Kikimalou's Indian rhinoceros collection updated July 5 2024

Although I am a macaque "with an iron will and a strong temperament", I could no longer resist the inadmissible pressures of the "Crocodiles and Polar Bears" lobby for the creation of a "Kikimalou's Indian rhinos” Topic.

I will therefore try to present to you, once a week, my Indian Rhinos by brand or as I wish depending on the mood and the time available.

A few words about this collection, it is currently made up of around sixty figurines. Some represent certified Indian Rhinos, others rhinos which could also be Javan rhinoceros, there will also be two-horned Indian Rhinos and one-horned rhinos not necessarily Indian.

I know, it's all a bit messy but "c'est la vie", everything does not always fit to the millimeter in the right box.

Why did I start collecting so many of these Rhinos? Honestly it's a mystery, it's more of a collection that has imposed itself on me over time. Do I collect all Indian rhino toys? No, as usual I only keep and chase those who are able to touch my poor little heart.

And in real life? I like the Indian rhinoceros, I think they are wonderful animals with an unforgettable look, sturdy, armored and at the same time with something peaceful in their gait and looks. I had the chance to pet one at Planckendael Zoo in Belgium and it is a great memory.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

So let's start this first visit in alphabetical order starting with Domage & Cie which does not start with an A as you will have noticed.

Dommage & Cie is a French company that dates back to the 1880s and lasted almost a century since it died out in 1977. During its history the company produced animals in composition, then in Hollowcast lead from the 1920s, in aluminum (Aludo) from 1937 and in plastic (Acedo) from 1961.
Few toy manufacturers in the world can boast of having produced in these four materials.
Domage & Cie's animals are not on the realistic side of force, but they are not lacking in charm.
As for the Indian Rhinoceros, I own the Aludo and the Acedo.
If the animal lacks realism, it still has an interesting pose that gives it a ”je ne sais quoi” when you look at it from the front.

Let's move on to the photos and the game of the week: If you find the error I will present another rhino next week.

ALUDO
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

ACEDO
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

And now the game
Acedo and Aludo
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Aludo, Acedo and a green mole rat
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Thanks for starting this topic! It's indeed a charming rhino. I think I've found the error, but I'll let other people guess too.

Oh, the most antecipated topic is here!
I'm so glad you opened it, Indian rhinos are like anteaters, realistic or not, they always result very charming and it is surely because they're unique looking animals.
I checked, it seems the Zoo is just 130 km away from you so your pet friend was not so far.
I'm not good at games, I'm sure the mistake is not the green mole rat, I'm almost color blind but I'm convinced it is green. About being a mole rat there's no doubt.
The mistake is just an Aludo de-tail.

A wonderful start to the Crocodile and Polar Bear Lobby.

A very nice rhino and I wait to see how this topic evolves. What a great memory also, to have actually touched one of these magnificent beasts in real life!

A wonderful topic and I can't wait to see your collection! Sixty models is a very impressive number for just one species, I had no idea there were so many out there! A perfect place to start with these two beautiful vintage models! Ans a green mole-rat
I'm now trying to spot the mistake

almost the same mold!

It's Tuesday, Indian Rhino Day.

For the "find the error" it is of course the tail of the Aludo which has disappeared in the Acedo and yet the two models are complete.
The tail didn't survive the plastic age and it is even possible that it became extinct during the aluminium age, probably to facilitate moulding.


For the second appointment I take you to Spain and the DDR.
Spanish vintage brands have produced a few rhinoceros but you can almost count on one hand the Indian Rinoceros.
There's the premium offered by Lavasol laundry detergents in the 1950s, then the premium offered by OMO detergents in the 1960s. There is also the Sottores which is a copy of the Starlux of 1953 and finally the Alca-Capell.
We can also add a Comansi which looks like an Indian Rhinoceros with two horns and possibly an Oliver which has only one horn but was sold as the baby of the Black Rhinoceros.

