Saalfield Publishing Co.
77 years in operation (1900–1977)
About Saalfield Publishing Co.
Saalfield was a major publisher of children's books, coloring books, paper dolls, and games. Their licensed paper doll books featuring Shirley Temple, movie stars, and Disney characters are highly collectible. Saalfield produced coloring books, activity books, and board games across eight decades.
Founding
Arthur J. Saalfield, who left a Chicago publisher to establish his own children's book business in Akron, Ohio in 1900.
History of Saalfield Publishing Co.
Saalfield was one of the largest publishers of children's books and paper goods in America, and its significance for toy collectors lies in paper dolls. The company produced them in enormous quantity from the 1920s onward, and its licensing was excellent: Shirley Temple paper dolls in the 1930s sold in the millions and are the best-known American paper dolls ever published.
The catalogue extends to colouring books, activity books, linen books for small children, jigsaw puzzles and boxed games, much of it licensed — Disney, film stars, radio and later television personalities. Taken together it is an unusually complete printed record of who American children were interested in, decade by decade.
Paper is the most disposable of all toy materials, which is the central fact of this collecting field: enormous production, tiny survival, and value concentrated almost entirely in uncut and unmarked examples. Saalfield ceased operations in 1977.
Timeline
- 1900Arthur Saalfield establishes the publishing business in Akron, Ohio
- 1920Paper dolls, colouring books and activity books are core products
- 1934Shirley Temple paper dolls become the company's greatest success
- 1950Film and television licensed paper dolls and colouring books continue the line
- 1977The company ceases operations
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Saalfield Shirley Temple paper dolls
- Saalfield Disney character coloring books
- Saalfield paper doll books
- Saalfield movie star paper dolls
- Saalfield jigsaw puzzles
Identifying & Dating Saalfield Publishing Co. Toys
- Look for "The Saalfield Publishing Co." with "Akron, Ohio" and a copyright date printed on the cover or back of the book or box.
- Copyright dates on paper goods are generally reliable and are the standard dating reference.
- Licensed items carry the licensor or personality's authorisation line, which dates them tightly.
Collector's Notes
- Uncut paper dolls are the whole market. A cut set is worth a small fraction of an uncut one, however carefully it was cut, and colouring books must be uncoloured.
- Shirley Temple and other star licences are the strongest sellers, and cover condition governs value since the cover is the display face.
- Paper is light-sensitive and acidic. Store flat, dark and dry, with acid-free interleaving; foxing and brittleness are progressive and cannot be reversed.
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Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saalfield Publishing Co. founded?
Saalfield Publishing Co. was founded in 1900, based in Akron, OH.
Is Saalfield Publishing Co. still in business?
No. Saalfield Publishing Co. ceased operations in 1977, after 77 years in business.
What is Saalfield Publishing Co. best known for?
Saalfield Publishing Co. is best known for Saalfield Shirley Temple paper dolls, Saalfield Disney character coloring books, Saalfield paper doll books, among other toys.
Where was Saalfield Publishing Co. located?
Saalfield Publishing Co. was based in Akron, OH.
What kinds of toys did Saalfield Publishing Co. make?
Saalfield Publishing Co. is categorized under games, paper toys, books, puzzles.
Who founded Saalfield Publishing Co.?
Arthur J. Saalfield, who left a Chicago publisher to establish his own children's book business in Akron, Ohio in 1900.
How can you identify genuine Saalfield Publishing Co. toys?
Look for "The Saalfield Publishing Co." with "Akron, Ohio" and a copyright date printed on the cover or back of the book or box. Copyright dates on paper goods are generally reliable and are the standard dating reference. Licensed items carry the licensor or personality's authorisation line, which dates them tightly.
Are Saalfield Publishing Co. toys valuable?
Uncut paper dolls are the whole market. A cut set is worth a small fraction of an uncut one, however carefully it was cut, and colouring books must be uncoloured. Shirley Temple and other star licences are the strongest sellers, and cover condition governs value since the cover is the display face. Paper is light-sensitive and acidic. Store flat, dark and dry, with acid-free interleaving; foxing and brittleness are progressive and cannot be reversed.