Finger Monsters

[Astronit]

Rubber Finger Monsters is self explanatory. They are little creatures with a hollow opening on the bottom that you can poke your digit into and wave it around in order to frighten your little sister.

The first set of twelve Rubber Uglies included a couple of Finger Monsters but I suspect they were designed that way to save on the quantity of rubber needed in the manufacturing process rather than being developed as a finger extension. Later some toy lines were exclusively making Monster half-figures to place at the terminus of your hands.

I've collected and seen at least 20 different sets of Rubber Finger Monsters. Most sets have eight different creatures. One for each finger. There are no Rubber Thumb Monsters that I know of. The best designed Finger Monsters have long arms that wave about as you shake your hands and wiggle your fingers in someone else's face. Finger Monsters were designed for fun and play.

Mike
AKA: Astronit

[RubberUgly]

I know I'm stepping into very dangerous territory here, but do you know much about the original finger monsters generations?
I'm thinking of "that iconic set" of characters that we all know and love that have been featured for at least half a century, and every decade until this current day.

I think the oldest one that I found came in a toolbox found inside of a French car from 1960, and it had the Brabo AST logo stamped under the bottom jaw. Had the typical very jelly-like rubber and what I believe to be lead paint for the details. I know that just because I found it in a car from 1960 doesn't mean that it itself is from 1960, but it is a nice finger monster IMO.

[Astronit]

You would have to provide a picture for me to help identify any rubber figures age. Even if were possible I don't know if any series could be said to be "The Original" Finger Monster set. There have been quite a few series and many were reproduced for decades.