Tricky Dogs
I recently developed an interest in Tricky Dogs and started a collection. I was very surprised that there was no main source of historical information on Tricky Dogs online so I decided to document the information I could find and the specific information on the Tricky Dogs in my collection.
The oldest set in my collection was made by H. Fishlove & Co. in Chicago, Illinois. The box shows a copyright date of 1939.
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| Tricky Dogs |
H. Fishlove & Co. was founded in 1914 by a Ukranian immigrant named Chiam Fishelov and, per the company's Twitter account, is the "original gag novelty maker." The company was eventually guided by Irving Fishelov when Chiam died and ultimately Howard Fishlove after Irving passed away in 1968.
Howard's son, Thomas, is on record with the Chicago Sun Times confirming that the family changed their name to "Fishlove."
According to a 2007 Chicago Tribune article, H. Fishlove & Co. was eventually sold to FUN Incorporated. Todd Coopee's September 2022 blog post for Global Toy News states that this acquisition occurred in 1985. Howard Fishlove passed at the age of 76 on 20 October 2012.
FUN Inc. was founded in 1941 by Jules Traub and, per their site, their current Tricky Dogs are made by their Fishlove Novelty division.
Based on my research, various manufacturers and novelty companies chose to capitalize on the popularity of Tricky Dogs giving them a variety of names in order to set them apart from their competition. The names I have come across so far are as follows: Frisky Dogs, Love Dogs, Hotsy and Totsy, Magnetic Jitterpups, Magnetic Pups, Magnetic Tricky Dogs, Peppy Pups, Perky Pups, Screwball Scotties, Skipper and Scamp, Sniffy Snappy, Snooty Love Dogs, Snooty Pups, Spinning Dogs, Spinning Pups, Spunky Dogs, Spunky Scotties, Trick Scotties, and of course Tricky Dogs!
Several of the Tricky Dogs' packages reference US Patent Number 2,249,454 and the patent lists the inventor as Walter J. Brake of Decatur, Indiana. The patent, titled MAGNETIC NOVELTY, was filed 22 June 1939; the design was patented 15 July 1941. According to the patent documents:
This invention relates to magnetic novelties and more particularly to novelties employing permanent magnets associated with objects or figures of various character, and has for an object the provision of such devices wherein the magnetic properties are utilized to make the figures move relative to each other in a predetermined manner.
Another object of this invention is the provision of magnetic toys for amusement purposes. A further object of this invention is to provide magnetic novelties of illusory or mystifying character which are moved about without apparent cause. Still another object of this invention is to provide such devices which are of long life, of simple construction, and which are adapted to be produced in an economical manner.
The novelties in question are primarily useful as toys, souvenirs for advertising purposes and the like.
I was pleased to see that Brake referenced terriers in his patent documentation, stating: "The figure or object 12 is intended to simulate a dog such as a Scottish terrior...." (Yes, that's how he spelled terrier... perhaps he had a terrier who was a terror?)
Another interesting Brake reference comes from the WorthPoint site which shows a set of "Snooty Pups" from Brake Novelty Co. out of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Perhaps this was one of Walter Brake's modified designs for the product?
One of my favorite references to "Tricky Dogs" comes from the historical notes provided by the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. According to the site, FDR kept his "Snooty Love Pups" on his Oval Office desk for years. His pups appear to be MAGNETIC SCOTTIES made by STRIKALITE LTD., INC. in New York, New York although the site currently credits Atlas Novelty Company as the maker. The Snooty Love Pups are currently on display in FDR’S OVAL OFFICE DESK exhibit in the museum’s 12 April 1945 gallery (FDR died of a cerebral hemorrhage on this date). A picture of his desk with the pups clearly visible is available on their site.
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| FDR’S Oval Office Desk Exhibit |
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| Site Description: A pair of cast metal dog figurines, one a black Scottish terrier and one a white West Highland terrier, each mounted on bar magnets. The dogs come with a two-piece hexagonal cardboard box labeled: SNOOTY / Love Dogs. The interior of box has velveteen covered padding. There are no maker's marks on either the dogs or the box. |
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| Snooty Love Dogs Box |
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| Snooty Love Dogs (detail) |
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Details on each item in my collection are below (organized by year, alphabetical order for those without a listed year, and dogs with no packaging and no clear maker) as well as article links to the various manufacturers and sites with information available on Tricky Dogs.
(1) Product Name: Tricky Dogs
Year: 1939 (Copyright date on package)
Company: H. FISHLOVE & CO.
Made In: CHICAGO, U.S.A.
Dog 1: Silver, yellow paint on magnet
Dog 2: Black, yellow paint on magnet
Additional Information: Reg. U.S. Pat. Off; No. 866
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass.) Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, you will guide upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red, white, and blue
Year: 1939 (Copyright date on package)
Company: H. FISHLOVE & CO.
Made In: CHICAGO, U.S.A.
Dog 1: Silver, yellow paint on magnet
Dog 2: Black, yellow paint on magnet
Additional Information: Reg. U.S. Pat. Off; No. 866
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass.) Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, you will guide upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red, white, and blue
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| Tricky Dogs |
(2) Product Name: Tricky Dogs
Company: H. FISHLOVE & CO.
Made In: CHICAGO, U.S.A.