Of these, I only own the Alca-Capell.
As with Domage & Cie, and even more so, this model clearly leans towards the fantasy side of the force, if not very exotic.
Thin profile, plated ears, everything is done to save on material and simplify the moulding. For the painting, white nail varnish, black-white-red eyes, nostrils and lips with red lipstick.

I understand that many collectors would not stop at this poor animal but the accumulation of "defects" gives it an old-fashioned charm that I like.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Today, like last week, you get two Rhinos for the price of one.

The second one isn't an Alca-Capell or even a Spanish one, it's a "paper maché" model from the DDR and that's all I know.
If I present it to you today it is because it has a family resemblance with the Alca-capell.

Same plated ears, same make-up artist...
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

With the Spanish little guy
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

With a yellow mole rat
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Both have beautiful eyes!

Whoever does not stop at "this poor animal" simply does not appreciate the historical, social and artistic trajectory of the miniature animal replicas... There is a world beyond Schleich... ... ...

Caracal wrote:

Both have beautiful eyes!

Yes Alain

Stripedhyena wrote:

Whoever does not stop at "this poor animal" simply does not appreciate the historical, social and artistic trajectory of the miniature animal replicas... There is a world beyond Schleich... ... ...

Of course Ricardo, but I understand that one may not appreciate the historical, social and artistic trajectory of miniature animal replicas...
The aesthetics of the XXth and XXIst century productions are very different and I confess that I am less indulgent with the current models than with the oldies.

They are both in an amazing condition for their age. And even though they didn't get much paint, the painting was very precise, especially for the small and probably cheap Alca-Capell. When was it made?

The first productions began between 1955 and 1957. Capell produced also a zoo series in 1946 but it was a hollowcast lead one.

Kikimalou wrote:

With the Spanish little guy
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

the little one is so cute! and what a size difference!! When I was looking at the individual photos I thought it was a regular/large size one, but it turns out it is tiny.
I really like it's appearance as well, streamlined and cutesy

I think I have the answer for this one?

sunny wrote:

the little one is so cute! and what a size difference!! When I was looking at the individual photos I thought it was a regular/large size one, but it turns out it is tiny.
I really like it's appearance as well, streamlined and cutesy

I think I have the answer for this one?

Most of the XXth century Spanish series were on the famous "1/32" false scale as British or French companies.

You have an answer to what ?

Some incredibly charming rhinos Thank you for showing, Kikimalou! I think the last one looks a bit grumpy or even angry, with flaming red nostrils

Yes, it's been years that "smart" kids have been making fun of their plated ears and their flashy lipstick, so it's bound to get on their nerves...

They really have a similar style and they're very charming for sure.
They remind me the Mojö Brontotherium
How does the Sotorres look like?

Roger wrote:

They really have a similar style and they're very charming for sure.
They remind me the Mojö Brontotherium  

   Ok    But    No lipstick, no plated ears on this one  

Roger wrote:

How does the Sotorres look like?

I don't have it but it looks like a Starlux 53 in softer plastic.

Kikimalou wrote:

sunny wrote:

the little one is so cute! and what a size difference!! When I was looking at the individual photos I thought it was a regular/large size one, but it turns out it is tiny.
I really like it's appearance as well, streamlined and cutesy

I think I have the answer for this one?

Most of the XXth century Spanish series were on the famous "1/32" false scale as British or French companies.

You have an answer to what ?

- was this not a guessing game as well?? or was it just the first rhinos?

sunny wrote:

- was this not a guessing game as well?? or was it just the first rhinos?

No, but I'd still be happy to know your answer to my non-question

Kikimalou wrote:

Roger wrote:

They really have a similar style and they're very charming for sure.
They remind me the Mojö Brontotherium  

   Ok    But    No lipstick, no plated ears on this one  

Roger wrote:

How does the Sotorres look like?

I don't have it but it looks like a Starlux 53 in softer plastic.

The Mojö model is a modern one, and the glam metal is dead for a long time.
Thanks for letting me know how the Sotorres model looks like.

Wonderful to see another beautiful vintage model! I love how they are steeped in so much history