Antique DOLL Collector July 2012 Vol. 15, No. 6
July 2012 Vol. 15, No. 6 $595 / $695 Canada www.antiquedollcollector.com
Two Important Days of Doll Auctions July 22 and 23 Sunday, July 22, 2012. The Prestige Auction of the Legendary “Spielzeugmuseum Davos” Preview 9 AM. Auction begins at 11 AM.
Catalogs can be ordered at this time or a free color brochure can be requested by calling 800-638-0422 or email info@theriaults.com.
The prestigious museum, nominated as one of the best European museums, has closed, and its complete collections will be presented at an important exclusive auction. More than 600 lots will be offered in the one day event. Exceptional rarities in dolls, toys, and childhood ephemera are included, each in unparalleled pristine condition, personally selected for their rarity of nature and purity of collection by the museum founder, Angela Prader. A commemorative hardbound catalog, certain to become a collector’s item in its own right, is available for $75 or can be ordered with “Upon Arriving Home” catalog for combined $129 ($21 saving when both are ordered). See the article about the Museum in other pages of this magazine, and watch for next month’s issue of Antique Doll Collector for extensive advertising.
Both auctions are conducted at the Westin Hotel Canal Place in New Orleans. For more information about the auctions contact Theriault’s at 800-638-0422 or email info@theriaults.com. Register at www.theriaults.com to receive emails with further details about these two superb auctions. Both auctions will appear online at www.theriaults.com (click on the button for Proxibid) after July 1, 2012.
At the Westin Hotel Canal Place, New Orleans, LA Monday, July 23, 2012. Important Marquis Catalog Auction “Upon Arriving Home” Preview 9 AM. Auction begins at 11 AM. Theriault’s classic summer Marquis doll auction is known for offering the best of the best, and this year’s event continues the tradition. The finest dolls selected from important European and American collections will make their runway appearance for your bidding pleasure. Notable are dolls from the Judene Hansen Dolls and Dreams Museum of Lake Worth, Florida, a delectable one-owner private collection of more than 50 googly dolls, a choice selection of French poupees with trunks and trousseaux, rare German characters including the glass-eyed 208 model by Kestner and early Heubach characters, superb French bebes in their original couturier costumes. An art-quality hardbound catalog of the auction “Upon Arriving Home” is available for $75 or can be ordered with “SpielzeugMuseum Davos” catalog for combined $129 ($21 saving when both are ordered).
Catalogs can be ordered at this time or a free color brochure can be requested by calling 800-638-0422 or email info@theriaults.com.
PO Box 151 Annapolis, MD, 21404 USA Telephone 410-224-3655Fax 410-224-2515 • www.theriaults.com
the dollmasters
Joyce Lanza
Visit my website: www.grandmasatticdolls.com 1. - 2. 12" Early Portrait Jumeau #2 Bebe, br. p/w eyes, mint early pressed pale bisque, orig. mohair wig, wears the most darling wool ecru & pink Jumeau sailor suit, ant. woolen beret, ant. undies, Jumeau shoes & ant. stockings. On orig. early 8 ball st. wrist "signed" Jumeau body, head coil intact. She is AMAZING!!! Great price at only $9800. 3. - 4. 12 1/2" Tete Jumeau #3 Bebe, huge blue p/w eyes, luscious lashes, gorgeous pale bisque, orig. fabulous mohair wig w/orig. Jumeau silk hair bow, wears stunning peach silk & lace dress made of ant. fabrics, orig. undies, fabulous ant. Fr. lace & ribbon 1-2 bonnet, ant. socks & great shoes. Fully "signed" head w/orig. head coil intact & on orig. "signed" Jumeau body. Best Jumeau expression & absolutely GORGEOUS!!! $4900. 5. - 6. 24� Rare DEP Jumeau #749, huge bulging bl. threaded p/w eyes, immaculate bisque, 6 upper teeth & gorgeous ant. full mohair wig. Wears fabulous Fr. ant. batiste dress, crocheted socks, ant. leather shoes & ant. hat. On orig. heavy chunky Jumeau body w/Bebe Jumeau label on back. Tremendous presence. Very rare from early S & H 700 series & Incised DEP 749. Truly OUTSTANDING!! Made for the French trade. $3250. 5-6 7. - 8. 16" Jumeau French Fashion, gorgeous bulging light blue almond shaped wraparound p/w eyes, immaculate pale bisque, fabulous orig. mohair wig, wears what I believe to be orig. plum silk & lace dress, (sewn on), orig. Fashion heeled boots, ant. socks, ant. ermine stole, undies, ant. velvet hat & added accessories. On orig. gusseted kid body w/separately stitched fingers & perfect bisque shoulder plate. Look of a Portrait Jumeau Fashion & absolutely BREATHTAKING!!! $5950. 9. 6" All Bisque French Barefoot Mignonette, perfect pale bisque overall, big blue p/w eyes, orig. long mohair wig, wearing factory orig. blue silk & lace dress, orig. undies & 9 10 darling ant. hat. On orig. perfect all bisque early peg strung body. Wonderful long limbs and early bare feet. Rare and absolutely MAGNIFICENT!!! $4750. 10. 13 1/2" K * R 117N Flirty, br. flirty & sl. eyes, immaculate pale bisque, orig. auburn mohair wig & pate. ALL FACTORY original cotton & lace frilly dress, orig. undies, hat, shoes & socks. On GREAT orig. K * R body. She is an absolute DARLING!!! Only....