The Phantom Folded Arms Magnet was produced by Monkeys of Melbourne in New Zealand in the 1993. The magnet was sold individually in novelty stores throughout Australia and New Zealand. The magnet is fully licensed by King Features Syndicate.
Monkeys of Melbourne was established in Australia by Wendy Cochran and Shane Kennedy in 1984. The company was initially based at Banks Street, South Melbourne, before later expanding due to the companies growth to Glenhuntly Road, Elsternwick and Chapel Street, Prahran both located in Melbourne.
Monkeys of Melbourne specialized and produced a range of premoulded ceramics (such as plates, lamps, vases, toby mugs and bowls) which were hand-painted and fired in a modernist style. The quality and range of products are highly regarded amongst collectors.
Ceramic works were also hand-signed and year dated, usually as simply ‘Monkey’ on the earlier pieces, then ‘© Monkeys Handpainted Melbourne’ or ‘© Monkeys Handpainted Melb’ or ‘© Monkeys of Melbourne’ as time went by.
In the early 1990s, Monkeys of Melbourne commenced producing licensed merchandise, including Ren and Stimpy, Micky Mouse, Betty Boop, and the Phantom. Most of these items were mass produced in factories, with pre-produced designs printed on goods (such as mugs and glassware) and not hand-painted.
The company ceased operating in 1999.
The Phantom Folded Arms Magnet is round in shape and made of solid plastic with print extending over the edges, measuring 8.9cm in diameter. The magnet contains an image of the Phantom in a ‘Folded Arms’ pose with the words ‘Phantom – Ghost Who Walks’ printed in the upper part. The magnet can be seen below.
On the front of the magnet, along the lower right edge, are printed copyright wording in purple. On the back of the magnet are the words ‘Made In NZ’ cast within the plastic. A rectangular black magnet is glued to the back, designed to be placed on a metallic surface.
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