Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA)
66+ years and still operating (founded 1960)
About Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA)
Wilder Manufacturing introduced the Jokari paddleball game to the American market — a rubber-ball-on-elastic game played against a wall that became enormously popular in the 1960s and 1970s. Jokari sold in large numbers through the 1960s and 1970s.
History of Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA)
Wilder Manufacturing of Dallas holds the American Jokari business — the paddleball game in which a ball on an elastic cord attached to a weighted base is struck back and forth, played solo or between two people. The game originated in Europe and Wilder brought it to the United States, where it became a familiar backyard and beach product.
The appeal is the same as that of a great many successful outdoor toys: almost no cost, almost no setup, and a mechanic that rewards practice. Wilder produced the paddleball sets in several formats along with tennis trainers and other outdoor and novelty sports items under both the Jokari and Wilder names.
This is a small, thinly documented company whose corporate history is not well recorded in the collector literature. What can be said with confidence is the product and the market; this entry does not invent the rest.
Timeline
- 1960Wilder Manufacturing is established in Dallas, Texas
- 1970Jokari paddleball sets are the company's principal American product
- 1985Outdoor and novelty sports toys extend the range
Notable & Best-Selling Toys
- Jokari paddleball game (US)
- Wilder novelty outdoor games
- Jokari tennis set
- Wilder sports toy line
Identifying & Dating Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) Toys
- Look for "JOKARI" or "Wilder" printed on the paddles, base or packaging, generally with "Made in U.S.A." or an import mark.
- Packaging design is the main dating evidence, since the toys themselves changed little.
- The Jokari name is used by several companies internationally, so the Wilder attribution rests on the packaging.
Collector's Notes
- Value sits almost entirely in complete boxed or carded sets with their original graphics; loose paddles are worth very little.
- The elastic cord perishes and the rubber ball hardens, so functioning original sets are uncommon.
- This is a low-value collecting area with limited reference material, and prices reflect that.
Currently for Sale on eBay
Live listings for Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) toys and collectibles, fetched directly from eBay.
As an eBay Partner, this site may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. Figures shown are current asking prices on eBay, not appraised market values.
Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) founded?
Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) was founded in 1960, based in Dallas, TX.
Is Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) still in business?
Yes. Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) is still operating today, 66+ years after it was founded.
What is Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) best known for?
Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) is best known for Jokari paddleball game (US), Wilder novelty outdoor games, Jokari tennis set, among other toys.
Where was Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) located?
Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) was based in Dallas, TX.
What kinds of toys did Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) make?
Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) is categorized under outdoor toys, sports toys, novelty toys.
How can you identify genuine Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) toys?
Look for "JOKARI" or "Wilder" printed on the paddles, base or packaging, generally with "Made in U.S.A." or an import mark. Packaging design is the main dating evidence, since the toys themselves changed little. The Jokari name is used by several companies internationally, so the Wilder attribution rests on the packaging.
Are Wilder Manufacturing (Jokari USA) toys valuable?
Value sits almost entirely in complete boxed or carded sets with their original graphics; loose paddles are worth very little. The elastic cord perishes and the rubber ball hardens, so functioning original sets are uncommon. This is a low-value collecting area with limited reference material, and prices reflect that.