Pelham Puppets, originally named Wonky Toys Ltd., was founded in 1947 in Marlborough, England by Robert (Bob) Pelham. They originally made small wooden toys and marionettes, but acquired the rights to make Disney character puppets in 1953.

Pinocchio was one of the most popular characters. There were also many versions of Mickey Mouse made over the years, making examples comparatively common as well.

A fire in 1961 resulted in the factory being rebuilt and at the same time the product range was reorganised. Some old lines were dropped and new ranges introduced.

Bob Pelham died in 1980, and business was continued by his wife until 1985 when it was sold. After several more ownership changes, the company went into liquidation in 1993.

The company was revived by a former employee in 2008, and it now produces a number of the old designs as well as new creations.

Early puppets generally more...

16 items found:

These items have been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.

Gypsy Pelham Puppets. Made in England. Box measures 33 cm x 10…

English-made Gypsy Pelham Puppets in Box

Gypsy Pelham Puppets. Made in England. Box measures 33 cm x 10 cm x 7 cm

Parrot Pelham Puppet. Made in England. Original box. Box…

English Parrot Pelham Puppet with Original Box

Parrot Pelham Puppet. Made in England. Original box. Box measures 17 cm x 10 cm x 8 cm.

A handmade and painted Pelham puppet, black boy in original…

Handmade Pelham Puppet: Black Boy in Original Box

A handmade and painted Pelham puppet, black boy in original cardboard box. Box 37 cm long.

Six Pelham puppets, including number 575 clown and 582 Gypsey…

Pelham Puppets Set with Replacement String Material

Six Pelham puppets, including number 575 clown and 582 Gypsey woman, boxed; and four unboxed puppets with a Supply of Replacement string material (VG-E boxes F-G)

A large Pelham puppet shop display Pinocchio, probably 1960s,…

Vintage Pelham Puppet Pinocchio Display

A large Pelham puppet shop display Pinocchio, probably 1960s, An original string puppet made with handpainted moulded composite materials and timber, with felt and cotton clothing, strings to hands, feet and head and attached to a later display stand;…

A Pelham Puppets 'Pinocchio' automaton, English, early 20th…

Pelham Puppets Pinocchio Automaton with Theatre & Extras

A Pelham Puppets 'Pinocchio' automaton, English, early 20th century, together with a fabric lined theatre and extra puppets. 54 cm high, 35 cm wide, 26 cm deep

Pelham Puppet Electronic Theatre, including clown, dog, donkey…

Vintage Pelham Puppet Electronic Theatre Shop Display

Pelham Puppet Electronic Theatre, including clown, dog, donkey and foal, made in England and used for shop display, modified U.K plug, untested (VG)

Four Pelham puppets, including boxed Yogi Bear; boxed Big Ears,…

Pelham Puppets: Yogi, Big Ears, Donald, Goofy (4)

Four Pelham puppets, including boxed Yogi Bear; boxed Big Ears, and unboxed Donald duck and Goofy (VG-E boxes G-VG) (4)

Two Pelham puppets, including skeleton and Golly (E boxes G) (2)

Pelham Puppets: Skeleton and Golly Duo

Two Pelham puppets, including skeleton and Golly (E boxes G) (2)

Two Pelham puppets, including collectors series Donald duck and…

Pelham Puppets: Donald Duck and Goofy Collectors Series

Two Pelham puppets, including collectors series Donald duck and Goofy (E-M boxes F- G) (2)

Two Pelham puppets and Pelham Theatre (E-M boxes E-M)

Pelham Puppets and Theatre Set

Two Pelham puppets and Pelham Theatre (E-M boxes E-M)

Boxed Pelham puppet 'Witch.' in original box. Height 37 cm

Boxed Pelham Witch Puppet - 37cm

Boxed Pelham puppet 'Witch.' in original box. Height 37 cm

Three Pelham puppets, including Walt Disneys Davy Crockett;…

Three Pelham Puppets: Davy Crockett, Professor Popkiss, Humpty Dumpty

Three Pelham puppets, including Walt Disneys Davy Crockett; Professor Popkiss from the TV series Mike Mercury; and Humpty Dumpty (G-E boxes VG-E) (3)

Four puppets, including Lamont (Melbourne, Australia), Freddie;…

Assorted Vintage Puppets in Boxes

Four puppets, including Lamont (Melbourne, Australia), Freddie; boxed Mctavish in Wilhelmina box; boxed with no lid Chinaman; and boxed Pelham puppet boy (F-E boxes VG-E) (4)

Three Pelham Thunderbirds puppets, including Brains; lady…

Pelham Thunderbirds Puppets Set

Three Pelham Thunderbirds puppets, including Brains; lady Penelope; and Parker (E boxes F-E) (3)

Full set of four Pelham Thunderbirds Supermarionettes,…

Complete Pelham Thunderbirds Supermarionettes Set

Full set of four Pelham Thunderbirds Supermarionettes, including Scott; Alan; Virgil; and the hood (M boxes E) (4)