vary in texture too, one of my marked early lakeside bendys is very hard, like an entirely different kind of rubber, like they tried different materials?

your blue gumby reminded me, recently one of the people writing to gumbyland was asking if i could help him find his long lost gumby toys he got as a kid in a shop in la in 1965.. he said they were bitty sized, a blue gumby, pokey, a too/loo style note & a cone shaped indian! the only thing i could compare them too were my little off colored bittys & coin machine toys on card that usually have a flat side, but often have the side characters that way..
i know little to nothing about early original side character bittys & varying color toys.. they are truly mysterious & fun,

[Gumboflexo]

Bren,
I uploaded some images that might help authenticate your early Gumby Superflexes. As you can see, the figure with the GTC marking and the one without are virtually identical. Apparently, there wasn't much attention paid to copyright and trademark identification during the First Clokey and Lakeside initial production of these Superflex toys (approx 1964-1966.) I have one of these with a visible wire poking out and it doesn't appear to be copper, so I think the flexibility of your figure is due to the very soft foam rubber material. I'll be uploading some more goodies as soon as possible.

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/gumbyweb4_zpsoaem3meu.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/gumbyweb5_zpszgskamp4.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/gumbyweb6_zpskrtzmxuz.jpg

[ghost]

paul,
the third pic is having trouble loading, but i can see clearly in the first 2 pics you posted that our gtc gumbys match up very well.. mine has a bit more 'flashing' i guess it's called? on one arm..
the person i bought mine from (billy who commented here..) had his authenticated by joe c. himself so those are solid :)
now when i compare your pics to my mystery gumbys they look the same on the face side but with brighter mouthpaint, & there's a slight variation in mold holes in the legs in the back.. ? what this means i don't know.. knock-off or just another variation?

i wish the ebayer i messaged could've put up the photo i mentioned since these guys don't come up that often, it seems we need all the examples for comparison we can find, huh?

there's some kind of wire in the arms for sure, but the bodies flex so well in the torso it puts later toys to shame, as if there's something holding it in position once bent, hard to explain..

whether these guys are original or really good knock-offs, i'm actually kinda enjoying all the variety i'm discovering in my old bendies as i look back on them, it gives them so much personality :)

[Gumboflexo]

I completely agree. These early Superflexes are very special, due to their incredible flexibility and lively, animated expressions. You can actually twist these figures into multiple rotations, unlike any bendable that followed. Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks; the arms do not bend independently, and when packaged, the soft, rubbery material chemically reacts with the clear blister cover. Gumby almost melts the plastic, making it difficult to view. But the positives clearly outweigh the minor negatives. After all, they were never meant to sit in a package for 50 years!
Bren,
I will upload some Gumby figures that might solve, or at least bring us closer to solving the "knock-off" mystery. Stay tuned.

[Gumboflexo]

Bren,
These are my odd, mysterious Gumby figures. The red ones look legit to me, with the exact same soft material, same wire structure and size as the standard 6 inch green version. This variation may have been a production test, but who knows.
Now the other two could very well be knock-offs. The shape and size is right, but the material used is a rigid vinyl, and the flexibility is very limited. The facial features are not sharp and also lack face paint. The backs of these two figures have a similar circular mold separation mark. Again, these figures could be early production tests, but could also be copies.
This leads to believe that your Gumby is the real thing. I believe the soft rubber or latex used in those early figures were an innovative concept at that time. If knock-offs were made, it would be very difficult to faithfully match the materials, including the exact internal wire structure. Of course, I could be wrong. What do you think?

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/gumbyweb1_zpsdlos4e5x.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/gumbyweb1a_zpsto1szxcg.jpg

[ghost]

paul,
i see what you mean about the 2 bendies in question, they even look a bit shiny.. the face sure looks right on the red guy, even with the lack of paint.. & i'm sure i've never seen that round mold mark before on bendies..

i tend to totally agree with you about the feel of the material of the authentic bendies, i doubt anyone creating knock-offs could come up with anything close to it, it's the best litmus test i think we have to go by..
unless & until joe clokey happens back by & sheds some light? lol..
i wonder if even he knows this stuff without digging into 50 year old records, you know?
i wonder what was the inspiration for the different colors at the time?

[ghost]

oh, and those 2 have different arm holes/mold holes than the other as well it seems..

[Gumboflexo]

Yes, and right where Gumby's arms meet his torso. More unsolved Gumby mysteries.

