Monday, March 15, 2010

On Whom They Beat

Decided to devote this entry to the legion of furball Vikings who've had the good taste to make our foyer their own personal Valhalla. Popular during the mid-60s, the majority of 'em were manufactured in Denmark, Sweden, Spain and Japan. Valery originally started this collection, with me contributing a good chunk during our early courtship days. Nothing says I Love You like giving your girl an armed warrior bent on bloodshed and buggery.

Here are some of our favorites:

The middle guy's probably the most laughably hirsute of the bunch. Our blow-up doll Viking was a recent arrival and we're still trying to figure out what its designer, Carl Bent, was thinking when he dreamt it up. Guess he figured it was easy to get bored on a long voyage...

The guy on the left is my absolute favorite—I love his triangular body and mace. The other two guys are similarly bushy and menacing.

These three little guys make a great set. This larger one's an Italian lamp from the 60s. We've got a matching Caveman (as seen in the Sounds of the Weird-Ohs spread), too ...I'm sure we'll devote a separate entry to 'em somewhere down the line.

Our army stares wistfully at their ship on the horizon. Found the gnarled and enormous (it's 5' long!) Witco Knarr portrait listed on eBay by a seller in Atlanta. We were both stunned when it went for the minimum bid of $9.99. Needless to say, we picked it up in person the same day!

8 comments:

Amber Von Felts said...

I have seen these all over the thrifting place! Who knew there were som many different ones! I'd like to see the Blue one up close!

Gonked, Glooked and Slurped! said...

Here ya go:

http://i809.photobucket.com/albums/zz12/gonkedglookedslurped/VKGZ006.jpg

We're always looking for more of these guys, so please consider that there's a finder's fee reward the next time you find a good one (we don't already have) for cheap!

Susie O said...

I don't see these very often. Your collection is very impressive. They are all so adorably goofy.

Gonked, Glooked and Slurped! said...

We don't see them around here very often either--most of 'em have been found online. We're always hopeful that we'll run across a stash of 'em in person.

Fat Cat said...

I am totally hooked on these guys too ;-) They are also guarding my entrance hall... http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JMfyGg4w0dM/S-0_p1P6GRI/AAAAAAAAApM/lBBkGajlV6o/s1600/P1030105.JPG
I am very much impressed by your collection.

Gonked, Glooked and Slurped! said...

Nice collection, Fat Cat. We see some familiar faces. Who can deny these little guys!

Thanks for the comment!

Marc said...

I couldnt resist and just made my first GG&S-inspired purchase:

http://stores.ebay.com/SCHLOSSALLEE-1887_Wikinger_W0QQ_fsubZ21415362QQ_sidZ54242471QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322

I dunno about international shipping but for me (domestic) it was cheap..

Thanks GG&S!

Gonked, Glooked & Slurped! said...

Marc,

Thanks for the link. I think you're soon-to-be responsible for some recent Viking acquisitions (assuming that the shipping doesn't kill the deal).

GG&S