$1575. 11. - 12. 15 " Steiner Fire A Bebe, perfect pale bisque, gorgeous blue p/w eyes, orig. great mohair wig, wearing orig. plum silk & lace costume, ant. undies, orig. shoes & crocheted socks. On orig. body w/ Steiner label. She was a First Place Ribbon Winner from UFDC in 1978 & retains her ribbon. The BEST ever in a super cabinet size. Desirable soulful Steiner expression & absolutely STUNNING !!!! $6200. 13. - 14. 16" Tete Jumeau #6 Bebe, perfect bisque, huge br. p/w eyes, fabulous orig. Jumeau mohair wig, wearing orig. silk & lace dress, ant. Jumeau shoes w/rosettes, magnificent ant. Fr. silk & lace hat, orig. chemise & undies. Fully "signed" head, head coil still intact & on fully "signed" orig. Jumeau body. Tremendous presence and a LAYAWAY AVAILABLE MAGNIFICENT face! You will love her! $6000. Member UFDC & NADDA (Nat'l Antique Doll Dealers Assn.) Photos by Vincent Lanza
I buy dolls and sell on consignment. 2137 Tomlinson Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461 home: 718-863-0373 cell: 917-859-2446 e-mail: joycedolls@aol.com
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From the Editor
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t isn’t often that Antique DOLL Collector prints a “From the Editor” column, but we have important news to share with our readers. For nearly twenty years Antique DOLL Collector has been the only magazine to deal exclusively with antique and vintage dolls. As time marches on, the definition of antique is constantly changing. The National Antique Doll Dealers Association uses fifty years as their guideline, thus including, dare we say it, early Barbies! While our focus will always be dolls from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, we have come to recognize the need to add the iconic dolls of the mid-20th century – important dolls by Madame Alexander, Ideal, Effanbee, Horsman, Vogue, and Nancy Ann to name a few. Our goal in Antique DOLL Collector has always been to expand our doll knowledge; we certainly cannot expect to collect all types of dolls, but as they say, knowledge is power. In this issue Connie Lowe authors an intriguing article entitled, We’re not in Kansas anymore…or are we? Connie is an antique doll dealer/collector, doll fashion designer and doll artist with many awards to her credit. Ball Jointed Dolls or BJDs as they are known, have brought together her two passions, the old and the new. Connie’s dolls wear fashions made of antique fabrics, trims and findings. She is finding that a surprising number of antique doll collectors are adding BJDs to their collections, the reason being that these dolls can be played with, they are perfect for showcasing fashions and they are fully customizable. As you will see in her article, the roots of BJDs are much older than you might imagine! You may have noticed the new line of copy above our magazine masthead: The Complete Guide to Antique, Vintage and Collectible Dolls. This reflects our continuing commitment to our readers to bring you more for your subscription dollars. We look forward to bringing you a monthly magazine that is fun and informative, one that will continue to enhance your joy of collecting.
ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
Office Staff: Publication and Advertising: Keith Kaonis Editor-in-Chief: Donna C. Kaonis Administration Manager: Lorraine Moricone Phone: 1-888-800-2588 Art/Production: Lisa Ambrose Graphic Designer: Marta Sivakoff Contributing Editor: Lynn Murray, Michael Canadas, David Robinson Sales Representative: Andy Ourant Subscription Manager: Jim Lance Marketing: Penguin Communications Publications Director: Eric Protter Antique Doll Collector (ISSN 1096-8474) is published monthly by the Puffin Co., LLC, 15 Hillside Place, Northport, NY 11768 Phone: 1-631-261-4100 Periodicals postage paid at Northport, NY. and at additional mailing offices. Contents ©2012 Antique Doll Collector, all rights reserved. Postmaster: Send address changes to Antique Doll Collector, P.O. Box 239, Northport, NY 11768. Subscriptions: Send to Antique Doll Collector, P. O. Box 239, Northport, NY 11768. Phone: 1-888-800-2588 or 1-631-261-4100 Subscription Rates: One Year (Twelve Issues) $42.95; Two Years (Twenty-four Issues) $75.95. First class delivery in US add $25 per year. Canada add $27 per year. Europe add $31 per year. Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Mexico add $33 per year. South America and Singapore add $36 per year. Bermuda and South Africa add $41 per year. Foreign subscriptions must be paid in U.S. funds. Do not send cash. Credit cards accepted. Advertising and Editorial: Call 717-517-9217 or email antiquedoll@gmail.com
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Antique Doll Collector is not responsible for any inaccuracies in advertisers’ content. An unsolicited manuscript must be accompanied by SASE. Antique Doll Collector assumes no responsibility for such material. All rights including translations are reserved by the publisher. Requests for permissions and reprints must be made in writing to Antique Doll Collector. ©2012 by the Puffin Co., LLC.
MOVING?
Important: We need your old address and your new. The Post Office does not forward magazines. Call 1-888-800-2588 or write to us at: P.O. Box 239, Northport, NY 11768.
Donna Kaonis 4
published by the
JULY 2012
Carmel Doll Shop
Visit WWW.CARMELDOLLSHOP.COM for a Large Selection!
Carmel Doll Shop, 213 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove, California 93950 • (831) 625-5360 Visa • MasterCard • American Express • We Welcome Layaway Always Buying, Selling and Trading Fine Antique Dolls • Members of UFDC & NADDA
Some things may be new for us at Carmel Doll Shop, including our great new location, but some things never change, like the quality of the dolls we sell. We do have one additional exciting change to announce, and that is the fact that this Summer we will be taking part in the
2012 National Doll Festival in New Orleans. Please visit us July 22-25 at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. We would love to see you there!
The Complete Guide to Antique, Vintage and Collectible Dolls
July 2012 Volume 15, Number 6
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BROOKS HOUSE
by Susan Grimshaw The author brings a British dolls’ house in need of repairs back to life.
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A LOOK AT RARE LENCI DOLLS
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ASCENT TO THE MOUNTAINS The Spielzeugmuseum, Angela Prader in Davos, Switzerland
Collectors can expect to find an extraordinary range of antique dolls, doll houses, rooms, shops, toys, candy containers, squeak toys and paper dolls when the museum goes to auction in New Orleans on Sunday, July 22.
WE’RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE...OR ARE WE?
by Connie Lowe The author, an antique doll collector and a modern doll artist, shares her perspective on ball-jointed dolls.
by Judy Fisher These exquisite dolls exemplify the amazing craftsmanship of Lenci during the company’s golden age.
About The Cover
Our cover illustrates the originality of costumes and diversity of the Spielzeugmuseum Davos. Now closed, the contents of the museum will soon be sold in New Orleans by Theriault’s, Sunday, July 22.
15 • Auction Gallery
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MAUD TOUSEY FANGEL 1881-1968 Artist, Illustrator and Doll Designer by Sara Bernstein A look at the artist’s renowned artwork and cloth dolls.
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ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
60 JULY 2012
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RUSSIAN DOLLS
by Penny Hadfield A comprehensive look at the antique bisque and cloth dolls from Russia.
MADAME ALEXANDER’S “MYSTERY DOLLS” by Florence Theriault The story of six extraordinary dolls created in 1951.
76 • Calendar
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MISS FLORA MCFLIMSEY, MARIANA AND FADED ELEGANCE by Florence Theriault
79 • Classified
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GAITHERSBURG, JUNE 2 & 3
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1, 2, & 11, Heirloom 1 Fashion Doll with Photo History – seldom are these early fabric, one of a kind dolls as graceful and refined as is this 20” beautifully preserved 1880s American heirloom treasure from one of the pioneer doll collections in the United States. Constructed with the same ladylike aspect and detail of an extravagant milliners model or elegant fashion, she is well documented in a photo album of 3 various studio portraits and newspaper accounts. Today, she is unchanged and still exceptional after 130 years! $3000
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A. Beautiful Half Dolls… please call.
‘Miss Columbia’ 4
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8 7 3-6. An American Master – from the early 1800s comes this 22” historic, privately held oil painted rag recalling Early American gallery portraits. All the original paint – no cleaning or touch-ups – as well as the original clothes make this doll not just an important and thrilling acquisition; but the unique cornerstone of an advanced collection. $4000
7-9. 29” Rare Size Early Columbian – the Bru of fabric dolls and America’s original sweetheart, this rare baby face beauty is painted by the hand of Emma Adams herself. She’s uniquely coy, so pretty with big round “baby blues” and a full tummy with chubby limbs. She has her original barn red frock with its juvenile pinafore. A museum class doll… with a tender heart. $7500
(212) 787-7279 P.O. Box 1410 NY, NY 10023
Quality Antique Dolls by Mail Return Privilege • Layaways Member UFDC • NADDA
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10. Buster Brown Brothers – you’ll chuckle every time at the wit and whimsy of this classic 16” humorous duo. These handmade geniuses have droll hand stitched expressions and they sport their original belted drop waist jackets, knee-high knickers, matching hats and leather shoes. Iconic! $1250
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12. 14” Oil Painted American Indians – history and drama combine in the moving portraits of this native American Choctaw couple. Hand painted in 1940 with remarkable artistry in Oklahoma City, they are mint with original wigs, clothes and romance. A rare opportunity. $1495
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Quality Antique Dolls by Mail Return Privilege • Layaways Member UFDC • NADDA
(212) 787-7279
1. & 5 It’s enviable! The 1 full rich heads of thoroughly embroidered hair on this handmade pair of 1940’s Navy Men in their dashing uniforms complete with caps. Real Americana! $295 each 2. 25” Shirley Temple Wee Willie Winkie – a very rare costume w/pin, in a scarce size w/flirty eyes and overall very nice condition! $495 3. Handsome Skookums Brave – the dramatic 35” figure in original 5 clothes including the original mint mohair wig and headband that is usually missing! $895 4. 16” Impish Lenci Character – quite the rare one with early 20’s ‘flat’ nose and very comic, playful eyes, important doll , as found, just $395 5. See # 1 6. Here’s a French doll you may not have. This infrequent 31” ‘Tanagra’; Paris has roots going all way back to Gesland. It has brilliant bisque coloring, vivid eyes, good French body and all the more fascinating as a young man to compliment your Bebe! $1100 7. This well made and well preserved composition Freundlich Military Trio, c. 1940, consisting of General MacArthur, WAAC and WAVE are all original, one with tag! And no craze! $750 the set (will divide) 8. Playful, sweet and mint describes this heirloom 16” JDK 211 Baby Girl with her ivory pure bisque, perfect skin wig and ‘pretty in pink’ period baby dress, bonnet and shoes. All so dear! $595 9. – 11. Creativity and wit characterize this 27” UFDC Blue Ribbon winning pair of Norah Wellings Art Dolls with such expressive features and a wealth of other details (inquire) all in unplayed condition w/labels and their accessories usually absent. Just $1495 the pair! 12. Large Early Kestner – these early 1880’s dolls are generally small, so imagine the grandeur of this spectacular example with her early chunky Kestner body in the Schmitt manner. (See next page, #8) 13. Dressed for school, this leggy Norah Wellings Schoolgirl is an unusual 27” tall! - and in excellent condition! Just $595. Early Steiff Donkey Pull Toy – with metal wheels, button in ear, shoe button eyes and saddle. $395 14. Celebrity compos are important, especially this 13” Mme Alexander Jane Withers, with closed mouth, no craze, and Factory Original with label! $750
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(212) 787-7279 P.O. Box 1410 NY, NY 10023
1. 27” Hand Painted Babyland Rag – early silk face version, c. 1893, in lovely condition with the proper original clothes too! Just $750 2. 15” Unusual Black Stockinet Lady – depicting a shapely slender woman with an adult face, stitched features and intricate upcombed hair. $595. 12” Black Child – adorable youngster with hand drawn features and pretty old clothes! $250 3. Rare 9” Halbig ‘886’ 8 All Bisque – outstanding in the largest size made with her long black stockings, socket head, sleep eyes, French wig, lovely bisque, no chips or cracks, a stunning rarity!! (see # 5) $2850 4. Flags and Flowers – most adorable English water coloring book with a brilliant interior and quaint literature. Excellent. $125 5. Simon Halbig ‘886’ – see # 3 6. Choice Large Size Googly – an uncommon 7” tall with jointed limbs and watermelon mouth, blue sleep eyes, all original uncut wig and beautifully crocheted clothes with hat! A quality knockout! $1250 7. All Original Hilda’s Sister – since so few were made, this 14” Kestner 247 is actually more rare than Hilda itself! Gorgeous 30” long elaborate lace drenched presentation gown and bonnet with every possible layer and detail imaginable. Luxurious! $1250 8. 31” 1880’s ‘Square Tooth’ Kestner – outrageous to find such an early Kestner in this size! Stunning with her long forward thrusting cheeks, barely open mouth with 6 carved teeth, ‘flat’ brows and important mint, French wig. (see opposite page, #12) $1795 9. 11” Factory Original ‘Patsy Jr. – rare wigged version with sleep eyes, lashes and no craze! Complete with hat and ready for summer fun! $350 10 & 11. Rare Pair Choctaw Indians – important pair of American oil painted portrait dolls. Museum class (see page 7) 12. 16” Rare 1920’s Lenci Character – oodles and oodles of corkscrew curls on this early, shy toddler with chubby limbs, flat nose and very Deco costume! $750 13. Scarce Kley and Hahn ‘161’ – fine quality 12” cabinet baby with open/closed mouth, molded teeth/tongue, original wig and many sweet ankle length layers with bib! $495 14. 16” Baby Girl by Bahr and Proschild – rare mold ‘641’ with the prettiest wig in original set, pert character face, pretty bisque and fussy original gowns! $575 4
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Nelling, Inc.
P.O. Box 4327 Burbank CA 91503 Cell: 818-738-4591 Home: 818-562-7839
Member NADDA and UFDC
BUYING & SELLING QUALITY DOLLS FOR OVER 19 YEARS
1 - 3. 16” Smiling Bru “Empress Eugenie” fashion w/ tri-color eyes and fully articulated wood Bru body. $11,750. 4. French fashion ermine muff in orig. Huret type box. Box is 4 3/4” long. $450. 5 - 6. 5 1/4” All-bisque mignonette, all orig. except for her grand antique hat. $2400.
Exhibiting: July 22 - 25 - National Doll Festival, New Orleans LA, Hilton Riverside New Orleans
Visit us at: www.maspinelli.com • e-mail: nellingdolls@gmail.com
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ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
JULY 2012
s ’ i z t Fri
s l l o D e u q i t n A
Buying and Selling Collections
Email: fritzisantiquedolls@comcast.net
Cell 630-247-1144
Our Ship is Coming in to the UFDC Salesroom at the Sheraton Hotel New Orleans, LA July 24-July 27 See our display and our dolls will be for sale. Tuesday night Grand Opening, 8:15 to 10:30 pm; Wednesday noon to 6 pm; Thursday Public Day 2 to 7 pm; Friday – Last Chance 10 am to 3 pm WAIT FOR US!
We are Bringing Exceptional and Fabulous Dolls. You will be very happy!
Nancy A. Smith Member NADDA
Box 462, Natick Mass. 01760-0005 Phone: (508) 545-1424 E-Mail: nasdoll@comcast.net
See us in the UFDC salesroom, booth 601 New Orleans
July 24 to 27, 2012.
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ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
JULY 2012
Enjoy the beautiful coastal village of Camden, Maine located on the pristine Penobscot Bay. 49 Bay View Street, Camden, ME 04843 The shop is now open 7 days a week, Monday-Saturday 10-4 and Sunday 11-4 Please call for questions or purchases Cel 207-322-4851 Shop 207-236-4122 Fax 207-236-4377 email: lucysdollhouse49@roadrunner.com
Sweet paper mache doll 9-1/4” tall $395.
Large Scale Biedermeier sofa 9-1/2” wide x 6” tall. $350.
Carved wooden horse on wheeled platform 11” tall 11” long $295.
Early fireplace - cast iron and brass 6-3/4” tall x 6-1/2” wide $395.
“Broderie de Perles” original box and contents - bead set 11-1/2” x 13-1/2” $395. Large assortment of antique German flower children and wagons and cars, $45 each “Broderie Tapissere” original box and contents 7-1/2” x 11” $195.
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Auction Gallery O
n May 19 Sweetbriar sold the personal collection of the late Roberta Zygalowski, a well-known doll dealer and collector. Roberta was a doll show unto herself, her large booth commanding attention at the many shows she participated in. Her personal collection included a variety of German bisques and a large grouping of Heubach figurines. Sales met expectations with many in attendance as well as numerous phone bids.
As a collection, Roberta had a fondness for German bisques. Photo Courtesy Andy Ourant)
Roberta’s collection included a wide array of Heubach figurines. Photo Courtesy Andy Ourant)
Hertel Schwab 165 googly, 18 inches (chip on rim), $2750. Heubach googly “Elizabeth,” 7”, $2805.
More Auction Gallery on page 58 ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
JULY 2012
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Sandy’s Dream Dolls Sandy Kralovetz
Always Buying Dolls of Quality 602.228.1829 281.339.0269 skayk43@aol.com Houston Showrooms Antiques On 8 Thompson Antique Gallery Mailing Address: 9825 Moers Rd, Houston, TX 77075 Member UFDC & NADDA Visa - MC
See you in New Orleans!
Victorian Retreat Antique Dolls QUALITY DOLLS AT REASONABLE PRICES
Check out my Ruby Lane site: www.victorianretreat.rubylane.com Lynne Shoblom • P.O. Box 2461 • Prescott, Az 86302 928-445-5908 • 928-713-1909 • email: victorianretreat@msn.com Member UFDC • Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal accepted Generous Layaway Plan Large 30” Gorgeous Handwerck 109 child! This exceptional example of the desirable 109 mold has big brown sleep eyes, beautiful painting and bisque. She has her original fully jointed composition body with it’s original finish. Her wonderful clothes and blond mohair wig are antique. This lovely large doll is a beauty and a great price! $895
Absolutely gorgeous 26” closed mouth Jumeau with a pensive look! This incredible Jumeau has beautiful blue paperweight eyes, exceptional painting and bisque. She has a teeny mold mark above her right eyebrow, in the making. Her marked Jumeau body is fully jointed. She has gorgeous clothes, antique hat and a lovely antique blond mohair wig. One of the nicest large Jumeaus you will see! What a face! $4595 16
ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
JULY 2012
Danny & Barrie Shapiro
Creating The Ultimate Collection Since 1975, The Toy Shoppe has focused on dolls of exceptional design and artistry created with the highest standards of production.
