About TONNER® Products

TONNER dolls and Character Figures™ are some of the most beloved and sought after collectible products on the market today. Each and every product is designed by renowned doll artist and designer Robert Tonner and his team of skilled artisans, using their award-winning talents to bring the highest quality and most detailed licensed and non-licensed collectible figures to both doll lovers and collectors alike.

Crafted of the highest quality vinyl and hard plastic, all of TONNER products are known for features such as hand-painted details, rooted saran hair, and costuming that reflect both the attention to detail and designers touch that make TONNER products some of the most anticipated and desired collectibles in the world.

From pop culture to high-fashion, TONNER has something for almost every collector. Products that are meant to be enjoyed for years to come – backed up with our 30-day Unconditional Guarantee – are the hallmarks of each of our collections.

Whether purchasing one doll or TONNER Character Figure™ or adding to your collection, we hope that our products become part of a welcomed tradition of enjoyment for years to come.

How TONNER® Products are made 

• Each doll and character figure is created from a hand sculpted wax or clay form, which is cast into molds—every part is engineered for natural movement (articulation)

• Each doll and character figure design begins with a unique sketch, brought to life with meticulous hand details (hand painted faces, hand styled hair)

• Artistry in miniature is revealed in finely executed accessories including custom molded gloves and masks created for action heroes, hand-crafted shoes, proportioned custom-knit knitwear and “movie authentic” costuming for licensed figures, all crafted from the finest fabrics from around the globe.

• Figures, outfits and accessories are sold in strictly limited editions

• Continued support from a world-class Doll Hospital for repairs and replacement items.

TONNER® FAQ’s

Why do some figures change during production from the original prototypes that are first introduced?

An original design and its resulting prototype is a starting point and guideline in the artistic development of a TONNER figure. TONNER strives to ensure that our production follows the prototype very closely, and our prototypes do give an accurate representation of what collectors can expect when they receive a figure. However, Robert Tonner meticulously reviews every design detail of a figure as it passes into production and sometimes he may make adjustments if the evolution of the figure from prototype to production does not capture the essence of the design, even if it ultimately varies from the prototype. It is Robert's goal to not release any doll into the marketplace unless it holds up to his design standards. A TONNER figure carries the distinction of its maker being involved in every part of the process from concept to final production.

What does 'Limited Edition', 'Open Edition' & 'Annual Edition' mean?

Several companies have their own definitions for what each of these terms mean. For TONNER®:

• A 'Limited Edition (LE)' means that a product is produced only to a specific number.

• One of the most common misconceptions is that 'Open Editions' are always available since they do not list a specific manufactured quantity. This is not necessarily so. Once the initial production run of an ‘Open Edition’ has come and gone, there may be a decision not to re-order therefore ending the edition. Please understand that open editions are produced based on INITIAL orders and may not be produced in levels to meet market demand.  ‘Open Edition’ also does not guarantee continuous availability.

• 'Annual Edition' products are items produced only within a current catalog year.

• Please note that some retailers do not wish the production quantity of their exclusive edition to be released.  In these instances, we honor the request and label the edition as a 'Special Edition'.

Why doesn't TONNER number its editions?

TONNER feels that our products are readily identifiable in the marketplace. TONNER figures are generally marked on the head to identify them for authenticity purposes. These markings in combination with the packaging identify the figure and/or outfit/accessory as a genuine TONNER product. The numbering of figures in mass production can be very misleading to collectors, as it is never a true representation of the figure’s actual place in the production line. Also, the numbering of figures misrepresents the items quality in terms that a low number is often portrayed as better than a high number. Most often, the opposite is true. As the production matures, the figure's quality improves. Numbering is more accurately an important feature for ”artist figures” created in very small quantities, by the artist, in a very controlled environment.

How is an original figure made?

From sculpting the character to creating the clothes and accessories, a multi-talented team of artisans participate in every step to make each TONNER Doll and Character Figure.  In order to answer this question...it would be best to show you!  Watch our 'WHATS NEW’ Page for a new website feature on the making of coming soon!

About Robert Tonner

Robert Tonner’s interest in the glamorous fashion dolls of the 50’s formed a part of his early artistic inspiration, leading him to a career in fashion design. After graduating from Parsons School of Design, Tonner was hired by Bill Blass, designing the Blassport label for many years. Throughout his 7^th Avenue career, Tonner’s spin on modern American dressing continually caught the eye of the fashion world’s trend-spotters—his designs were frequently featured in Women’s Wear Daily, Town & Country, New York Magazine, The New York Times and Vogue.

Tonner’s long-time fascination with doll art inspired him to try his hand at sculpting original figures. In 1985, Tonner received a glowing review, from the National Institute of American Doll Artists (NIADA) for a model-like fashion doll he created for critique. During the years that followed, Tonner turned more of his attention to developing and perfecting his doll designs, eventually leaving 7^th Avenue to start the Robert Tonner Doll Company, Inc. in 1991.

Tonner’s “muse” Tyler Wentworth, arguably his most famous creation, is based on a fictional 7^th Avenue fashion designer. Her exquisite wardrobe, crafted from couture quality silks, cashmere, and brocades, is made without compromise, and is rich with handcrafted details.

Other Tonner characters represent recent movie licenses with Miramax, Warner Bros., DC, Disney and Sony Entertainment bringing collectors Tonner’s finely detailed vision of Spider-Man, Wonder Woman, Superman, Harry Potter, Chicago, Batman, The Wizard of Oz, and Pirates of the Caribbean—each figure a unique reflection of the art and artistry of Robert Tonner.

In 2002, Robert Tonner purchased the Effanbee Doll Company, Inc. with its rich legacy as one of America’s oldest doll companies, manufacturing continuously since 1908. Effanbee® blends vintage inspirations with modern manufacturing and boasts such American classics as Patsy®, Dy-Dee Baby®, Little Orphan Annie®, Betsy McCall and the fashionably popular reporter, Brenda Starr®.

In 2007 Robert Tonner opened his first retail store in the heart of New York’s historic Hudson Valley. Offering store exclusives as well as every item Tonner and Effanbee manufacture worldwide, the Tonner Company Store is a designation for collectors who are invited to line previews, private parties and even share time with Robert Tonner himself. Please visit us at 14 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, N.Y.—for store hours and directions please call 845.339.2960.