Dog 1: White, yellow paint on magnet, small red dot on top right of magnet (dog facing you), shiny red paint dot on bottom of magnet, main part of magnet is silver colored
Dog 2: Black, yellow paint on magnet, shiny red splotch on bottom of magnet, main part of magnet is silver colored
Additional Information: Reg. U.S. Pat. Off; No. 771
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass) Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, you will guide upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red, white, and blue
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| Tricky Dogs |
(2) Product Name: Skipper and Scamp
Dog 1: White, silver magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, dog's left ear appears to be chipped
Additional Information: U.S. Pat. No. 2,249,454
Directions: With one Scotty Dog on a smooth surface, move the other Scotty Dog up to it, from above or behind. Watch them twirl!
Packaging: Plastic box; clear/see-through
Directions: With one Scotty Dog on a smooth surface, move the other Scotty Dog up to it, from above or behind. Watch them twirl!
Packaging: Plastic box; clear/see-through
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| Skipper and Scamp |
(3) Product Name: PERKY PUPS
Additional Copy: THEY ACT AS IF THEY WERE ALIVE... LOOK AT THEM TWIST AND TURN...; 29 ¢; Printed in U.S.A.
Year: 1955 (Copyright date on package)
Company: FUN Incorporated
Company: FUN Incorporated
Made In: Chicago 10, Ill.
Dog 1: White, silver magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet
Additional Information: F29-P30
Directions: Put the dogs on a table about 6 inches apart. As you bring one close to another watch them attract and repel each other. Try placing one on a piece of cardboard and slide the other one around underneath the cardboard. The one on top will move in an uncanny manner.
Packaging: Plastic bag (clear/see-through); yellow cardboard tag with cartoons and red and black lettering
Directions: Put the dogs on a table about 6 inches apart. As you bring one close to another watch them attract and repel each other. Try placing one on a piece of cardboard and slide the other one around underneath the cardboard. The one on top will move in an uncanny manner.
Packaging: Plastic bag (clear/see-through); yellow cardboard tag with cartoons and red and black lettering
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| PERKY PUPS |
(4) Product Name: Adams Spinning Pups
Additional Copy: Since 1906 / Adams / Pranks / Magic
Year: 1958 (Copyright date on package)
Company: S. S. ADAMS COMPANY
Made In: Neptune, New Jersey U.S.A.
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: A2670
Year: 1958 (Copyright date on package)
Company: S. S. ADAMS COMPANY
Made In: Neptune, New Jersey U.S.A.
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: A2670
Directions: MAGNETS ATTRACT AND REPEL IN A LIFELIKE MANNER
Packaging: Carboard and plastic sleeve, dominant colors are pink, white, and black
Packaging: Carboard and plastic sleeve, dominant colors are pink, white, and black
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| Adams Spinning Pups |
(5) Product Name: MAGNETIC PUPS
Additional Product Copy: AMUSING!; INTRIGUING!; No. 534
Year: 1963 (Copyright date on package)
Company: H. F. & Co.
Made In: Chicago 10, Ill.
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: Kiss; 89 ¢ handwritten on front of box
Made In: Chicago 10, Ill.
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: Kiss; 89 ¢ handwritten on front of box
Directions: Place one Pup on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass). Push the other Pup up to it from behind, or sweep the second Pup in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Pup on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Pup underneath, and you will guide upper Pup in any direction.
Packaging: White box, red, white, and blue lettering
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| MAGNETIC PUPS |
(6) Product Name: Black & White BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY
Additional Product Copy: Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky, 86.8 proof
Year: 1980 (Copyright date on package)
Company: Heublein, Inc. Made In: Hartford, Conn
Dog 1: White (West Highland White Terrier), black flat magnet
Dog 2: Black (Scottish Terrier), black flat magnet (separated from dog)
Directions: None
Additional Information: The brand's motif (featuring a black Scottish Terrier and a West Highland White Terrier) was conceived by its founder, James Buchanan, during the 1890s. The whisky was originally produced by the London-based James Buchanan & Co Ltd.
Packaging: Plastic clear bag with company image (dogs etc.) on front of bag
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| Black and White Blended Scotch Whisky Dogs |
(7) Product Name: Adams Spinning Dogs
Additional Copy: Since 1906 / Adams / Pranks / Magic
Year: 2010 (Manufactured date on package)
Company: MAGIC MAKERS, INC.
Made In: China
Dog 1: Red, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Green, black curved magnet
Additional Information: B7073; Manufactured / May 1, 2010 / RUN # 05012012; MAGIC MAKERS, INC. / SIOUS FALLS, S.D. USA / www.magicmakersinc.com
Year: 2010 (Manufactured date on package)
Company: MAGIC MAKERS, INC.
Made In: China
Dog 1: Red, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Green, black curved magnet
Additional Information: B7073; Manufactured / May 1, 2010 / RUN # 05012012; MAGIC MAKERS, INC. / SIOUS FALLS, S.D. USA / www.magicmakersinc.com
Product Warnings: CAUTION CHOKING HAZARD; Contains a small ball and small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Age group 13 years and up.
Directions: Magnets attract and repel in a lifelike manner
Packaging: Carboard and plastic sleeve, dominant colors are light blue and yellow
Directions: Magnets attract and repel in a lifelike manner
Packaging: Carboard and plastic sleeve, dominant colors are light blue and yellow
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| Adams Spinning Dogs |
(8) Product Name: Tricky Dogs
Year: Not Listed (2023 Amazon purchase)
Company: Royal Magic
Made In: USA (by FUN Incorporated's Fishlove Novelty divison)
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: U.S. PAT. NO. 2,249,454
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass). Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, you will guide upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors white, red, and black
Year: Not Listed (2023 Amazon purchase)
Company: Royal Magic
Made In: USA (by FUN Incorporated's Fishlove Novelty divison)
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: U.S. PAT. NO. 2,249,454
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass). Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, you will guide upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors white, red, and black
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| TRICKY DOGS |
(9) Product Name: Comic Action MAGNETIC DOGS
Additional Product Copy: When face-to-face they attract; When rear-to-rear they attract; Push the head into the rear of the other dog watch the fun; Safe, non-toxic; Caution: Not Recommended for Children Under 3 Years Old.
