Have you ever seen one of these guys out in the wild? Well, if you do come across one, be sure to grab the sucker because he is worth quite a bit to collectors. This is the Nauga Monster, produced in the 60’s to promote Naugahyde furniture, of all things. Uniroyal developed the character, and went on to produce a series of these dolls to promote their Naugahyde brand of synthetic vinyl.
They ran ads that stated their furniture was made from the skin of a mythical creature known as the “Nauga.” Nauga’s could shed their skin and did not need to be slaughtered like other animals. PETA would be pleased.
You can find these critters in many different colors and sizes, but watch out for fakes and reproductions, since they aren’t too complicated to reproduce. One easy way to determine whether you are holding the real deal is to check for the Naugahyde stamp on the back, which looks like this:
I was fortunate to find this guy at a yard sale, and bought him for a buck.
I had no idea what he was, and the seller obviously didn’t know either. The doll was so clean, I assumed it was a modern ugly doll or something, but he was pretty cool, so he rode home in the trunk.
After a quick Google search, I was happy to find that these were highly sought after collector items. I figured someone else would be happier with him than I would be, and I also have never been opposed to making a tidy profit, so I sold him on eBay for $132.50. Not a bad investment.
I still have thoughts of him running free in a field somewhere. Have you ever seen a Nauga wandering around your town? Catch him if you can!
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Hello, I have an original vintage nauga doll for sale. If interested e-mail me. Thank you.
Hi !
Send me a picture of your nauga doll and lets make a deal if its still avalible!
I’ve had my Nauga Monster since the 60’s. I got it at a Midnight Furniture sale with my Mom. He’s for sale. (tired of living in a box.) Excellent condition. TAN
If you are still interested in selling your vintage nauga……I’d be interested!
I’ve always wanted one!
What color is it and is it still available
Do you still have the naugahyde monster available? And if so, how much are you asking?
Thanks!
I have an original Nauga that I have had since I was 4 (I’m 49 now). It is white with olive green and mustard yellow around the eyes & mouth. Perfect condition. In looking at the various pictures on line, I think the more recent repros have arms that are too short. The arms on mine are thinner and longer those of most in the photos I’ve seen. My father was an engineer for Mohasco Industries, the owner of the furniture division which manufactured the furniture using Naugahyde, at least in the early years.
Can I see picture
We found what we believe to be an original Nauga at a garage sale also, bought him for $.50 before we had kids. Now he is the “Monster Guard” who keeps monsters out of the kids room. Couldn’t sell him if we wanted to. He is a member of the family, was looking to see if i could find him a playmate, that is when i found out he is loved by more than just us!
What a great story! I can see how he would be a great “Monster Guard.” Thanks for sharing!
I have a monster doll exactally like the one you have listed that you bought at yard sale. Do you know what year or name this doll was. My husband brought this doll home one evening and pitched on the sofa, since we had no children I thought he was nuts. I finally threw it in top of the closet where it remained for years. Then I put it in the grandkids toy box. I just today found it and looked it up on a whim. Surprise! Surprise!. It is going on ebay soon as I can get more info. Thanks for your post.
Hello,
I was wondering if you still wanted to sell your monster doll? It was my Dad who invented these dolls in 1963! Who would have thought they were an item still? My Dad made them so that the kids would have something to play with while their parents shopped. It breaks my heart that Dad will never know that these are still in circulation! I have pictures from my Dad’s shop and our old house with these dolls in our arms. (I’m a twin) It’s sad that Dad didn’t “patent” them. Glad they bring joy to people! Sue
Sue H I would absolutely love to see your pictures with the dolls and your dad! I have three Naugas and love them to Pieces!
We’re practically related! My grandfather worked on the tram at Uniroyal that invented Naugahyde! I have a monster and a penguin as well
My Dad worked for Uniroyal back in the day and bought all 5 of us kids Naugas.
I have mine and found my older brothers too. They are all vintage but mine does not
have the stamp. Sad. Does that mean I cant get top dollar?
Does your Nauga have a tag? Without a stamp or a tag it will be tough to get top dollar. Since these dolls are so simple, there are tons of new reproductions out there. If you can sew, you can make a Nauga doll.
I was afraid of that! Mine is the only one without a stamp or tag…wierd.
Oh well…he is still my fave! (I thought maybe cuase he was so dark colored but I see the stamps are typically gold.)
