1960s Fred Kail “Bruce Bruiser” Small Down Lineman Figures (8)

Presented is an exceptional array of the iconic Fred Kail Large Down Lineman figures, the famous “Bruce Bruiser” 3 ½-inch square creations in a three-point stance that featured a cartoonish interpretation with exaggerated facial features and shoulder pads adorning an ill-fitting but endearing uniform. The Maryland native Kail launched his unlikely vocation with pieces dressed as his hometown Baltimore Colts, with legend coyly suggesting that Hall of Fame lineman Art Donovan and his decidedly unathletic appearing physique might be the inspiration for the design. Kail started selling the pieces at Memorial Stadium, eventually becoming so popular that the line was expanded to include other NFL teams and he signed an agreement to have the ceramic figures produced in Japan. Ultimately, the Kail figures would lay claim to being the first officially licensed NFL product in 1961. The roster of figures included the 10-inch “Joe Jolter” Large Standing Lineman, a 5 ½-inch Small Standing Lineman, Large Down Lineman “Bruce Bruiser” (6 inches wide and tall), a 3 ½-inch Small Down Lineman and the Large Stadium Ashtray. The offered group of 3 ½-inch square pieces presents in outstanding fashion, typically Ex-Mt or better, with some qualifiers noted in the listing. Here’s the breakdown Small Down Lineman (8): 1) Colts – barest nicks to shoe, sock and shoulder decal Nos.; 2) Colts – outstanding piece, with barest nicks to jersey and helmet stripe; 3) Bears – nicks to jersey and shoulder decal Nos.; 4) Browns – notable nicks to helmet and back decal numbers, lesser to jersey and socks; 5) Cardinals – superb example, with tiniest nick to jersey; 6) Eagles – leg repaired, plus nicks to helmet, jersey, hands, shoes and decal Nos.; 7) Lions – nicks to jersey, chin strap, pants, shoes and socks; and 8) Bears – faceguard is missing, plus notable chips to jersey and lesser to helmet and shoes.