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black magnet
Dog 2: Black, black magnetic
Additional Information: Dogs are not attached to magnets
Directions: None
Packaging: Clear plastic bag with carboard yellow tag; blue stars around edge; red and black lettering; dog images; same verbiage on each side of the tag
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| Comic Action MAGNETIC DOGS |
(10) Product Name: FRISKY DOGS
Additional Product Copy: FASCINATING / FRISKY / DOGS / WITH MAGNETIC ACTION; KIDDIES LOVE 'EM / grown-ups too; CODLES OF FUN!
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Hong Kong
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet, short snout
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet, short snout
Additional Information: Kiss
Directions: When these little pooches are set close to each other they twist and dance and go thru many amusing antics.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors are red, black and white
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| FRISKY DOGS |
(11) Product Name: FRISKY DOGS
Additional Product Copy: LOTS OF FUN! / MAGNETIC ACTION / ALSO VERY USEFUL IN THE HOME IN PICKING UP TACKS, PINS, NEEDLES, BOBY PINS, ETC.
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet, magnet has an indention all the way around, very shinny
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet, magnet has an indention all the way around, very shiny, a bit of extra plastic on the back of its head
Additional Information: Kiss
Directions: Place one Dog on a smooth surface and move the other one slowly in back of it. Watch the first Dog swirl and move from side to side following the motion of your hand. Will work on any smooth surface, except iron,
Packaging: Cardboard box with a yellowish color; black lettering
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| FRISKY DOGS |
(12) Product Name: FRISKY DOGS (dogs appears to be Hotsy and Totsy and not the original dogs from this box)
Additional Product Copy: LOTS OF FUN! / MAGNETIC ACTION / ALSO VERY USEFUL IN THE HOME IN PICKING UP TACKS, PINS, NEEDLES, BOBY PINS, ETC.
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, green dot on bottom of magnet, dog has split ears
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, green dot on bottom of magnet, dog has split ears
Additional Information: Kiss
Directions: Place one Dog on a smooth surface and move the other one slowly in back of it. Watch the first Dog swirl and move from side to side following the motion of your hand. Will work on any smooth surface, except iron,
Packaging: Cardboard box with a yellowish color; black lettering
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| FRISKY DOGS |
(13) Product Name: HOTSY and TOTSY
Additional Product Copy: MERRY MAGNETIC PUPS; LICENSED ALNICO MAGNET
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: U.S.A.
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, green dot on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, green dot on bottom of magnet
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: U.S.A.
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, green dot on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, green dot on bottom of magnet
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Directions: THEY DANCE, JUMP, and WHIRL AROUND
Packaging: Cardboard box missing one side; dominant colors are pale yellow and red
Packaging: Cardboard box missing one side; dominant colors are pale yellow and red
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| HOTSY and TOTSY |
(14) Product Name: HOTSY and TOTSY
Additional Product Copy: MERRY MAGNETIC PUPS; LICENSED ALNICO MAGNET
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: U.S.A.
Dog 1: Off-white, gray magnet, top of magnet has yellowish tint, red dot on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, gray magnet, red dot on bottom of magnet
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: U.S.A.
Dog 1: Off-white, gray magnet, top of magnet has yellowish tint, red dot on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, gray magnet, red dot on bottom of magnet
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Directions: THEY DANCE, JUMP, and WHIRL AROUND
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors are pale grayish-yellow and red
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors are pale grayish-yellow and red
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| HOTSY and TOTSY |
(15) Product Name: "Hotsy & Totsy"
Additional Product Copy: MERRY MAGNETIC PUPS; LICENSED ALNICO MAGNET; ATLAS NOVELTY CO. / 420 WOODWARD AVE. / DETROIT - - MICH.
Year: Not Listed
Company: ATLAS NOVELTY CO.
Made In: U.S.A.
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, orange dot on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, orange dot on bottom of magnet
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Year: Not Listed
Company: ATLAS NOVELTY CO.
Made In: U.S.A.
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, orange dot on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, orange dot on bottom of magnet
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Packaging: Orange cardboard box with black lettering
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| Hotsy & Totsy |
(16) Product Name: MACK AND HIS LADY.
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: Brown, silver magnet with red band around front of magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet with red band around front of magnet
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: Brown, silver magnet with red band around front of magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet with red band around front of magnet
Directions: Now Mack being a true jet black thoroughbred, had reached that age which impelled him to think kindly of the little brown Scottie next door. Opportunities of meeting were few, but alas, when fortune was kind his playful approaches were repelled. To find the answer, place the Brown Lady Scottie on a flat polished surface make a gradual rear approach with Mack towards her and watch results.
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Packaging: Cardboard box, brown top, off-white bottom
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| MACK AND HIS LADY |
(17) Product Name: MAGNETIC DOGS
Additional Product Copy: A QUALITY PRODUCT OF MECHANICAL SERVANTS, INC. HERE TO SERVE YOU WHEN YOU NEED THEM; NO. 1200 MAGNETIC DOGS; BOX NO. 29
Year: Not Listed
Company: Mechanical Servants, Inc.