Don’t listen to the naysayers. Most of the repros are poorly done and collectors can tell from your pictures. Folks are selling vintage dolls for very good money on eBay. Your personal story means just as much as a stamp. Good luck (maybe I’ll see you there)
I have a dark green one and I know it is original because my uncle owned a Rhodes furniture store in MS and he told me the story about them. I received mine in 1967
I’m pretty sure that the “naughy’s” without a stamp were made in Astoria, Or in 1963. Dad named them “naughy’s” and the copycat mfg. put the stamps on theirs and must have promoted them as “naugha’s” Sue H
Hi, I think it’s so wonderful your Dad invented the Nauga. I grew up near Naugatuck, CT, so Naugahyde has childhood meaning to me. I am curious, do you have any other info about the Naughy’s? The copycats made in Astoria? I have an old monster, and it doesn’t have a stamp on it. I’m wondering if it’s a naughy….thanks!
My grandfather also worked for Uniroyal and I have a yellow one and my sisters pink one. My brother has a blue one. I think I was 6 when we got ours for Christmas and I’m 57.5 now. It is such a happy memory from childhood. We love our naugas !
I have collected, bought and sold many Nauga Dolls for many years. I worked for and retired from Uniroyal and one of my many duties was to oversee the Nauga Doll program which I did for many years. I worked for Uniroyal for over 40 years and worked
with the Nauga Doll program since the early 1970’s.
My personal Nauga collection is vast and I am in the process of selling some of them, and buying (what I recognize as valuable) more when I see them for sale.
There are many knock-offs out there, but with my experience and knowledge of
them, I can immediately spot these phonies. If I can assist anyone who needs
information about Naugas,…. contact me anytime.
Bob Young
Thanks, Bob!
hello bob………. still have nauga’s you want to find a home for ? i am interested. email me through my website link on this post.
My grandfather worked for and retired from Uniroyal and gave me one of these when I was young…..I’m now 45…So glad I hung on to him! He’s now a fixture in my daugher’s room. I can still remember going to what I think was the “seconds” room with all the sneakers in it to pick out new sneakers :)….And playing on the old inflatable life raft that my grandfather came home with.
Hello Mr. Bob Young.
I need help identifying the origin of my Uniroyal Nauga doll and would greatly appreciate your help. I recently rescued this little creature from a dark closet and I can not afford to keep it. I’m wanting to put it up for adoption on Ebay soon.
The body is white with blue stars, red arms / wings, red mouth, red mask and black eyes. I think it may have been made for a 4th of July event.
Thank you.
hay Bob,
I was sorting through some boxes this weekend and located 3 of my Original Nauga Dolls. I have a “Normal” US a “Purple Zodiac” ZD and a “Wildside” WS.
I would imagine that the rarity of these guys also depends up on the pattern & color of the fabric used to make them.
Stay in Touch.
gkettring
Back in the 60s, my dad brought home a Nauga monster for us. He was an engineer at that time, and told us it was 1 of 3 prototypes made. We played with that monster forever and a day! Recently our parents passed away, and we found Nauga in the closet on the shelf, looking just the same as always,arms open waiting for a hug, smiling that big toothy grin. Ours is a little different looking than the Naugas pictured, its arms are longer and thinner, she has pink hyde, blue around the eyes, green teeth with yellow inside the mouth. It has the gold stamp on the back of the leg, and highly resembles the monster from the Naugahyde advertisement shown next to the swivel chair. We are curious about her worth……help?
Hi Bob I have a Naughy….he is teal in color.Do they all have stamps…I received him from a family friend that had an upholstery shop that my father sewed in.Would like to send pic.
A Waldo the great Naga doll and it was by KOSZEGI. I remember getting him in the 60s when my parents had a couple of love seats covered and Naugahyde. I haven’t seen any online and I was thinking about selling him. Do you know anything about Waldo the great? He is yellow with red pants
Thank you for acknowledging that it was made by Koszegi, my grandfather and father were the designers and the Naugahyde material came from Uniroyal. I have one of the originals still with the stamp on it.
Hi Mr. Young~
My husband worked in management at uniroyal and we have a few Naughies. Some of them are unusual in that they were made for specific events; i.e., ebb tide marine with an unusual patterned Naugahyde on the back; another which has “EXCEL-E-RATE” in ’85 on the belly area and an Indy race car with a Naugie in the drivers seat and the words Naugahyde and Koylon are following behind and another that has Naugahyde National Sales Meeting on one arm and Doral Country Club December 4-8, 1983 and GO FOR IT! ’84 on the belly. We also have a very large Naughy which has the Naugahyde gold label with 1967 on the foot. All are in great condition.
We are now looking to sell these and have been watching others on eBay and Amazon. But I’m wondering if the special ones should have more value. Do you have any insight on this?
Thanks for any insight you might have.
Hi Bob… did they ever made other animals?
I have a naugha that I received 50 years from my father. He was president of a foam rubber and upholstery company in Ohio. I am sure this is an original but how can I validate this when selling. There are no markings on it.
Hello Bob! Are you still around on this site, and would be able to help with a Nauga ID? Thank you!!
Bob.. I have found one and I’m curious if its authentic. Did they make one called Waldo The Great by Koszegi?
Not Bob here, but YES, the Waldos are even more sought after than the usual nauga. He’s tall, lean and wears nifty suspenders on his pants? Congratulations!
hey just sold mine for 5bucks…whoops i guess. it looked perfectly cut and stiched and no more than ten years old if that. orange body, black around white and black eyes, black threading and no stamp. so did someone get me good? i just liked it, didnt know what i had…..
i actually prob have a pic
Hello! I commented on Bob’s post- but was wondering if you may still be active on this site to help with ID-ing a real or not Nauga!
Thanks!
Thanks for the info… the one I found is the color of your thumbnail there except his teeth are black. His suspenders and pants are black as well. Thinking about trying him out on eBay…
Hi Lance,
I see 2 (count ’em — two!) Waldo’s like you describe up on ebay at this very moment.
Funny, that.
Is one of them yours?
Best of luck.
Hi Naugaboy,
Yes. Mine is the one that is still listed. My ID on there is 6StringCyberSeller. The other one that was on there wasn’t in very desirable condition and I’m assuming thats why the owner got so little for it. Mine is doing well and the auction ends November 16th for it! Thanks for all your help and the kind words!
Criminy! Congratulations on that out-of-control price! I don’t think I have ever seen one on ebay break the $1,000 line. Happy Holidays.
Thanks Naugaboy! I almost couldn’t believe it myself! And the crazy thing is that it was at about $404 until there were 5 seconds left and then it shot to the $1,001 price. Appearantly another serious collector attempted to sniper bid in an effort to make a last minute win. He even emailed me and said he put in an unheard of price at the last second and almost passed out when the completed auction told him he had been outbid. The girl that won the auction only bid once (about 2 days after the auction started) and she must have wanted it badly as her initial bid must have been in the ballpark of $1200 – $1500 range to have pushed a $1000 bid aside like it did! Wow!
Congratulations Lance!
I have a Nauga Monster doll, “Waldo the Great” by Koszegi. He is yellow with black shorts and suspenders. He still has his collar with a green flower which matches his mask. The stamp is quite visible and he is in very good condition. No rips or tears, and clean. I got him from my uncle when I was little. I’m 53 now, and, although I’ve had my Nauga for a long time, I’m wondering what he would be worth.
We can send pictures if needed.
My grandfather, Wayland T “Curly” King, was a Uniroyal salesman back in the 40s-70s. Naugas and Naugahyde products were common around their home. One Christmas in the mid-70s, my two sisters and I received our very own Naughas. They were all packed together in the same box, with a note, “Now Fight!” (ah, my grandparents knew us squabbling siblings too well :).
Mine is yellow. One of the others was light pink, not sure of the other one, might’ve been some type of green.
Here’s’ a recent photo I took of mine.
http://www.avatartechpubs.com/mcd/TrishMcD_nauga.jpg
Thanks for the great story and photo, Trish! It’s become pretty apparent to me how huge of a fan base these Nauga dolls have. I am glad to have “caught” one and will continue to hunt for more!
We found 2 cleaning out the attic this weekend that my 84 year old uncle got back in the 60s. They aren’t stamped and the feet/hands aren’t stitched but I am sure they are authentic. Can anyone give me a good price for selling? Thanks.
Congratulations Frances! My best advice would be to visit eBay and type in “Nauga doll” in the search box. After the results show up, click the box in the left-hand column for “completed listings.” This will show you recent prices that were paid for Nauga Dolls. The green prices are items that actually sold, while the red prices are the ones that did not.
