1960s Fred Kail “Joe Jolter” Small Standing Lineman Near Set (13)

Presented is a stunning array of the iconic Fred Kail Small Standing Lineman 5 ½-inch figures, the famous “Joe Jolter” creation that featured a cartoonish interpretation with exaggerated facial features and shoulder pads adorning an ill-fitting but endearing uniform. Typically offered as individual pieces, the offered group presents a rare opportunity to pick up what is nearly a complete set of the beloved figures, missing only the Dallas Cowboys. 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 figures include the NFL Team Name decals at the front of the base with the sole exception being the 49ers; the group presents in outstanding fashion, typically Ex-Mt or better, with some qualifiers noted in the listing. Here’s the breakdown of the Small Standing Lineman Near Set (13): 1) Packers – nicks to the decal Nos.; 2) Lions – nicks to the decal Nos.; 3) Bears – tiny nicks to the helmet, jersey, football and shoulder decal Nos.; 4) Colts – superb figure with sensational colors and gloss; 5) 49ers – nicks to the helmet, jersey and decal Nos.; 6) Vikings – wonderful piece, with barest nicks to the shoes and decal Nos.; 7) Rams – notable chips to the decal Nos.; 8) Giants – outstanding piece, with nicks to the shoulder Nos.; 9) Steelers – wonderful piece, with nicks to the decal Nos.; 10) Browns – another superb example, with nicks to back number decal; 11) Redskins – outstanding piece, with barest nicks to shoulder decal Nos.; 12) Cardinals – superb piece, with barest nicks to shoulder decal Nos.; and 13) Eagles – with chips to jersey, toe and decal Nos.