Made In: TAIWAN
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet, dog is plastic and face does not resemble a dog
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet, dog is plastic and face does not resemble a dog
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Made In: TAIWAN
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet, dog is plastic and face does not resemble a dog
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet, dog is plastic and face does not resemble a dog
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Packaging: White cardboard box with red lettering
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| MAGNETIC DOGS |
(18) Product Name: MAGNETIC DOGS
Additional Product Copy: A QUALITY PRODUCT OF Mechanical Servants, Inc. HERE TO SERVE YOU WHEN YOU NEED THEM; DISTRIBUTED BY MECHANICAL SERVANTS, INC.; BOX NO. 15
Year: Not Listed
Company: Mechanical Servants, Inc.
Made In: CHICAGO, ILL.
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: Kiss
Made In: CHICAGO, ILL.
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: Kiss
Packaging: White cardboard box with red lettering
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| MAGNETIC DOGS |
(19) Product Name: Magnetic Dogs (stamped on flap of box... word is cut off... says, "Magnetic D")
Additional Product Copy: A QUALITY PRODUCT OF MECHANICAL SERVANTS, INC. HERE TO SERVE YOU WHEN YOU NEED THEM; BOX NO. 29
Year: Not Listed
Company: Mechanical Servants, Inc.
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet, dog is plastic and has a deep indentation on one side
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet, dog is plastic
Additional Information: Kiss
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet, dog is plastic and has a deep indentation on one side
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet, dog is plastic
Additional Information: Kiss
Packaging: White cardboard box with red lettering
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| Magnetic Dogs |
(20) Product Name: MAGNETIC "JITTERPUPS"
Additional Product Copy: MADE IN U.S.A.
Year: Not Listed
Company: MONARCH MFG. CO.
Made In: CHICAGO, ILL.
Dog 1: White, gray magnet, gold shiny splotch on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, gray magnet
Additional Information: Kiss; eBay purchase description (purchased 25 August 2023) - "These were my Mothers. I have had them 30 years and I know she had them long before."
Made In: CHICAGO, ILL.
Dog 1: White, gray magnet, gold shiny splotch on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, gray magnet
Additional Information: Kiss; eBay purchase description (purchased 25 August 2023) - "These were my Mothers. I have had them 30 years and I know she had them long before."
Packaging: Light greenish box with red lettering
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| MAGNETIC "JITTERPUPS" |
(21) Product Name: MAGNETIC SCOTTIES
Additional Product Copy: MADE IN U.S.A.
Year: Not Listed
Company: STRIKALITE LTD., INC.Made In: NEW YORK, N.Y.
Dog 1: White, red nose, black eyes, top of magnet painted red, silver splotch on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet gray, visible seam down the middle of the dog, brownish staining on dog's left side and feet from glue
Dog 2: Black, red nose, white eyes, top of magnet painted red, silver splotch on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet gray, visible seam down the middle of the dog
Directions: When not in use keep magnets bottom to bottom, heads in same direction.
Additional Information: Kiss
Packaging: Brown cardboard box, black lettering
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| MAGNETIC SCOTTIES |
(22) Product Name: MAGNETIC SCOTTIES
Additional Product Copy: MADE IN U.S.A.
Year: Not Listed
Company: STRIKALITE LTD., INC.Made In: NEW YORK, N.Y.
Dog 1: White, red nose, black eyes, top of magnet painted red, silver splotch on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet gray, visible seam down the middle of the dog
Dog 2: Black, red nose, white eyes, top of magnet painted red, silver splotch on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet gray, visible seam down the middle of the dog
Directions: When not in use keep magnets bottom to bottom, heads in same direction.
Additional Information: Are not attached to their magnets
Packaging: Brown cardboard box, black lettering
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| MAGNETIC SCOTTIES |
(23) Product Name: Not Listed (MAGNETIC SCOTTIES)
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed (STRIKALITE LTD., INC.)Made In: Not Listed (NEW YORK, N.Y.)
Dog 1: Off-white, red nose, black eyes, top of magnet painted red, silver splotch on bottom of magnet; bottom of magnet black; visible seam down the middle of the dog
Dog 2: Black, red nose, white eyes, top of magnet painted red, bottom of magnet black, visible seam down the middle of the dog
Directions: Not Listed (When not in use keep magnets bottom to bottom, heads in same direction.)
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Packaging: Did not come in original packaging; discovered in an Eastman Kodak Company tin can at a barn sale
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| MAGNETIC SCOTTIES |
(24) Product Name: MAGNETIC SCOTTIE DOGS
Additional Copy: WORLD FAMOUS; WOOF!; ARF!; TONS OF FUN; 4+; MADE IN U.S.A.
Year: Not Listed
Company: MAGNAPRODUCTSMade In: Grafton, Ohio (1017 Commerce Drive, Grafton OH 44044)
Dog 1: White, black magnet with flat bottom
Dog 2: Black, black magnet with flat bottom
Directions: Strictly for fun, these Magnetic Scottie Dogs will bring back fond childhood memories. As you move them around on their ceramic magnet bases, scotties are magnetically attracted face to face. Place one scottie atop a card or paper, move the other around beneath him on the underside, and watch the top dog travel magically all by himself.
Additional Information: CP 5000
Product Warnings: CHOKING HAZARD! NOT FOR CHILDREN UNDER 4 YEARS AGE.