[Gumboflexo]

Hey Bren,
I know you'll appreciate this; a Lakeside catalog ad from 1965, promoting the new Superflex Gumby and Pokey toys. After the initial 64/65 Clokey Productions run, Lakeside had exclusive rights to produce these toys. As we know from first hand experience, these early soft plastic Gumby and Pokey Superflexes really do bend and twist into countless positions!
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/gumby%201%20and%202%20spread%20copy_zpshl10fvrm.jpg

[ghost]

paul ~
that's by far the most twisted gumby i've ever seen.. lol
& another variation on the card with the $1.oo price in the upper corner?
i'm going to post a week of gumby items at the end of august, happened to notice our friend the prema/heart gumby was used in the book the biography of gumby for photos :)

[ghost]

wait a minute, i take that back.. here he is again!
http://friendlyghost.typepad.com/lost_found_vintage_toys/2015/03/miscellaneous-gumby.html

[Gumboflexo]

Lots of cool and varied Gumby items in your collection. Plush keychains and more! The Prema heart style Gumby merchandise does show up throughout the 80's and 90's, and it always catches my attention.
The early Gumby package had a perforated $1.00 printed price in the upper right corner. You might occasionally see a Gumby package from that era, but missing the triangular piece.
By the way, it's late August and I'm getting more curious about the upcoming 60th Anniversary bendable. Hopefully, an image will be available before the late September release.

[ghost]

now i particularly notice the prema heart gumby & that twisted corkscrew gumby as i look through items to post..

i notice there are several good vintage ads up on ebay currently as i check my saved search: http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40%7CR40&_sacat=0&_nkw=original+lakeside+gumby&_trksid=m194&ssPageName=STRK:MEFSRCHX:SRCH
including a 1966 one with that $1oo corner you mention..
russell(all things animated) has been talking to someone at nj croce trying to get the new bendies in bulk, but everyone's gone silent like there's a non-disclosure stance going on?
i'd think they'd want to start promoting it already since it's getting close?
one more month..

[bren]

check out the link in today's post for a first peek of the new bendy!!!!!!!!!!!!

http://friendlyghost.typepad.com/lost_found_vintage_toys/2015/09/book-month-gumby-book-of-colors.html

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:D

[Gumboflexo]

Wow, the bendable looks great! Thanks for posting the link.
I'm still wondering where I should purchase the DVD set, as prices seem to vary a lot. I'd like two bendables, but I only want one set of DVDs.

[bren]

yeah, i get that.. & where's pokey? surely the individual bendies will follow soon..
fingers x'd ~

[All Things Animated]

I just preorded my set from the Barns and Noble website. It was priced pretty decently, I sent for mine and it cost only $22 bucks including tax and shipping. They don't have a whole lot of information on it there but it seems to be the best price out of all others. Here's the link if you guys want to check http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dvd-gumby-complete-50s-series-plus-bendable/28913150?ean=0843501004913

According to a connection I have at NJ Croce we should see the 60th anniversary 50's style Gumby bendable as a single unit starting January of 2016. It may be that this new bendable will replace the 1960's reissues but I would think they'd add another production to the line rather than make space for a new one. I should ask if they're making a Pokey to go with the Gumby, I don't see why they wouldn't!

[bren]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://ktla.com/2015/09/16/313377/

thanks for the link, russell
:D
my old local station KTLA, channel 5.. nostalgic!
& check out that beautiful bendy in the box!
(tweeting this out to all..)

[Gumboflexo]

Wow!!!

[ghost]

http://friendlyghost.typepad.com/lost_found_vintage_toys/2015/09/60th-anniversary-gumby.html
I wanted to chime in & add that the new 60th anniversary bendy, although flexible, like all the modern bendies it will never twist like a corkscrew or be as pliable as the original superflex toys, nor do I expect any new bendies will for child safety reasons as gumboflexo noted.. for flexibility the oldies remain supreme!

[Gumboflexo]

Well-stated Bren.
When we're in truly flexible moods, we can always bend, twist and turn our ancient Gumby Superflexes into countless positions.
Still, this new retro bendable looks like a cool representation of the 1950s Gumby.