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Over their careers, talented artists Lynne & Michael Roche, Elisabeth Pongratz, R. John Wright, and Helen Kish have created dolls that continue to stand the test of time. Their new, retired and vintage editions are sure to enhance every collection.
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Come See Us At UFD
Booth #202
call us toll free 1 800 447-7995 visit our website www.TheToyShoppe.com visit our gallery 11632 Busy St, Richmond, VA 23236 0712 ADC Roche 1 pg.indd 1
6/11/12 4:40:25 PM
Tel: 425.765.4010 Valerie@beautifulbebes.com Member UFDC & NADDA
Beautifulbebes.com
Some of the most beautiful and haunting of the Bru Jeune faces were created during the Leon Casimir Bru period. Perhaps Monsieur Chevrot fell first for the faces... then for the firm? Stunning blue eyed Bru Jne 8 on leatherette kid edged body with armature in kid over wood and perfect bisque arms. Huge blue eyes, lovely bisque head, shoulder plate and hands all free of repair. Minor touch up makes this incredible beauty available at a tantalizingly affordable price. Size 8; 22 inches, original pate, wig, Bru shoes w/ replaced bow, and generally in lovely condition. Circa 1880. Please email or call.
Dreamy eyed Huret on fabulous articulated wooden body with swivel waist. Mme. is seen here with her favorite sonnet book. Original skin wig, perfect pale bisque shoulder head with exquisite painting of delicate features. Exceedingly pose-able to sit, stand or hold books, etc. Has to scale antique mahogany desk, chair, sonnet book, vases and additional soutache ensemble or may be considered separately. Please call
Find US in the UFDC Sales Room on the back wall July 24th-27th! Celebrate New Orleans and feed your Passion! Bring this ad for a 10% purchase credit in our booth up to $500.00 at Convention!
28" Figure B Steiner with life-like face! Amazing doll with striking presence of a real child. Figure B dolls do not surface very often. This model was rendered with stunning realism & her beautiful p.w. blue eyes w/ dark outline & sweeping lashes seem to sparkle with intelligence! Blessed w/ perfect bisque, a lovely Steiner body that once had pull strings w/ speakers & a securing of chest by leather. Stamped in blue 'Le Petite Parisien, Medaille d'Or, Paris'. Head incised Fig B 6 Original shoes w/ hot air balloon insignia & dressed in adorable confection of pale pink silk under lovely summer weight cotton flounced dress. Overall excellent condition! Antique curly blonde mohair wig festooned w/ pink silk ribbons crowns this adorable doll. $8495
All original 21" c/m Tete 9 Jumeau w/ dreamiest blue paperweight eyes, lustrous peachy bisque complexion, softly painted features with slender eyebrows in medium tones . Marked Depose, Tete Jumeau, Bte S.G.D.G. 9. Body has Bebe Jumeau Label, Paris. Original box, marked Jumeau 9, wearing all original clothing comprised of Jumeau flowered shift, Jumeau factory bloomers w/ slip, stockings & rarest to find her original owner made certain she had a beautiful matching original bonnet. Bisque is free of damage or flaw. Head coil intact. Jumeau blue earrings. Wig and cork pate original. Shoes marked Bebe Jumeau Depose & one shoe has original paper label marked France. Original Bebe Pin.We just do not see this level of originality very often. A true collector dream! $7200 MIB 30" Heinrich Handwerck child doll, ca. 1885 - Original down to her shoes and socks, box and chemise! The only replacement has been her curly honey colored mohair wig which suits her perfectly. Perfect bisque socket head marked 6 on head, body and shoes! Beautiful soft doe-brown sleep eyes, open mouth with four upper teeth, pierced ears; composition ball-jointed body with Handwerck stamp and lovely original patina, all original in box with excelsior, ca. 1888 on. Box labeled Bebe Cosmopolite. Also marked in red on hip: Germany, Heinrich Handwerck/ Simon & Halbig. Original stringing is a bit loose. Perfect bisque, original cardboard pate. The chemise has a lovely pleated placket and finely executed red embroidered trim. Nicely matching underwear with finely crocheted lace trim. This was a doll made to capture the French market which can be seen in the cut of her shoes and the very name by which she was marketed. $2495
www.rubylane.com/shop/bebesatticfinds
ASCENT TO THE MOUNTAINS
The Spielzeugmuseum, Angela Prader in Davos, Switzerland
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t began as a simple amusement, became a diversion in an otherwise busy family schedule, and, somewhere along the line, became a serious life’s work and study. Some who study antique dolls and playthings remain private collectors, others author books and still others lecture. Some dream of founding a museum. Of those, a very few actually do. One who did is Angela Prader of Davos, Switzerland, founder of Spielzeugmuseum Davos. The Museum, nominated in 2010 for the prestigious European Museum of the Year, is now closed, and its entire contents will be presented at auction by Theriault’s on Sunday, July 22, 2012 in New Orleans at the Westin Canal Place. A hardbound commemorative catalog of the Spielzeugmuseum Angela Prader Davos featuring more than 600 lots is available. Establishing a museum compels vast planning, hard work, and a determined vision. In addition to all the business and building decisions, there is the collection itself. What will be included? What will be its standards? Angela Prader resolved, early on, that she would seek and select only the