Uncle Sam Toys

Many toys have been based on Uncle Sam--everything from Uncle Sam wind-up toys to Uncle Sam "Garfield" dolls. Here are some examples.

Plastic coin bank
Coin Banks

Many coin banks have been built with an Uncle Sam design. The bank at the left is made of plastic, and probably dates from the 1960's or 70's. This basic design has been used again and again, in cast-iron banks manufactured since 1886.

To use the bank, put a coin in Sam's hand and press the button that's next to his umbrella. His valise opens up and his arm drops the coin into the bag.

If you have recent browser software, click the following link to see an animation:

See the bank in action
(animated GIF, 30K)

PEZ dispenser
PEZ Dispensers

In 1976, PEZ issued an Uncle Sam candy dispenser as a Bicentennial special. These PEZ dispensers are hard to come by, because of the legions of PEZ collectors who seek out the less common dispensers. At auction, an Uncle Sam PEZ dispenser can fetch over $200.

PEZ collectors refer to the dispenser at the left as a "Club Med" Uncle Sam, due to the dark skin color. PEZ also issued Uncle Sam dispensers with lighter skin and darker bases.

Action figure, still in package

Action Figures

FunWorld, Inc. produced a "fully-jointed action figure" of Uncle Sam, as part of its Collector's Series of Great Americans.

There is no date on the package, but it looks like it was produced in the late 1970's--probably prompted by the Bicentennial mania that swept the United States in 1976.

	Coin Banks Many coin banks have been built with an Uncle Sam design. The bank at the left is made of plastic, and probably dates from the 1960's or 70's. This basic design has been used again and again, in cast-iron banks manufactured since 1886. To use the bank, put a coin in Sam's hand and press the button that's next to his umbrella. His valise opens up and his arm drops the coin into the bag. If you have recent browser software, click the following link to see an animation: See the bank in action (animated GIF, 30K)

	PEZ Dispensers In 1976, PEZ issued an Uncle Sam candy dispenser as a Bicentennial special. These PEZ dispensers are hard to come by, because of the legions of PEZ collectors who seek out the less common dispensers. At auction, an Uncle Sam PEZ dispenser can fetch over $200. PEZ collectors refer to the dispenser at the left as a "Club Med" Uncle Sam, due to the dark skin color. PEZ also issued Uncle Sam dispensers with lighter skin and darker bases.

	Action Figures FunWorld, Inc. produced a "fully-jointed action figure" of Uncle Sam, as part of its Collector's Series of Great Americans. There is no date on the package, but it looks like it was produced in the late 1970's--probably prompted by the Bicentennial mania that swept the United States in 1976.