[ghost]

yes, as I was watching the dvd episodes, all nicely put back together to their original continuity, assuming they are somewhat in order of production, (in one of the last episodes in the set, train trouble, gumby receives a letter from the flakey flakes company dated april 1960.. lol) I noticed how little gumby's head shape evolved as he got a little 'older' until he looks very much like this anniversary bendy :)
also it's good to see joe responding to comments at his youtube here ~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZBft0HueK4&index=22&list=PL1C61E0A119A76B39
telling us to start looking for a couple of 60's dvd boxsets at the start of 2016-spring & even leaving it open to another possible 60's style bendy? !
more to look forward to :D

[Gumboflexo]

Bren,
I received my 50s Gumby show DVD with bendable. I'm looking forward to watching these memorable episodes, but for now, I'd really like to comment on the bendable.
A great looking, solid, blocky, heavy figure that looks great on display. I value it more as a sculpture than bendable toy. I like Gumby's animated expression as well.
Now it's time for a true 50's style Pokey, right?

[ghost]

wondering if the future dvd 60s sets will be split up & a bendy with each? possibly pokey next? or will there be a more 60s style gumby bendy?

[Gumboflexo]

I think the 60s style Gumby needs to be a faithful copy of a true vintage Superflex. Wouldn't it be great to reproduce the first 1965 Gumby? I realize that modern plastic materials would restrict its flexibility, but Gumby's frame would be thin enough for more extreme posing. It will be interesting to see if a redesigned retro Pokey sees the light of day. Who knows, we might be pleasantly surprised in the not so distant future. I hope so.

[ghost]

yes, at the very least how could we have a gumby without a pokey :)

[ghost]

'all things animated' sent me an interesting picture he found ~
http://www.brensgumbyland.com/images/fhegumby.jpg

he wonders if there was also a pokey bendy released along with that cool 1976 gumby bendy?
the pokey in this pic looks like an old superflex bendy with the line on his side & the 2 little holes in the leg, mane that doesn't come up over his head.. is it just an oldie? but his pupils are not black? wondering..

(note: this looks like an old floppy disc? must've come out before or at the same time as fhe vhs & beta..)

[Gumboflexo]

Yes, it's an actual Superflex toy manufactured with the 76 Gumby. I recall seeing an ad photo promoting the Gumby and Pokey figures from this period, but with no detailed information or specifications. Other than that, I've only seen photos of this Pokey on 1980s items such as the electronic disc shown here, VHS sleeves, etc. I've never seen one in person and I sometimes wonder if it ever made it beyond the prototype stage. I'm hoping Joe Clokey would provide us with some detailed history pertaining to this mysterious and fascinating line of 70s Gumby toys.
Paul

[ghost]

thanks for confirming that, paul, I wonder if we'd even know if we had one of these pokeys loose? he looks like he possibly has red pupils, but loose that might just look like his eyes are worn..
sure would love to come across this pair on card in some obscure collectible shop someday!
:D

[Gumboflexo]

Bren, I believe the red eye color is intentional, and it might even be the actual color of the figure, left unpainted. You've probably seen or even own the poster featuring the 76 Gumby lounging on the beach, but did you notice the red-eyed Pokey being threatened by a shark?
These Gumby and Pokey figures had more intricate internal wire frames. The wires in Gumby extend right to the tip of his hands for more subtle poses, and Pokey has wires in his upper and lower mouth. Take another look at the image you posted here and you'll see that his mouth is posed in an open position! Cool, right?

[ghost]

you know I noticed pokey's mouth stayed open & thought maybe i'd just never tried that with my old pokey bendies..lol!
yes I have the poster you mentioned & on closer inspection pokey's pupils are red! eureka!
so cool these are out there somewhere, gives me reason to keep looking :D

[Gumboflexo]

For a long time, I've wondered if a 1970s Prickle bendy was also available. I suspect the photo of him on the electronic disc is another Superflex. I don't see any seams, but it doesn't really look like a clay figure either. Is it just me or does it look like a toy?
Bren, when you get a chance, I suggest you take another look at the Gumby Dharma documentary. There's a photo of Art and Gloria Clokey set up at a flea market in the late 70s. They are selling the 76 Gumby at a reduced price of one dollar! But still no reference to Pokey.

[ghost]

you know I've mentioned to my son that I think he'd like the gumby dharma dvd, I think i'll ask him if he wants to watch it & i'll look for that scene you mention.. also prickle has always been such a favorite, the artist in me? lol, i'm always interested in anything new (or new/old) prickle related.. ATA also thought that looked like a prickle bendy, i'm not sure based on the eye expression, but i'd love to be surprised :)

[ghost]

oh my goodness! those flea market pix are amazing & surreal knowing now how rare those bendys are..
also isn't it wonderful watching art unlock the padlock & enter his vault of gumby? all those film reels & boxes :D & small items I've never seen before..

[Gumboflexo]

Yes, that vault intro scene is great.
Bren, I just remembered another source that refers to the 76 Gumby. Did you ever check out premavision.com web site? If you click on the 1970s studio history link, you'll see a photo of Art Clokey working on the "new" Gumby!

[ghost]

I see that now, so does your cool '76 bendy have the flag with heart/stars with it? only available by mail, no wonder it's so rare now..

[Gumboflexo]

Yes, the flag is in the package, but what's funny is the lack of a flag pole or handle.
I've been uploading images, taking them down and replacing them in a makeshift way. I still need to unearth some stuff and upload samples of my collection in a more organized fashion. But at least you are now fully aware (in part, based on my very limited research, LOL) of this special Gumby Superflex.

[ghost]

yep, thanks to you that '76 bendy is definitely my new holy grail of gumby items.. I know i'll find one someday, just the way I found that moody rudy in box, probably years from now..lol
hey, paul, you have the best collection of superflex bendys on card I have seen, but I don't recall, do you happen to have one of this variety?
http://www.brensgumbyland.com/images/unusual%20clamshell%20package.jpg
I came across this picture recently in my archive of images I've found over the years online.. strange packaging bubble, huh?

[Gumboflexo]

You need a 76 Gumby to reunite him with Moody Rudy. After all, the commercial introduces him as "Gumby's new friend." LOL.
And yes, I have that clamshell style packaged Gumby, and it certainly is an unusual early variation. All Gumby figures prior to the Hong Kong versions have a certain charm, as if they were individually hand-made. I will post a photo of what I believe is the last, or close to last Lakeside Gumby, and the differences between early and late production is dramatic. You might even own one, so stay tuned!

[Gumboflexo]

Bren,
I took some quick snapshots of what might be the final Lakeside Gumby, circa 1973. I placed the earliest Jesco 80s Gumby next to it for comparison. As you can see, the initial Jesco Gumby resembles the Lakeside. The plastic material, size, shape and color are similar. I still think the Lakeside is much better. Gumby's hands have a more natural shape and his expression is more interesting. The Jesco plastic was much glossier as well. Way too shiny for my taste.
Notice the cool Lakeside packaging. At this point, the Gumby logo had a bright magenta color and the Lakeside logo was framed in blue. Do you have one of these?

Photos:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/lakeside%20with%20Jesco_zpsnhxdhvvv.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/lakeside%20closeup%20upper%20card_zpsqrbbnzdu.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a113/1630fh/GUMBOFLEXO%20collection/lakeside%20closeup%20lower%20card_zpsmkgtpeh0.jpg

[ghost]

I definitely don't have one on card, loose perhaps? the more I look into the old bendies the more variations I find, on the bendy & the packaging..
in one of the photos on this post near the top are some bendies on card in not great shape & the 'gumby' part is starting to look more magenta, but is it just wear..lol? & it has French descriptions on the front too..
then add in the different markings or lack of markings on the backs & you find there are just so many different variations it's downright confusing :o
but it's fun to have so many unique ones..
we need some kind of 'evolution of gumby' chart that has all of them..
it seems my little post here is only the tip of the iceberg..lol

[ghost]

heads up ~
https://twitter.com/GumbyCentral/status/672149946301333504
just ordered mine :)

[ghost]

heads up again gumby lovers! mid may new pokey! (be sure to read the description) ~ http://www.brensgumbyland.com/images/newbendies.png
:D

[ghost]

:D
HEADS UP again!
check my tweets in the upper left sidebar!!

(there's pokey!)

[Gumboflexo]

Hey Bren, thanks for alerting us!
I'm somewhat perplexed, or should I say perFLEXED about the 60th anniversary Pokey. Gumby was redesigned to approximate the 1950s model, but Pokey looks identical to the current 50th anniversary version. Aside from the color change, I wonder if there are other differences.
I like the 50th anniversary Pokey, but that was supposed to be a celebration of the 60s style bendy. Now that the 60s DVD is about to be released, will Pokey get another makeover? Paul

[ghost]

i know, huh? they don't include a picture of the 60s collectible edition dvd set pokey either to compare..
is it the pokey on the cover? he's nice & red..
joe's been quiet, no tweets, youtube or gumbyworld updates so far..
but I for one am happy for a redder pokey, I've always thought of him as red rather than orange..

& maybe now that pokey's coming out i'll get my wish & see goo & prickle with the next volumes?? :D
or yet another 60's gumby bendy?! like the dvd cover?

at least it's not a long wait for the next dvds.. Yay!

[ghost]

update ~ the picture now up on amazon with the 60s dvd set shows the pokey bendy to be a repeat of the same pokey we've seen before, he doesn't even have the red color change.. :(

[All Things Animated]

It's rather disappointing that the 60s set didn't offer more! When the 50s set came out it surpassed all expectations and was perfection, with 60s volume I it was a step down. While I'm sure the episodes and special features will be crystal clear and exciting to see the fact we're getting a repack of a Pokey that's been around for about 10 years now is such a buzzkill after the craftsmanship of that 50s style Gumby!

Of course it's only volume I and we haven't even seen the pokey yet. Who knows maybe he's more red like the actual models in the show? I guess we'll have to hope we get some sort of surprise right?

Maybe with volume II we'll see another new bendable figure...here's to hoping we get a Gumby that replicates the evolution he had in the mid 60s. They've never released a Gumby with black pupil discs for the eyes and the blockier, more stable shape Art made so the actual puppets would stand. I'm sure that would be something just as new and exciting as the 50s style Gumby!

Here's to hoping the Pokey in the picture is just a stock photo and we get a real great 60s replica Gumby with volume II!

[ghost]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-LAKESIDE-TOYS-GUMBY-POKEY-TOYS-1966-Erasers-Gumb-Bittys-Full-Box-NOS-/151978898028?hash=item2362a5f26c:g:AZgAAOSwUuFWuk7g

!!

[Gumboflexo]

Very cool eraser counter display, something I've never seen. I bet the high bidder is very happy!

[ghost]

i'd never seen it either & with all the bittys intact!

[ghost]

http://friendlyghost.typepad.com/lost_found_vintage_toys/2016/02/gumby-60s-volume-1.html

[All Things Animated]

The 60s set it great! Those episodes are perfect in that quality and it's almost mind blowing to watch! The pokey is pretty cool too! After standing him next to my other 60s style pokey that came as a reissue there is actually more accurate color changes that match the original color pallet he had in the classic show! It seems there's a lot of people crossing their fingers for a new Gumby! If you check the YouTube comments on the video Joe put up there's a handful asking for another Gumby bendable, one with black pupils and restyled body shape. Hopefully the requests will be heard like the pokey request was!

[ghost]

i just love the nbc pilot with the little gumby song! & did everybody hear about this? ~
https://twitter.com/GhostAtTheGate/status/704873148957593600

New Gumby Episodes to come!

[ghost]

there's another rare gtc gumby bendy up on ebay!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rare-Early-Gumby-from-1964-Gumby-Toy-Company-Pre-Lakeside-/191824018449?hash=item2ca99a3c11:g:PzAAAOSwP~tW4gma

good luck! :D

[ghost]

yikes! ~
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Collectible-Gumby-Toy-/291726749002?hash=item43ec44ed4a:g:T4AAAOSwxN5WZMeX

oooh! ~
http://www.ebay.com/itm/GUMBY-POKEY-cartoon-Halco-bicycle-scooter-riding-horse-toy-1960s-orig-box-/231873887748?hash=item35fcc2be04:g:3dsAAOSwmmxW4nlG

[All Things Animated]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1968-VINTAGE-GUMBY-GUMBYMOBILE-TOY-/231927673923?hash=item35fff77443:g:FDsAAOSw3v5XIr8c

Hey all! Check this Gumby gem out! Hope someone here grabs it up and posts lots of photos of it!

[ghost]

@@ oh! I've seen pix of that toy before.. *watching*
update: I notice this already has a bid & also that the steering wheel & windshield are missing.. i'm not going to bid & drive the price up so anyone else who wants to try, good luck!

[ghost]

http://njcroce.com/products/50s-edition-6-5-gumby-pokey-boxed-bendable-pair.html

http://njcroce.com/products/gumby-counter-top-display.html

[gumboflexo]

Thanks for the link.
Nice looking set, but I wish Pokey looked more 50s; more like the actual animated Pokey character and less like a Lakeside Pokey Superflex. The 50s Pokey had sharper, leaner, and more squared-off features. Anyway. I did buy The 60s Series Volume 1 DVD bendable set, and of course it's amazing.
Can't wait for future DVDs and more bendable surprises.
Paul