best in each category. “Originality of the doll or the dollhouse, or the costume or the house contents, has been crucial to me”, she reflected in an interview. “Of course, one always wants the object itself to be perfect, such things as flawless bisque and porcelain or original paint on wood or paper mache, but I decided to go a step further. I’ve always sought out dolls wearing their original costumes and wigs, and with wonderful accessories.” And then there is the question of specialization. “I wanted to show dolls and playthings from every genre, from the 1700s until the early 20th century”, she noted. “And because I’ve always had to choose and buy carefully, I decided that I would just pause until I could find the best of the best for every category. Having to be patient has stood me well, because, along the way, I continued to study and learned what the best really was. And that’s what I added to the Museum.” The Spielzeugmuseum Prader has no incidental objects that just wandered in by chance. Each item has a reason, a purpose to portray. Whether it is the signature “Victoria” fashion lady with her wonderful provenance and extraordinary original trousseau (“I knew I needed this doll for my museum, but I was so stunned when I went the limit and beyond at auction to win her that I couldn’t move or breathe for some time”, she still recalls even though that event occurred
The signature doll of Spielzeugmuseum is “Victoria”, so-named by her original family, which donated the doll to a charity raffle to benefit veterans of WWI. The charity raffle winner preserved the doll in her own care until its acquisition by Spielzeugmuseum Davos in 1994. The doll, with rare Clement articulated body, owns an extraordinary trousseau which is featured in a four-page lay-out in the auction catalog of the Museum.
Two sisters poured wax child dolls from England in their original costumes.
Wonderful and rare “double” peddler dolls on original base depicting an aged woman and young boy, both heavily laden with wares to sell.
The Schoenhut wooden boy is so original he is still tied to his original box display with details of how to pose the doll.
Is she Marie Antoinette at Petit Trianon? Whatever, she is all wooden fully-articulated and is found in her original packing box with five paper mache sheep. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Pristine set of wooden articulated dolls with sculpted and painted hats of various styles, mid-19th century.
The nine miniature carved wooden dolls still have their original costumes. “The Sewing Companion,” all-original, would surely counsel any young aspiring seamstress, as well as supply the sewing tools she holds.
Lenci’s googly “Winter” girl wears a pristine original costume. 20
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more than 15 years ago) or the collection of “Kinderbringen” figures so symbolic to the world of doll collecting, or her peddler dolls chosen for their originality of wares, the focus has always been fullness and unity. Into her fold, Angela Prader has welcomed a very rare set of Grodnertal wooden dolls with sculpted hats alongside Lenci’s googly-eyed “Autumn” from her four season series. There is an outstanding Maerklin ceramic stove with six copper cookwares counterbalancing an extraordinary collection of Austrian enamel miniature furniture. Tiny wooden Erzebirge villagers in their original box juxtapose the “Der Wanderer” mountain climber by Steiff. There are more early Steiff dolls, including an impossibly-complete early school room set with all accessories. Rare examples of early paper mache ladies, many photographed in books, proudly stand alongside German bisque and porcelain beauties with fancily-sculpted hair. The world of fashion is carefully represented, ranging from a grand-sized paper mache gentleman as Mozart to an amazing collection of eight French ladies by Lafitte-Desirat from the early 20th century, each in original costume on base. There are 19 miniature bisque dolls in original handmade elaborate costumes representing the coronation of Elizabeth I that contrast a pair of Japanese bisque children in outstanding exhibition-quality silk traditional costumes. Dolls in fine folklore costume, including a rare pair of bisque children in Swiss costume, parade in competition with elegantly-attired French ladies. And should the fashion dolls, themselves, not be enough there are collections of early antique purses, fans and accessories to be presented. The collection includes very rare bisque dollhouse gentlemen with sculpted helmets, an all-original French mechanical waltzing lady by Vichy, a bevy of early sculptedhair dolls known as “milliner’s models,” Grodnertal wooden dolls including an exceptional set of six dolls with sculpted hats, English poured wax child dolls in superb original silk costumes, set of Chinese Door of Hope dolls, very fine French all-bisque dolls in original costumes, cloth Kathe Kruse, mint Chad Valley Snow White and Seven Dwarves in original boxes, and hundreds more. Representing their native Switzerland are a large pair of carved wooden dolls by Huggler, an early studio Sasha doll, and a remarkable collection of more than 25 different models of the rare early 20th century metal-bodied dolls by Bucherer, some virtually unknown. The Museum also features a fine collection of doll houses, doll rooms, stores and kitchens. Notable is an English carved wooden butcher shop, German Apothecary by Oscar Meier, early petite Hacker stores with lithographed decorations, and more.
