Dopey Hand Puppet by Gund

Gund Manufacturing Co. of NYC, a subsidiary of J. Swedlin, Inc., was licensed in the 1950s and '60s to produce a series of Disney character hand puppets--including Dopey, Grumpy, and Happy. They are listed on page 6 of the 1958 Buena Vista Snow White Pressbook. Each measures 10.5" tall. Soft vinyl head, printed fabric, and a squeaker mechanism inside. Original retail price $1.00.

Original Dopey Gund box. Item no. 671.

Original stitched tag has character name and Disney copyright imprint on one side. Gund info is on the reverse.

The puppet was issued in a variety of different fabric patterns.

A later version of the Dopey puppet had a new head mold and fabric design. The character name is still printed on the tag, but on the opposite side it reads, ""ALL NEW MATERIAL, MADE IN JAPAN."

Gund also produced stuffed plush dolls with rubber heads. These are mentioned on the back cover of the 1952 US Snow White Pressbook Promotional Supplement. And in this ad page from a 1967 trade journal.

Image via avalon-collectibles.