Oliver Owl comes for Christmas!

After dropping some heavy hints at home, and frequently sharing a few links to Oliver Owls on eBay - my Christmas wishes came true!

I’m now the proud owner of my very own Sarah Jane Smith soft toy as seen in her departing scenes at the end of Hand Of Fear - and I think at nine inches tall I’m pretty sure he’s the right size.

As you may have read, they came in at least three sizes with 12 and 16 inches completing the range (please correct me if I am wrong, as I’m basing this on what I have seen on eBay).

One of my cats isn’t too sure about Oliver, but she’ll get used to it!

I’ve seen a number of the larger sizes, but not the smaller, nine inch version.

Looking at the closing scene of Hand Of Fear, and remembering that Elizabeth Sladen isn’t that tall, the owl appears to be quite small.

Happy Christmas - from Oliver Owl!!!

Sarah Jane’s Oliver Owl soft toy on eBay

If you’re on the look out for your own Sarah Jane owl toy, you’d do well to have a look on eBay.

These owls crop up from time to time and sell for around £50 to £100 a time, though you need to watch out for the size of the owl as several heights were made.

If you find their price tag a bit rich for your pocket, you could always have a go at making your own, and these listings come with some great detail pictures to work from.

12 inch tall Oliver Owl
1970s Alresford Crafts soft toy

SOLD FOR £99

For sale vintage 1970's Oliver Owl plush toy made by Alresford Crafts Ltd. Measures approx 12".

Rare and delightful in his own right he is the same as the one featured at the end of the 'Hand of Fear' Dr Who story when Sarah Jane leaves the Doctor.

He also reappeared in 'The Sarah Jane Adventures', also this make of owl featured in 'ET'. Is in very good vintage condition.

Sarah Jane’s Oliver Owl soft toy

One of the things that can finish of a good cosplay costume is a well chosen prop.

If you’re doing The Doctor, then a sonic screwdriver is a must.
But if you’re doing a companion there are thing out there worth tracking down.

When Sarah Jane finally left the TARDIS in The Hand Of Fear, she carries a handful of possessions, including a soft toy of an owl.

It ends up this owl is a toy called Oliver Owl, and was available in the mid 1970s from a company called Alresford Crafts.

As well as appearing in Hand Of Fear, the makers of The Sarah Jane Adventures had a little fun by putting the toy in the background of Sarah’s attic - though you might notice it is a crude copy rather than an original.


But this isn’t the only screen appearance of an Oliver Owl.

It famously can be seen in the toy cupboard in the Steven Spielberg film, ET.

First it is seen on a shelf behind ET when Elliot dresses him for his Halloween Trick or Treat outing (01:01:03 into the film).

Later, when Michael peeps over in the cupboard it can be seen on the floor to the left (01:25:12 into the film).

Have you spotted an Oliver Owl in another film or tv episode?!
If so, drop me a line