Jakas Toys

Toys by the Indian firm, Jakas, are very popular as collectables on the Indian market.

They began production in 1954, and these earliest teddies are quite rare. All the joints were moveable, with glass eyes and made from mohair. Kapok was used as the stuffing.

By the 1960s synthetic fur and plastic joints and eyes were in use. Prices for the toys were therefore lowered, as these materials were cheaper than the traditional ones.

The distinctive Jakas teddy, with outstretched arms and typical embroidered face, was introduced in the 1960s. Unjointed, they did bend at the hips, in order to be able to sit. An extensive range of toys were also made, all with the typical face and included dogs, bunnies, and poodles. A wheeled range of animals such as bears and horses was made in both a pre-walker and a walker size. Teddies were made in many sizes, often light brown the most famous being Big Ted. Pyjama cases were also popular!

As did Joy Toys, Jakas could not compete with the influx of cheaper Asian toys from the 1970s onwards, though it did reduce the quality and costs, in an attempt to stay in business. In the 1990s Jakas was forced to close its doors.