In 1957, the name "Sambo's" was chosen for a new restaurant franchise, because the name Sambo combined the first syllables of the two men who started the restaurant. They chose their trademark from the book Little Black Sambo, which told the story of a smart little boy from India who was caught by a tiger. But before he could be eaten, the little boy tricked the tiger into running around the tree so fast that the tiger eventually melted and turned into butter, and the little boy was free to go on his way.
The Sambo dolls and tigers were introduced in the mid 1960's. This particular doll is made of felt, and is circa 1978.
