“Adopt-A-Norfin” - Thomas DAM TROLL Dolls

 

    After many years of disappearance in the USA, in the mid 1980’s the E.F.S. Marketing Associates of Farmingdale NY was one of the few USA companies who was granted permission to import DAM trolls (Dam Things Aps) from Denmark back into the U.S.A. Many of these newer DAM’s were re-sold under the registered name of “Adopt-A-Norfin,”  they came with distinctive turquoise blue hang-tags. The  NORFIN name was registered to the E.F.S Marketing Company (the NORFIN trademark name was- filed on Dec 30, 1982 and cancelled on Jan 22, 2005. For reference/source please refer to U.S. Patent & Trademark website– use TESS search trademark option, basic search/new user, type in NORFIN then click on- SN 73407799). The DAM company itself had nothing to do with implementation of the NORFIN trademark/name.

 

   The re-appearance of these DAM trolls was eagerly accepted by the baby-boomers from the 1960’s who remembered these trolls from their childhood. But there was still stiff competition at this time with the knock-off trolls already being sold in the U.S.A., by various companies like Wishnik, Uneeda, Applause and Russ Berrie. Shown below are shown a few of  the Norfins that were sold from mid 1980’s to early 1990’s. The majority of these early “Norfins” had FELT clothing, with a few exceptions like the anatomically correct baby troll dolls. Most of these DAM trolls, were made in Denmark but a few are marked as-  Made in China.

 

  

 

 

# 330 Series- Anatomically Correct Baby Troll Dolls- shown in above photos are DAM’s anatomically correct baby dolls, in original mint condition with factory made clothing. These babies are one of the more unique versions created by Thomas Dam– with a cross between a humanoid and almost troll-like features. For adults who were hesitant about giving their children dolls with sexual characteristics or perhaps for those who couldn’t make up their mind if they wanted a boy or a girl— there was also an “un-sexed” version (very smooth between, like a Barbie doll)—this troll is shown in the first photo of the sitting baby and in the second photo of  the first baby standing at the back. All of these babies are all marked on the back of their bodies (see photo below)– MADE IN DENMARK BY DAM 1974 ©. It is hard to make out the markings on the back of some of these babies. They came with rooted hair and plastic human-like brown eyes. There were two skin-tones offered—a flesh colored with blonde hair and chocolate colored with black hair. Head, arms and legs are fully articulated on all. Girls (and un-sexed) came with a tee-shirt like top trimmed with lace, one of the girls shown in first photo even came with a pink striped top that had lace and a tiny embroidered flower. A few girls even had a sweet two piece playsuit that consisted of a top with matching panties (picture shown above was a girl that was found on e-bay). Boys came with a simple tee-shirt top that was trimmed at edges or with a very sweet two piece shirt and jumper set (playsuit). All clothing had removable snaps. In the “Adopt-A Norfin” 1984 brochure the series styles are- #3301– flesh girl, #3302-chocolate girl, #3303– flesh boy, #3304-chocolate boy. I believe the unsexed version is #3300. These babies each stand 11 1/2” high. I believe this was the first and last run of this troll/doll type, but I could be wrong as a girl with longer rooted hair in a dress with a box was also seen on e-bay. These babies originally sold for about $25 USD), and can still be found on the secondary market for anywhere from $20 (USD) and up.

    There were several other trolls sold under the “Adopt-A-Norfin” name that were theme specific. The unique 9 1/4” high “Paddy” troll (#6047) with his synthetic lime green hair and two-toned green felt outfit appeared around St. Patrick’s day (in 1992), the only mark he has is on his back– Thomas DAM © 1977 Made in Denmark. The 9 1/4” in high “Neandertroll” (#6052) with his spotted fabric tunic and long white Icelandic wool hair knotted with a white plastic bone. The very unique “Brother John” (#1437)  with his rooted curly synthetic hair and a bald top turns his eyes up towards the heavens, he has a moveable head and both of his arms move, painted black shoes.

     The very interesting “Storybook Troll” (#101) with The Tiny Ones Goodbye Party has the story attached to a box that has one of the smallest trolls –aka– Tiny One (3” high with synthetic hair, brown plastic eyes, 1 pc felt dress glued in back). The story details why the trolls left their homeland & set off to America, it has lovely color illustrations. The “Little Tykes” consisted of the smaller trolls with upward eyes in various outfits, synthetic hair no moving parts. There was a bunch of odd stuff such as the Norfin- Christmas stocking, digital wrist watch, magnetic glow in the dark and other Norfin troll magnets, key chains, pencil toppers, bendables, etc

To view PDF copy of 1992 catalog click on photo above. To view 1984 Brochure click on image below

# 800- DAM Store Display  “Mega” model– One of the LARGEST DAM trolls ever made, stands an impressive ~20” high, with brown plastic eyes, has moveable head and arms, notice there are only four fingers and four toes. Marked on right foot– 800, on the back of body (below neck)– Made in Denmark Thomas DAM 1977. Outfits were normally a boy with top and pants, but there were a few that had dresses too. These were not intended for re-sale to the general public. Intended to be for store displays only, out stretched hands were meant to hold smaller DAM trolls. There is another body that was used known as the one toe (stocking) version, these used the same head, torso & arms just different legs which made the troll slightly shorter. (~18 in). The legs were grooved and meant to have stockings painted (or worn) these are unmarked. See comparison photos below showing the two versions, photos provided by Cheryl Gafforini and used with permission.

   It is hard to find these guys for sale, supposedly only a few hundred made, some collectors say ~500 or less. Due to their size some have loose joints (can’t stand on their own or have weak necks). They can sometimes be found on secondary market at a minimum starting price of  around $1,000 (USD) & up

#800 Model ~20 in high four toe  & ~18 in high one toe version of DAM Store Display (aka Mega Troll

 

[photos courtesy of Cheryl Gafforini– used with permission]

“Adopt-A-Norfin”  Thomas DAM Trolls

#7003 (Grandma Claus) & #7004 (Grandpa Claus) over the years there have been a few different versions. In the late 1980’s to early 1990’s you could find the ones with hats glued to the head (see photo on right side) and no mustache.

    Later versions hat was not glued to head Mr & Mrs Claus have a white synthetic fur trim on outfits. Also Mr Claus has a synthetic mustache & black belt with buckle.

   Grandma’s hair & grandpa’s beard are genuine Icelandic wool.