Packaging: Carboard backing; primary colors are white, black, yellow, and red
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| MAGNETIC SCOTTIE DOGS |
(25) Product Name: MAGNETIC Spunky Dogs
Additional Product Copy: They Attract / and Repel; LOTS OF FUN!; MAGNETIC SPUNKY SCOTTIES; HOURS OF FUN AND "FACINATION"
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Hong Kong
Dog 1: White, black magnet, short snout
Dog 2: Black, black magnet, short snout
Additional Information: NO. 9004; 49 in upper right hand corner (price?)
Directions: They Attract Each Other; They Repel Each Other
Packaging: Plastic bag, cardboard hanger, cardboard backing in package; dominant colors are yellow and red
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Hong Kong
Dog 1: White, black magnet, short snout
Dog 2: Black, black magnet, short snout
Additional Information: NO. 9004; 49 in upper right hand corner (price?)
Directions: They Attract Each Other; They Repel Each Other
Packaging: Plastic bag, cardboard hanger, cardboard backing in package; dominant colors are yellow and red
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| MAGNETIC Spunky Dogs |
(26) Product Name: MAGNETIC TRICKY DOGS
Additional Product Copy: CHIENS MAGIQUES RIC et RAC; MAGNET HUNDE / Ne convient pas aux enfants de moins de 36 mois. La conformité du présent produit aux Normes Françaises obligatoires est garantie par l'importateur: P. Biewan, SARL 75010 Paris
Year: Not Listed
Company: Magneto
Made In: Western Germany
Dog 1: White, red collar, green eyes, red tongue, black square magnet visible in rear
Dog 2: Black, red collar, green eyes, black square magnet visible in rear
Packaging: Cardboard (pink, blue, yellow) box; white and black lettering
Year: Not Listed
Company: Magneto
Made In: Western Germany
Dog 1: White, red collar, green eyes, red tongue, black square magnet visible in rear
Dog 2: Black, red collar, green eyes, black square magnet visible in rear
Additional Information: No. 3138 Ex; box is damaged considerable but I have another set with the exact same box which I used to pull the directions, etc.; do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Directions: Place the dogs on a polished surface and lead one dog against the other, head to head or from the side, and withdraw quickly. / Mets les chiens sur une table polie et mène très vite un chien vers l'autre tête à tête ou de côté et recule très vite. / Stelle die Hunde auf einen glatten Tisch und führer einen dem anderen ganz schnell Kopf an Kopf oder seitlich entgegen und weich blitzschnell wieder zurück. Der andere tanzt und springt lustig herum. Oder sie beschnuppern sich von hinten. Packaging: Cardboard (pink, blue, yellow) box; white and black lettering
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| MAGNETIC TRICKY DOGS |
(27) Product Name: MAGNETIC TRICKY DOGS (dogs appear to be from Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky and not the original dogs that came with this box; the whisky brand's motif features a West Highland White Terrier and a black Scottish Terrier)
Additional Product Copy: CHIENS MAGIQUES RIC et RAC; MAGNET HUNDE / Ne convient pas aux enfants de moins de 36 mois. La conformité du présent produit aux Normes Françaises obligatoires est garantie par l'importateur: P. Biewan, SARL 75010 Paris
Year: Not Listed
Company: Magneto
Made In: Western Germany
Dog 1: White, black magnet (appears to be a dog from Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky; the brand's motif features a West Highland White Terrier)
Dog 2: Black, black magnet (appears to be a dog from Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky; the brand's motif features a black Scottish Terrier)
Packaging: Cardboard (pink, blue, yellow) box; white and black lettering
Year: Not Listed
Company: Magneto
Made In: Western Germany
Dog 1: White, black magnet (appears to be a dog from Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky; the brand's motif features a West Highland White Terrier)
Dog 2: Black, black magnet (appears to be a dog from Black & White Blended Scotch Whisky; the brand's motif features a black Scottish Terrier)
Additional Information: No. 3138 Ex; magnet is weak and only attract the dogs to each other's hind end; black magnet is in a square shape and visible from hind end of each dog; #1727 is written in pencil on inside of flap
Directions: Place the dogs on a polished surface and lead one dog against the other, head to head or from the side, and withdraw quickly. / Mets les chiens sur une table polie et mène très vite un chien vers l'autre tête à tête ou de côté et recule très vite. / Stelle die Hunde auf einen glatten Tisch und führer einen dem anderen ganz schnell Kopf an Kopf oder seitlich entgegen und weich blitzschnell wieder zurück. Der andere tanzt und springt lustig herum. Oder sie beschnuppern sich von hinten. Packaging: Cardboard (pink, blue, yellow) box; white and black lettering
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| MAGNETIC TRICKY DOGS |
(28) Product Name: PEPPY PUPS
Additional Product Copy: MAGNETIC PUPS, WHIRL and TWIRL, POWERFUL---MAGNETIC, THEY ACT ALIVE
Year: Not Listed
Company: MAGNETIC MANUFACTURING CO.
Made In: CLEVELAND, OHIO
Company: MAGNETIC MANUFACTURING CO.
Made In: CLEVELAND, OHIO
Dog 1: Red, light gray magnet, light purple dot of paint on bottom of magnet, loop on neck
Dog 2: Black, light gray magnet
Additional Information: Pat. No. 2,249,454; kiss
Directions: Place one dog on surface (Polished wood, glass, etc., not iron). Place other dog in back of it or use sweeping motion in half circle around first dog - watch them whirl and twirl. Place one dog on cardboard, glass or thing wood. Place other dog underneath. Move bottom dog. Watch dog move around.
