Victor G. Reiling papers

Collection — Box: 1-2

Identifier: 2013.reiling

Staff Only

The Victor G. Reiling papers are a compilation of toy and game descriptions, prototype photographs, sketches, production information, correspondence, and other notes on products created by Reiling. Documentation in this collection covers prototypes for Power Masters action figures, toy instruments, doll houses, model planes, learning tools, board games, and the G.I. Joe Transportable Tactical Battle Platform. The bulk of these toy prototypes were designed during the 1980s.

The Victor G. Reiling papers are arranged as one series. The materials are housed in two archival document boxes.

Dates

1982 - 2005
Majority of material found within 1982 - 1988

Creator

Reiling, Victor G. (Designer, Person)

Conditions Governing Use

This collection is open for research use by staff of The Strong and by users of its library and archives. The donor has unconditionally given the papers, together with all intellectual property right or interest (including, but not limited to, the right to reproduce, adapt, publish, or publicly display the materials), to The Strong. Toys or games based on designs from this collection may be sold to a manufacturer, though any funds obtained as a result will be shared equally by The Strong and Victor G. Reiling or his estate.

Extent

1 Linear Feet (2 boxes)

Additional Description

Abstract

The Victor G. Reiling papers feature toy and game prototype photographs, sketches, textual descriptions, production information, correspondence, and other notes on products created by Victor G. Reiling. These archival materials supplement Reiling’s donations of prototypes to the National Museum of Play. The bulk of the materials are from the 1980s.

Biographical Note

Victor G. (“Vic”) Reiling is an American toy and game designer, known for creating assorted Fisher-Price play sets, Power Masters action figures, and the game Hot Potato. Reiling is credited with over 12 million unit sales for toys and games during his four decades in the industry.

Reiling began his career as an engineer for the United States Navy. Upon retiring from military service, he gave up national defense for somewhat lighter ambitions, joining Fisher-Price in 1970. He later worked as Director of Research and Development for game-maker Milton-Bradley. Eventually, Reiling ventured out on his own, establishing Victor G. Reiling Associates, in order to develop his own toy ideas and sell inventions to different toy manufacturers. Reiling holds various patents for remote-controlled toys, sound simulators, puzzles, play sets, and more.

System of Arrangement

Series I: Victor G. Reiling Associates toy design documentation, 1982-2005

Custodial History

The Victor G. Reiling papers were donated to The Strong in two accession lots (in December 2011 and October 2012) as a gift from Victor G. Reiling. The collection was accessioned by The Strong under Activity IDs 11176 (ObjectID 111.6974) and 11491, accompanying larger donations of toy and game prototypes from Reiling.

Related Materials

Victor G. Reiling has donated many product prototypes, as well as manufactured toys and games, to the National Museum of Play. Related Activity IDs include 9890, 9953, 10251, 10767, 11176, and 11491.