Vintage "World's Best Father" figurine by Russ Berrie, marked on the bottom "(c) 1970 Berries / Made in Hong Kong."

Plastic figurine, c.4.1/4" tall; c.2.3/4" x 1.1/4", a little wear, especially the label with the inscription on the trophy, very good condition.

Russ Berrie (1933-2002) began working as a salesperson for a toy company located in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of twenty-three. By 1957 he established himself as a manufacturer's representative. Master Industries, a maker of plush animals, was among his first clients. Later he added Pet Toys, a New York City concern that produced a line of little fur animals. In 1963 Berrie established his own business, manufacturing Fuzzy Wuzzies, a line of little fur mice and stuffed animals, in a garage in Palisades Park, New Jersey. Fuzzy Wuzzies had a wooden base that featured sayings such as "Happy Birthday" or "I Love You." He also produced a line of trophies with sayings such as "World’s Greatest Lover."

Berrie was a major manufacturer of message novelties that conveyed love or appreciation. In 1968 he introduced Sillisculpts, plastic figurines with a message with an attitude. Berrie later introduced Trolls and Bears From The Past to the American market as well as a host of other products. He was honored posthumously with Gifts & Decorative Accessories magazine's Industry Achievement Award in 2003.

US: Priority (c.2-4 days) --------- $12.50
Canada: 1st Class (c.2-4 weeks) -- $28.50
World: 1st Class (c.2-5 weeks) --- $42.50