Though Schleich has been making toys for several decades, I only relatively recently became acquainted with their products when I stopped at a local farm supply store to purchase kitty litter. There near the entrance was a large display of small, animal figurines. The sign read simply "Schleich" followed by their logo, a large red "S" in a red circle.
The figurines were so detailed and realistically rendered that I was immediately hooked and bought one of the horses. (If I'd had more money on me, I would have bought them all!)
Founded by Friedrich Schleich in 1935, the company originally produced protective clothing and safety glasses. It was not until 1950 that the company entered the toy market with "bendable" figures. Licensed figurines (Smurfs, Snoopy, Muppets, etc) were introduced beginning in 1960. And by 1990 the first hand-painted "Modelled From Nature" animal figurines were attracting the attention of collectors everywhere.
Schleich has since launched several successful lines devoted to the worlds of Knights, Elves, and the American Frontier, complete with castles, elf houses, and tipis. Some animals are now also available as scaled models, while others can be accessorized with barns, stables, and more.
New figurines are quite affordable, generally selling for approximately $3 to $7 each for the smaller (~2 to 4 inch) pieces. Larger animals like the 7 to11 inch sharks, and the 1:40 scaled Replica Saurus line (human figure included) will cost you up to $32. (Apatosuarus is the largest at 19 inches in length.) Accessories can run quite a bit more, with some like the Knight's Castle - at almost 3 feet in length - retailing for $130+.
Schleich is estimated to have up to 70% of the world figurine market, a popularity reflected by activity in the secondary markets. And the fact that Schleich has retired some 500 items of the approximately 1000 produced since 1950 has only added fuel to collectors' interest.
For example, some retired horses and birds (like the peacock) often sell for up to $50+,
and Smurf "Moon Voyage" playsets (mint-in-box) have sold at online auctions for $500+!
Not bad for a plastic and/or hard rubber toy!
If you'd like to learn more about this popular collectible, check out the resources below,
and Happy Collecting!
Books
Gascher's Collector's Guide for Schleich Animals (2009) Link to website
(Not yet available on Amazon's US site, but may be found on eBay, Craig's List, etc.)
Websites
Gascher's Link to website
German site devoted to Schleich and Smurfs. Lists pieces by year, shows variations, publishes books and collector's cards, more.
Schleich Link to website
Check out the Press Room for company facts and history, and the Collector's Corner for news on upcoming products.
Schleich Toy Animals and Figurines Link to website
Great fan site features a master list, lots of really nice pics, links, more!
About the author:
Michele Alice is EcommerceBytes Update Contributing Editor. Michele is a freelance writer in the Berkshire mountains of Massachusetts. She collects books, science fiction memorabilia and more! Email her at makalice @ adelphia.net eBay ID: Malice9
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