Packaging: Black box, off-white lettering and image
Directions: Place one dog on surface (Polished wood, glass, etc., not iron). Place other dog in back of it or use sweeping motion in half circle around first dog - watch them whirl and twirl. Place one dog on cardboard, glass or thing wood. Place other dog underneath. Move bottom dog. Watch dog move around.
Packaging: Black box, off-white lettering and image
PEPPY PUPS
(29) Product Name: PERKY PUPS
Additional Copy: MAGNETIC
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed
Dog 1: Yellow, gray flat magnet, bottom of magnet is gray, S and N on top of magnet
Dog 2: Black, red flat magnet, bottom of magnet is gray, S and N on top of magnet
Directions: Place one PuP on smooth surface (polished wood or glass). Push other PuP up to first PuP from behind or sweep in half circle. Watch PuP spin & turn.
Packaging: Cardboard box, black and white dogs on front of box, dominant colors are red and yellow
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| PERKY PUPS |
(30) Product Name: Schnuppi Schnappi / Sniffy Snappy / Ric + Rac magnetique
Year: Not Listed
Company: MAGNETO SPIELWAREN
Made In: Seesen, Germany
Dog 1: White, black eyes, red tongue, red collar
Dog 2: Black, green eyes, red tongue, red collar
Additional Information: D- 38713, 8520
Product Warnings: Not recommended for children under 3 years. Small may be swallowed. Retain address!
Directions: Place the dogs on a polished surface and lead one dog against the other, head to head or from the side, and withdraw quickly.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red, white, and yellow
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| Schnuppi Schnappi |
(31) Product Name: Sniffy Snappy
Additional Product Copy: Playvalue forever; Magnetic Magic Dogs; Great fun for young and old
Year: Not Listed
Company: MAGNETO KG
Made In: Seesen, West Germany
Address: Bismarkstraße 21, 3370 Seesen, W.-Germany
Dog 1: White, green eyes, red tongue, red collar, FJC in black ink handwritten on bottom of back feet, magnet inside of dog does not appear to be original; magnet is circular in shape and cutout is a square shape
Dog 2: Black, green eyes, red tongue, red collar, square magnet protrudes from dog's hind end
Additonal Information: Artikel-Nr. 8520; letters FJB written on front right corner of box; magnets are inside of the dogs
Product Warnings: Not recommended for children under 3 years.
Directions: Place Sniffy on a smooth surface. Let Snappy approach from front or sideways. Snappy will meet Sniffy and the quicker you move the more action will follow. Strong magnets never wear out.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red, white, and yellow
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| Sniffy Snappy |
(32) Product Name: SNOOTY PUPS
Year: Not Listed
Company: The Trick Store
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black paint dots for eyes, red paint on magnet, shiny silver paint splotch on bottom of magnet, main part of magnet is red
Dog 2: Black, white paint dots for eyes, red paint on magnet, shiny silver splotch on bottom of magnet, main part of magnet is red
Additional Information: 810 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh; TRICKS - JOKES - SOUVENIRS; dogs do not kiss... attracted to hind end
Packaging: White cardboard box
Year: Not Listed
Company: The Trick Store
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black paint dots for eyes, red paint on magnet, shiny silver paint splotch on bottom of magnet, main part of magnet is red
Dog 2: Black, white paint dots for eyes, red paint on magnet, shiny silver splotch on bottom of magnet, main part of magnet is red
Additional Information: 810 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh; TRICKS - JOKES - SOUVENIRS; dogs do not kiss... attracted to hind end
Packaging: White cardboard box
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| SNOOTY PUPS (front of box) |
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| SNOOTY PUPS (back of box) |
(33) Product Name: The Screwball Scotties / SKIPPER AND SCAMP
Additional Product Copy: THRILLLING! TANTALIZING! TERRIFIC! / AUTHENTIC LICENSED ALNICO MAGNETS / THEY TURN-TWIST-FROLIC-PLAY!
Company: Not Listed
Made In: U.S.A.
Company: Not Listed
Made In: U.S.A.
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, black dot of paint on bottom of magnet, dog's left ear appears to be chipped
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, black dot of paint on bottom of magnet
Packaging: Carboard box; off-white box with black and white lettering
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| The Screwball Scotties / SKIPPER AND SCAMP |
(34) Product Name: THE MAGIC DOGS
Year: Not Listed
Company: MILTON (A MILTON PRODUCT)Made In: AUSTRALIA
Dog 1: White, metal dog, top of magnet has chipped white paint, bottom of magnet is gray with a raised metal circle, thick magnet base
Dog 2: Black, metal dog, top of magnet has black chipped paint, bottom of magnet is gray with a raised metal circle, thick magnet base
Packaging: Carboard backing; off-white box with black and white lettering
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| The Magic Dogs |
(35) Product Name: TRICKY DOGS
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, ears are joined and meet in a sharp point
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, ears are joined and meet in a sharp point
Additional Information: U.S. PAT. NO. 2,249,454
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass). Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, and you will guide the upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red, white, and blue
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, ears are joined and meet in a sharp point
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, ears are joined and meet in a sharp point
Additional Information: U.S. PAT. NO. 2,249,454
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass). Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, and you will guide the upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red, white, and blue
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| TRICKY DOGS |
(36) Product Name: Tricky Dogs
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: U.S. PAT. NO. 2,249,454
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass). Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, and you will guide the upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Clear plastic case; white stickers with black lettering
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: U.S. PAT. NO. 2,249,454
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface (polished wood, glass). Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind, or sweep the second Tricky Dog in a half circle around the first one. Watch them twirl! Place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard (or thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.) using the other Tricky Dog underneath, and you will guide the upper Tricky Dog in any direction.
