Collector's Guide: Eagles Fred Kail Figurines

Fred Kail first produced his signature "Joe Jolter", chalkware figurines as an art student in 1956.  The Joe's had a cartoon-like style with exaggerated shoulder pads and loose-fitting uniforms.  A Maryland native, Kail began his line with figurines dressed as his hometown, Baltimore Colts - who soon began selling them as souvenirs at their games for $5.  He would eventually produce figurines for other teams, too - entering into an agreement with a Japanese maker, who then produced the statues in porcelain, and imported them from Japan to be sold in the US. They are now recognized as the first officially licensed NFL product in 1961.

Types of Figurines:

The Kails were made in five types: a Large standing lineman (10" tall), a small standing lineman, a Large three-point stance down lineman (5.5" wide and tall), a small three-point stance down lineman, and a large stadium ashtray.  They were sold in the US from 1958 into the early 1960's. 

Rumor has it the figurine designs were loosely based on Colts Hall of Famer and Baltimore icon, Art Donovan (though it has coyly denied by Kail).  However, Donovan was a loyal customer of Kail's - frequently buying custom figurines with his number to give away to family and friends. 

"Joe Jolter", Standing Lineman (Large):

"Bruce Bruiser", Down Lineman:

Ashtray:

Kail also made statues for baseball and basketball teams, but these were never produced commercially, and only exist in the chalkware originals, and are extremely scarce.  There is a Phillies statue - which you can read more about here.He also produced bowling items (these were made in Japan), Peanuts bobble heads and some other items. 

There are some Kail knockoffs, but they are easy to discern from originals.  Kail statues always have a "FAK Fred Kail, Jr" stamp, and usually (unless it has fallen off) a round gold sticker reading "Santa Claus Imports, Made in Japan."

Value:

Though they were mass-produced for a time, the figurines are relatively scarce today - typically selling for a few hundred dollars apiece. For example, a large Joe Jolter was sold by Hunt Auctions in February 2013 for $200.  The earlier, chalkware pieces that were hand painted by Kail himself are extremely rare and would bring two or three times as much as the Japanese-produced, later models.

Special thanks to Keith from Antiques Sports Shop for the background details and photos.  Check out his site: