Cyclops Toys is an Australian icon that was bought out by Line Bros. UK during the 1950’s and ultimately returned to Australian ownership via Hunter Leisure. My collection of Cyclops items is limited to a refurbished scooter that I keep simply because I had one as a kid. I think it was a standard for most Aussie kids to at least have ridden a Cyclops scooter, pedal car, or bike during their childhood.
However, something that I have enjoyed looking at for a number of years since I picked it up at a market stall, is a 1960’s sales brochure for the Lines Bros. and Cyclops products. I have had it mounted as a double-sided perspex mount and it hangs in our rumpus room along side my toy display.
Hi, I’m currently researching the origins of my Sindy doll, which was purchased in Australia around 1965 or 1966. I saw in an ad in the Australian Women’s Weekly (1966) that it was distributed through Cyclops Lines (Australia). She has made in Hong Kong on her back but some collectors in England claim she must have been assembled in New Zealand, then imported into Australia. Any chance this is true or did the Australian branch import direct from Hong Kong (which to me makes more sense)?
Hi Dee
I have looked but not found anything specific to date. The assembly in New Zealand is quite possible as they had an embargo on finished goods. To encourage NZ manufacturing the government had banned finished goods and many factories were importing parts and assembling there to get around the embargo.
cheers
Tony
G’day Tony,
Sorry to see that the Pedigree dolls shown on this web-site are still regarded as being made in the UK. This is not so as they were made by Moldex in Fairfield, Melbourne in 1965.
For a fee, could a copy of the dolls be sent to me, please?.
It is never mentioned that the Melbourne Micro Models were manufactured by Goodwood (Aust,) Productions.
Catalogue references available.
Barbara.
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for the feedback. I will update the site information soon.
cheers
Tony
Hi, As an Australian doll historian and researcher, it is interesting to see the page on Pedigree vinyl dolls which, in actual fact, were all made at Moldex, Darebin Road, Fairfield, Victoria which, in the 1960s was owned by Cyclops. The dolls shown here were marketed from 1963 to 1965.
If I am able to send pics to you, I could supply references. I do have some of those dolls shown including Little Red Riding Hood.
Barbara.
Hi,
just wondering if there are any cyclops toys for sale?
Thanks Rhys
Hi Rhys
Sorry, nothing for sale. My only item is a really old scooter that is similar to one I had as a kid. It is in the shed awaiting some time for a bit of TLC and then I’ll include it here. I did have a Cyclops pedal car as a youngster but I think it is long gone.
cheers
Tony