Packaging: Clear plastic case; white stickers with black lettering
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| Tricky Dogs |
(37) Product Name: TRICKY DOGS
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: Black (paint rubbed off in places), dog is metal, top of magnet is red, black circular shiny spot on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet is gray, ears are separate (two distinct ears)
Dog 2: Black, dog is metal, top of magnet is red, black circular shiny spot on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet is gray, ears are separate (two distinct ears)
Additional Information: Kiss
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface such as polished wood or glass. Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind. Watch them twirl. Also place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard, using the other Tricky Dog underneath and you will guide the upper Tricky Dog in any direction. The same trick can be performed using a thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.
Packaging: Cardboard box (more narrow than other Tricky Dog boxes); dominant colors red, off-white, and blue
Company: Not Listed
Made In: Not Listed
Dog 1: Black (paint rubbed off in places), dog is metal, top of magnet is red, black circular shiny spot on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet is gray, ears are separate (two distinct ears)
Dog 2: Black, dog is metal, top of magnet is red, black circular shiny spot on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet is gray, ears are separate (two distinct ears)
Additional Information: Kiss
Directions: Place one Tricky Dog on a smooth surface such as polished wood or glass. Push the other Tricky Dog up to it from behind. Watch them twirl. Also place one Tricky Dog on a piece of cardboard, using the other Tricky Dog underneath and you will guide the upper Tricky Dog in any direction. The same trick can be performed using a thin piece of wood, glass plate, etc.
Packaging: Cardboard box (more narrow than other Tricky Dog boxes); dominant colors red, off-white, and blue
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| TRICKY DOGS (38) Product Name: TRICKY DOGS Year: Not Listed Company: Not Listed Made In: Not Listed Dog 1: Black, dog is metal, top of magnet is red, black circular shiny spot on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet is gray, ears are separate (two distinct ears) Dog 2: Black, dog is metal, top of magnet is red, black circular shiny spot on bottom of magnet, bottom of magnet is gray, ears are separate (two distinct ears) Additional Information: Kiss Directions: None. Packaging: Cardboard box (more narrow than other Tricky Dog boxes); dominant colors red, white, and blue; light pink splotches on back of box  |
(39) Product Name: TRICKY DOGS
Additional Product Copy: TSL REGD.; MADE IN ENGLAND
Company: TSL
Made In: England
Company: TSL
Made In: England
Dog 1: White, silver magnet, raised circular spot on bottom of magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet, raised circular spot on bottom of magnet
Additional Information: Dogs kiss; TSL might stand for Thomas Salter Limited; Thomas Salter started as an English company and was originally called Thomas Salter Limited, a possible explanation of the abbreviation TSL, later Thomas Salter moved to Scotland and changed their name to Thomas Salter Toys and Sports
Packaging: Square cardboard box; white box with a red, yellow, and blue dog... words are in blue and highlighted with red
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| TRICKY DOGS |
(40) Product Name: Not Listed (TRICKY DOGS)
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed
Dog 1: Silver, silver magnet, dog is made of metal
Dog 2: Black (a lot has rubbed off), silver magnet, dog is made of metal
Packaging: None included
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| TRICKY DOGS |
(41) Product Name: Not Listed
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, silver magnet
Dog 2: Black, silver magnet
Additional Information: Appears that they are attached to the same magnet that was broken into two pieces
Packaging: Did not come in original packaging; discovered in an Eastman Kodak Company tin can at a barn sale
(42) Product Name: Not Listed
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet, dog is plastic and face does not resemble a dog
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet, dog is plastic and face does not resemble a dog
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Packaging: None included
(43) Product Name: Not Listed
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, black curved magnet
Dog 2: Black, black curved magnet
Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end
Packaging: None included
(44) Product Name: Not Listed
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed
Dog 1: White, plastic, no magnet
Dog 2: Black, plastic, no magnet
Additional Information: Purchased on Etsy; Per the seller: 1pr TINY SCOTTIE DOGS Vintage Plastic Dogs Gum Ball Charms Miniature Figurines Vending Prizes Hong Kong
Packaging: Clear plastic
(45) Product Name: Not Listed
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed
Dog 1: Red, large head, gray magnet, white dot on bottom
Dog 2: N/A
Additional Information: Potentially from the Whirl and Twirl Peppy Pups brand made in Cleveland, Ohio
Packaging: None included
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| Little Red (46) Product Name: Not Listed Year: Not Listed Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed Dog 1: Red, large head, gray magnet with a yellowish tint, purple dot on bottom Dog 2: Black, large head, gray magnet with a yellowish tint, shiny translucent circle on bottom Additional Information: Potentially from the Whirl and Twirl Peppy Pups brand made in Cleveland, Ohio; kiss Packaging: None included  (47) Product Name: Not Listed Year: Not Listed Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed Dog 1: Yellow, large head, gray magnet Dog 2: Blue, large head, gray magnet Additional Information: Kiss; shipped from Brighouse, United Kingdom; eBay seller stated they were in storage Packaging: None included  (48) Product Name: Not Listed Year: Not Listed Company: Not ListedMade In: Not Listed Dog 1: Black dog, red collar, white eyes, some paint loss, silver magnet can be seen protruding from mouth; DRGM stamped on one side Dog 2: Black dog, red collar, white eyes, some paint loss, silver magnet can be seen protruding from mouth, DRGM stamped on one side Additional Information: Do not kiss, attracted to hind end; shipped from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; eBay seller stated: Vintage DRGM Spinning Magnet Dogs Pup Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster Germany; The dogs are approximately 3/4" tall. DRGM made toys from 1891-1945. Each pup is marked D.R.G.M. on one side. Packaging: None included  |
An honorable mention... not officially a Tricky Dog but has his own trick!
