Buffalo calf inflatable

An inflatable children's toy, the Buffalo calf was designed in 1976 (production began in 1978), by Libuse Niklova (1934-1981) a Czech toy designer, whilst working at Fatra Napajedla, a leading plastics manufacturer. Made of 2-ply plasticised PVC sheeting, trademarked by the company as 'Novoplast', the calf accompanied the larger parent Buffalo, originally designed in 1971. This range of inflatable toy seats was a deliberate move away from designing children's furniture simply as a scaled down version of adult models. The toys could be sat on and bounced around and would emit a noise in movement. This example has 'Made in Czechoslovakia, F85' moulded around the inlet valve. Libuse Niklova created over 200 different toy designs during her career and held 9 patents relating to plastics manufacturing. The Tomcat (see AIBDC : 008484) as well as the Buffalo child's inflatable seat (see AIBDC : 008493) are internationally recognised as iconic Czech design.

moulded: "Made in Czechoslovakia, F85" (Around inlet valve)

AIBDC : 008483