History of bobblehead
Bobbleheads are a type of figurine with a disproportionately large head that is connected to the body by a spring or hook, allowing the head to bobble when the figure is shaken or tapped. While the exact origins of the bobblehead are unclear, it is believed that the concept originated in ancient China or Japan, where figurines with movable heads were made from bamboo or other materials.
The modern bobblehead as we know it today first gained popularity in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. They were originally made of ceramic or papier-mâché and were often used as promotional items for sports teams, businesses, and politicians.
One of the most famous early bobbleheads was a figurine of the New York Yankees player Mickey Mantle, which was produced in 1960 by the sports promotion company Legends of the Diamond. This bobblehead quickly became a sought-after collectible and helped to popularize the use of bobbleheads as promotional items.
During the 1970s and 1980s, bobbleheads fell out of favor and became less common. However, they experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s and 2000s, with a focus on sports-themed bobbleheads. Major League Baseball (MLB) teams began giving away bobbleheads as promotional items, and the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 2014 to celebrate the history of these collectibles.
Today, bobbleheads are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, vinyl, and resin. They continue to be popular promotional items for sports teams and businesses, and are also collected by enthusiasts and fans of pop culture. The designs and styles of bobbleheads have also diversified, with many custom bobbleheads available for individuals and organizations to create unique and personalized figurines.
LA clippers bobblehead
The Los Angeles Clippers are a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California. The team has produced several bobbleheads over the years featuring players and coaches, as well as themed bobbleheads for promotional events.
One notable LA Clippers bobblehead is the Blake Griffin Slam Dunk Bobblehead, which was given away as a promotional item during the 2014-2015 NBA season. This bobblehead features former Clippers player Blake Griffin in mid-air as he performs one of his signature slam dunks. Another popular bobblehead is the Chris Paul Lob City Bobblehead, which features former Clippers point guard Chris Paul throwing an alley-oop pass to a teammate.
Other LA Clippers bobbleheads have included the DeAndre Jordan Handshake Bobblehead, which depicts former Clippers center DeAndre Jordan performing his signature handshake with a teammate, and the Doc Rivers Coach Bobblehead, which features the team's former head coach Doc Rivers.
In addition to player and coach bobbleheads, the Clippers have also produced themed bobbleheads for promotional events. For example, during the 2018-2019 season, the team gave away a Lou Williams "Sweet Lou" Bobblehead, which featured the player in a suit holding a container of honey, a nod to his nickname "Sweet Lou."
Value of bobblehead
The value of a bobblehead can vary widely depending on several factors such as its rarity, age, condition, and the popularity of the player or team featured. Some bobbleheads can be worth only a few dollars, while others can fetch hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
Limited edition or rare bobbleheads are typically more valuable than those that are mass-produced. Bobbleheads that are no longer in production or were only given away as promotional items at specific events are also more valuable than ones that are readily available.
The condition of a bobblehead is also an important factor in determining its value. Bobbleheads that are still in their original packaging and have not been opened or displayed are typically more valuable than ones that have been taken out of the box or have signs of wear and tear.
Popularity of the player or team featured can also affect the value of a bobblehead. Bobbleheads of popular players or successful teams tend to be more sought after by collectors and can command higher prices.
Ultimately, the value of a bobblehead is determined by the market and can fluctuate over time. It is important to research the current market value of a bobblehead before buying or selling to ensure a fair price.
What is best way to collect best bobbleheads
Here are some tips on the best ways to collect the best bobbleheads:
Determine your focus: First, decide what kind of bobbleheads you want to collect. Do you want to collect specific teams, players, or characters? Are you interested in limited edition or rare bobbleheads? Having a specific focus can help you narrow down your search and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the variety of options available.
Check online marketplaces: Online marketplaces like eBay and Amazon can be a great place to find and purchase bobbleheads. You can often find rare or discontinued bobbleheads here, and compare prices from different sellers.
Attend games and events: Many sports teams and other organizations give away bobbleheads as promotional items at games and events. Attending these games and events can be a great way to get your hands on exclusive bobbleheads and add to your collection.
Join collectors' groups: Joining collectors' groups or online forums can provide you with valuable information about upcoming releases, rare finds, and tips on how to maintain and display your collection.
Take care of your collection: Make sure to keep your bobbleheads in good condition by storing them in a cool, dry place and avoiding direct sunlight. Regularly dusting and cleaning your bobbleheads can also help to preserve their value.
Have fun with your collection: Finally, collecting bobbleheads should be a fun and enjoyable hobby. Don't be afraid to display your collection and show off your favorite pieces to friends and family.