(49) Product Name: TAIL-WAGGING SCOTTIE
Year: Not Listed
Company: Not Listed
Made In: "BRITISH MADE"
Dog: White, black eyes, black nose, tail moves
Additional Information: PATENT PENDING
Directions: WAVE THE BONE UNDER HIS NOSE AMD WATCH HIS TAIL WAG WITH DELIGHT
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red and black
Company: Not Listed
Made In: "BRITISH MADE"
Dog: White, black eyes, black nose, tail moves
Additional Information: PATENT PENDING
Directions: WAVE THE BONE UNDER HIS NOSE AMD WATCH HIS TAIL WAG WITH DELIGHT
Packaging: Cardboard box; dominant colors red and black
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| TAIL-WAGGING SCOTTIE |
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Adams Products:
2008 S.S. ADAMS PRODUCTS, SECRET FUN BLOG by Kirk D., 25 May 2008
Atlas Novelty Company:
ATLAS NOVELTY CO., AUTOMATIC AGE: PIONEER MAGAZINE OF THE COIN MACHINE INDUSTRY, VOL. 16, NO. 2, September 1939
FUN Inc.:
The ultimate in gag gifts by Kevin Pang and Tribune staff reporter, 12 December 2007
Harvey Avedon:
Paid Notice: Deaths AVEDON, HARVEY, 24 June 2005
H. Fishlove & Co.:
Believe it or not? The Hypo-Phony from H. Fishlove & Co. by Todd Coopee, 30 September 2022
Howard Fishlove by Mardi and Stan Timm, 23 October 2012
'Where's the Beef' Actor Was In 'Blob' by Maureen O'Donnell, 23 October 2012
How Your Grandpa Got His LOLs by Lisa Hix, 24 August 2012
H. FISHLOVE by Mardi and Stan Timm, 2011
The ultimate in gag gifts by Kevin Pang and Tribune staff reporter, 12 December 2007
Collectors Questions: Tricky Dog Toys, 3 June 2004
STRIKALITE LTD., INC.:
Harvey Avedon: Mr. StrikALite by Larry Tolkin
Lighter Library: Strikalite Ltd, Inc. by Various Contributors
Other brand - Harvey Avedon - Cufflinks sold by richbooks
Mechanical Servants, Inc.:
Remember these iconic vending machines at New Jersey Turnpike rest stops? by Jim Beckerman, 6 January 2019
The Mechanical Servant by Kirk D., 27 May 2006
TSL:
https://www.slingshotforum.com/threads/tsl.73009/ Last post by
N.Bird, Nov 26, 2017
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Magnets in Popular Culture:
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Interesting note on why some magnets may have been painted red:
"Although not widely regarded as necessary a common coating for Alnico magnets is paint, usually to make them look better as their raw surface is a dark grey colour if not machine polished. The colour of choice is almost always red!"
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The acronym D.R.G.M. with or without punctuation stands for Deutsches Reichsgebrauchsmuster, meaning that the design or function of an item was officially registered inside all of the Germany states and not only locally registered as it was the case before the introduction of centralized registration. Note that many people quote this acronym as standing for Deutsches Reich Gebrauchsmuster, which is grammatically wrong and also ommits the letter 's' after Reich. This results in shifting the weight of pronounciation on 'Deutsches Reich' alone, but this acronym has nothing to do with the Third Reich as many sellers want to imply so to catch the attention of certain 'collectors'.
D.R.G.M. registration was introduced 1891 and if you are dating items you should hold in mind that even during Allied occupation up until 1949, registration procedures remained untouched and still used the D.R.G.M. registration documents, which of course explains why D.R.G.M. marks can be found on products actually manufactured up until 1952 as the registration itself was valid for three years. As from the end of October 1952, all registrations were definately marked with 'Deutsches Bundesgebrauchsmuster' (D.B.G.M.) or simply with 'Gebrauchsmuster' or 'Gebrauchsmusterschutz', see below.
As already noted, the D.R.G.M. registration offered a basic copyright protection for the duration of three years and included the right to indicate the item status by marking the registered items with the D.R.G.M. acronym. It was left to the registration owner to include the registration number as the D.R.G.M. marking alone was the element with legal character. The actual result of such a registration (the form of protection) was called Gebrauchsmusterschutz.
D.R.G.M. registered products were protected either for their way of intended use or design only and this did not include patent protection. Patent rights were secured by applying for a Deutsches Reichspatent (D.R.P.), so even if many people use the term 'D.R.G.M-Patent' it is factually wrong. Reason for this mix-up was that the D.R.G.M. registration in colloquial language was also known as 'kleines Reichspatent' which literally stands for 'small Imperial patent' but actually was meant as 'poor people's patent' and made fun of the fact that many manufacturers could not afford the fees needed to register a full patent. One should take into count that German patent registration fees (as was openly criticized during the year 1906) where two and a half times higher than in England - and 36 (!!!) times higher than in the US.
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