Hi Brian – I searched ebay for them and found varying prices. I’ve listed both of them in my booth on Bonanza. Frankly, I would like to find someone to make an offer and take them off of my hands and they can re-sell. Know anyone?
I don’t know anyone but if you want to post a link here to your Bonanza page, maybe someone will see it and want to buy them.
I have 2 dolls for sale in my Bonanza booth. Make me an offer!! The website is listed above.
Thanks 🙂 Frances
are all the dolls without the gold stamp fakes? If a seller tells you it’s worn off, how can you tell?
My husband worked in the warehouse for Uniroyal when they these toys came out. He brought to home for our girls. One has a small three corner snag in its lower abdomen. Both girls claimed the perfect one until it disappeared one day. Is the less than perfect one worth anything?
We had 3 Nuagas growing up 2 black with White and red eyes and 1 that was turqoise with red and white eyes. My was given away by mistake to a friend 🙁 I don’t know what happend to my brothers but wish I did 🙁 It was so neat to find out the origin of these cool creatures 🙂
if avail.? through pay pal ?
I’m looking for a small noggy doll that was his name my dad through him out he was light grey with White teeth with Blue behind them he watched over me when I was little and get my bad dreams away now I’d like to find one for my daughter because she has really bad nightmares and I figure he can scare him away like he did for me so if you figure anything out and might know where I can find one that looks like him I would be very appreciative and just in case you find mine it would have Mandy written on it in blue ink Thanks
I’ve had a Nauga doll for six years, and I knew my had a gold stamp on it, but after reading the descriptions of longer thinner arms, I began to wonder if mine was legitimately vintage or a repro.
Mine has a gold KROEHLER stamp on his right foot and a gold “Naugahyde vinyl fabric” “(C) Uniroyal, Inc., 1967” stamp on his left foot. He does have short arms (about three inches from body to start of fingers) though. ??
Bought a big one at goodwill for 2 bucks….no stamp,,,
Itd old though…,orange in color
I have a stuffed penguin from my childhood that appears to be made of Naugahyde, but has no Naugahyde logo. It’s black, white, and blue, and one of the feet is stamped “PETER PENGUIN by KOSZEGI.” I can’t seem to find any reliable information about it online. Is this legitimate?
Hi Jay,
Peter the penguin is part of the Nauga family. Are you interested in selling him?
I have a Nauga monster, pink , tan mouth, grey/blue between teeth, blue eyes &dark brownaround eyes. “NAUGHAHYDE BRAND FABRIC” stamped on right arm. Any ideas on age. I have talked to Bob Keir at Uniroyal & he advises the company has been sold three times and he checked in the dept that makes them, however the present employees are too recent to have any knowledge of any history of the Nauga. Any help you can provide would be most appreciative. If you would like to call me it would be most welcome especially for me to hear some of the history. I hope you are in good health and enjoying your retirement as I am mine!! Jerry Hurst, Aurora, Co.
They still make them. https://www.naugahyde.com/dolls/
So i have the coolest story about the nasty monster. I have the very first nawgy monster. It was a promo for nawgahyde. My Dad worked at the Alderman co. In High Point N.C. which was the largest advertising co. In the world fir mainly furniture. He was a model for nawgahyde I guess you would say. He had a life size nawgy suit that he wore for them to take pictures of. I sure wish I had that suit today. How cool would that be? Anyway they gave him the very first one ever made and its in perfect condition. I dont think I could ever sell it. My dad passed away from cancer in 1989 at the toung age of 47. I will probably give it to my son and tell him aboit his granddad that he will never meet and how he was THE Nawgy monster. If you appreciate this story for one reason or another please let me know. Sincwrely. Bretton Troxler
Great story–thanks for sharing! Hold onto that Nauga! 🙂
I have a doll given to me by my friend who had it forever. He recently passed away, so the origin is unknown to me. I could send you a few photos to an email. Would you be willing to take a look at the photos and advise on what I should do with it? I have inspected the back, I can’t find a stamp or a tag. I’m questioning the authenticity .thank you.
I am closing in on 73 and I still remember the day I went into a auto top and upholstery shop in Richmond, Virginia and plopped down 4.00 for mine and to this day regret not buying a couple of “kids'” for him. By the way his name is Bob the Nauga and wee will be together till the end!