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Beco Blow Molds and Specifications It is believed that the production of the Beco pieces ceased in the late
It is generally believed that 1970s to early 1980s, but the actual date is unknown. Like the next
in 1963-64 (unconfirmed) Beco company we will visit, Beco’s molds produced lasting, beautiful, and
produced the first fully highly desirable pieces.
3-dimensional blow-molded
Santa and sleigh set sold to Poloron Products, Inc.
consumers. In both the 1966 Poloron began business in New Rochelle,
Sears and JCPenney catalogs, New York in 1937. Poloron produced not
Santa and two snow-white deer only blow-molded plastic figures but many
were featured. Santa was items made from metal, such as picnic jugs,
illuminated from within but the coolers, and Christmas tree stands. Their
deer were not. A spotlight was innovative line of blow-molded items included
needed. This oversight was Santas, Nativities in various sizes, angels, toy
later remedied in subsequent soldiers, candles, lanterns, and more. Poloron
iterations of the set. also produced a wide array of smaller plastic
Beco typically used a bottom- decorations to adorn Christmas trees and
mounted lighting setup for tabletop displays.
many of their blow-molded The sculptural detail, impeccable paint
1965 Becco blow mold catalog pieces. The interior light bulb is Poloron snowman applications, and use of thick, high-quality
held in the center of the figure with shovel plastic produced long-lasting pieces of beauty
by an upright metal rod attached to a plate housing that fits snugly into and durability. Many of their blow-molded
the bottom of the figure. The plate is secured in place by tabs. When figures can still be found in good to excellent condition.
the plate is rotated, it locks the assembly A hallmark of Poloron was their liberal use of gold metallic painted
in place. The benefit of this setup is that details on many of their pieces – most notably their choir people
the figure is very evenly illuminated; songbooks and cassock trim, candles, angel wings, and even Santa’s
however, there is a drawback. Once the beard. In daylight, the gold paint produces a rich, luxuriant look, but
figure is securely anchored outdoors, when illuminated at night, Santa’s beard appears to have a heavy
when the bulb goes out, the figure must shadow because the light from within is not quite able to penetrate the
be taken up, and the bottom plate must metallic paint.
be removed in order to change out the Following Beco’s 3D sleigh set, Poloron introduced an improved,
bulb. This is not particularly convenient fully illuminated, version of its own. A beautiful red sleigh, a waving
when the figure has been frozen to the Santa, and sleek brown deer. The figures are lifelike, with great
ground and fingers are icy. attention paid to the details. Poloron improved on the elegant sleigh
Beco produced something for almost again in 1971 when it introduced a new variation – a lovely white
everyone including a marvelous animated sleigh. In 1972, this sleigh could be purchased carrying a whimsical
Santa. This 42” Santa came in two parts, Santa with his bag of toys. The same deer were used for all three variants
fully equipped with a motor that sits with blow-molded bodies, injection-molded hard plastic antlers, and
atop his lower half. When assembled and came fully equipped with reins that were studded with jingle bells.
plugged in, Santa is not only illuminated
but rocks or bows forward and back. He 18” General Foam Dickens
was available in 1966 for the exorbitant Carolers selling at etsy for $56.
price of $16.50 at Sears.
Beco’s choir children/choir angels
range in height from a convenient
tabletop size of 12” up to 40” tall.
Also offered in a range of sizes were a
large assortment of Santas, candles,
Nativities, and even giant ornaments
that can be either staked to the
ground or hung from the eves of
a home. Poloron Nativity
Beco continued in business until
1965 when the company was Poloron’s famous choir figures were introduced in 1969, two
acquired by MSL Industries. MSL different girls and a boy, each standing a whopping 48” tall. I clearly
discontinued using the Beco name in remember the excitement when we ordered four of them from Sears,
1968 replacing it with MSL Plastics. three boys, and a black-haired girl. The bodies are all identical with
In 1970, many of the cast aluminum interchangeable heads. In 1970 Poloron added the now highly prized
General Foam Plastics catalog 1970 molds were acquired by General African American boy.
Foam Plastics. Poloron used a heavy-duty, steel, back-mounted light kit in its choir
children. The body is illuminated with a medium base bulb, and the
head carries a c7 light, lighting the figures from top to bottom. The
back-mounted kit makes it simple to change a bad bulb. But in the
choir kids, it created a problem. The neck of each head has a deep
groove around it. This design was meant to snap-fit the head into the
body. One must use a screwdriver to gently lift the head out by
inserting it into the groove. Today many of the figures are damaged in
this area or have splits at the top caused by a frustrated owner yanking
out the head.
Considered by some to be the “Holy Grail” of blow molds, in 1969
Poloron produced a magnificent motorized “Animated Swinging Santa
Claus” holding a Noel lantern. This beautiful piece stands 60” tall and
Mixed choir various manufacturers

30 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles