Large character and other odd trolls (view from right side)

A variety of character trolls . . .

Discovering the Troll

As a kid in the 1960s, I hated Barbie (the doll). Being overweight and average in appearance, I could not relate to her. Her physical attributes were of porno proportions. She had a tight prudish mouth, a rigid hair style and ridiculously tiny feet. In my contempt, I would pull the head of my little sister’s Barbie off and replace it with the head of a Little Kiddle – nearly wetting myself from laughter at the discrepancy!

Then I discovered the troll doll. Now, there was a doll I could relate to! It was a little chubby, like me. My troll had a broad warm smile and unkempt, long, soft hair. Even the wide feet of the doll (with its stubby toes) were identical to mine. The card that came with my troll, explaining its magic and the good luck it would bring, was just icing on the cake . . .

Large Dam Animals! 

Small Dam, Happy Gang & Rauls animal trolls - my favorites! 

A Dam Rare Animal Troll!

The elusive reindeer troll - the "Holy Grail" of the Dam animal trolls.

To the best of my knowledge, only two versions of the 3-inch animal trolls had articulated heads and cloven hooves, the reindeer troll and a rare European version of the cow troll.

Character Trolls

Below are some examples of character trolls. The outfits on the Dam bride and groom dolls were adapted from a 1960s McCall’s pattern. The Playboy Bunny troll is a Thomas Dam/Scandia House classic. Most of the Bunny trolls had eyelashes; however, in the 3-inch versions (as seen beneath), many were produced without lashes.

It's a Dam wedding! 

Backside of the bride and groom trolls. 

Playboy Bunny Troll (backside) 

Playboy Bunny Troll 

Colorful Collectibles

The highly prized trolls are those with colored eyes. The most common dolls had brown or amber glass eyes. Green and blue glass eyes were later introduced, but were soon replaced by several colors of plastic "spiral" or striped eyes. A troll with colored glass or spiral peepers can command twice the price of a plain brown-eyed doll.

The troll on the left (with purple hair) has hard-to-come-by green glass eyes. The troll on the right has the very popular "spiral" plastic eyes.

Here is the "©64" stamp.

Here is the "DAM" stamp.