About
The Imperial is the world’s best-selling yo-yo and the model that defined American yo-yo culture for generations. Introduced in 1954 to replace Duncan’s wartime wooden models, it was molded in Tenite plastic to replicate the dimensions of the classic wooden Model 77 in continuous production since 1929. Its narrow string gap and starburst response produce the snappy, reliable return loops that made it the standard yo-yo for beginners and seasoned loopers alike. The fleur-de-lis gold stamping on the face became an iconic visual identity for the brand. After Duncan’s 1965 bankruptcy and Flambeau’s acquisition in 1968, the Imperial mold was preserved and continues in production today, essentially unchanged.