Three examples from the eight fashionable ladies by Lafitte-Desirat shown at the Spielzeugmuseum Davos.
Two early Steiff art character dolls are preserved in immaculate condition.
A studio art doll from Sasha Morgenthaler with original costume was featured at Spielzeugmuseum Davos.
Vichy’s mechanical “Waltzing Lady” was a beloved luxury model of the firm. A choice example was preserved at Spielzeugmuseum Davos, in perfect working order, and wearing perfectly-preserved original costume.
The early 20th century carved wooden dolls of the Swiss Huggler family are avidly sought – and so rare. A choice example at the museum is this large pair of boy and girl.
A beautiful French room with beaded curtains, glass chandelier, walls covered with framed engravings, an exquisite set of furnishings with painted silk upholstery, and three fine dolls.
The pair of Swaine characters, rare D.P. and F.P. models, wear their original Swiss folklore costume.
Talk about a well-crowded room! This one – with its all-original furnishings to match the draperies – barely leaves room for its two bisque inhabitants to walk about. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Among the rare German bisque dollhouse gentlemen is this pair, shown with a large Austrian enamel coach from the collection of enamel miniature furniture at the auction.
How appropriate for a Swiss museum high in the Alps, that Lenci’s rare Hockey Player was included.
A prized large paper mache head with exquisitely beautiful features has an ornate original human hair coiffure.
Rare comic characters from Bucherer of Switzerland, from the collection of more than 25 models. The giraffe is also by Bucherer.
Known as “the Kinderbringen,” experts disagree on the origin of the traditional figure. Is he a doll merchant or is he holding new babies? At any rate, he is very rare and perfectly-preserved.
Angela Prader, founder of Spielzeugmuseum Davos, posed alongside a temporary exhibition of Noah’s Ark toys. 22
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There are German doll house rooms with original furnishings and curtains, and superb French folding rooms with original furnishings. Rare individual miniature of carved bone and silver form other collections. Although Angela Prader preferred to display her museum objects singularly, she has also been keen on placing related objects in nearby proximity. Thus, abundant in the Museum have been doll-related objects. Carriages range from an impressive handcarved coach with drivers and passengers to hand-painted tin carriages by makers such as Maerklin and Bing. Furniture includes superb 19th century works including maitrise models. And there is the collection of rare 19th century toy stoves, complete with their cookware and accessories. Too, rarities in doll’s tea and dinner services had been showcased in the museum, many in their original boxes. Among the rarest of the 19th century doll and toy world are playthings of paper mache or paper. Their delicate nature, by very definition, means that few still exist in fine condition; those that have were assiduously sought out by Angela Prader, and her collection offers superb examples such as a boxed set of men and woman on horseback in classic fox hunt, mid-19th century boxed paper dolls, sets of paper soldiers, and a Chinese checkers game with paper mache figural pins. There are paper mache candy containers and squeak toys including a wonderful lady whose shoulder pads pop up revealing two little children hidden inside, and an early paper mache doll, believed to be dated early 18th century, with rattle interior. Sought-after Erzebirge wooden dolls and figures include complete market places, villages, and other vignettes from the 19th century, and wax dolls are wearing their original dainty costumes, while a rare early wax taufling baby has a dated ink inscription. The collection rounds out with a wonderful collection of antique toys, ephemera and tinplate trains. The Davos Museum is a tribute to the vision of Angela Prader, one of Europe’s keen eyes in collecting. She was known throughout the continent as loving a wide range of objects that traced the entire history of playthings, her mission. Her husband Jurgen Prader, who encouraged and aided her from the early years of collecting throughout the Museum years, says “her mission was to show to visitors the amazing craftsmanship, the beauty, the harmony, the love with which these old things were manufactured. For her it was art and culture.” For more details about the auction or to order a catalog visit www.theriaults.com
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16” Early Bru Fashion, size F, original mohair wig and pate, perfect bisque with beautiful molding, blue eyes, on patented Bru kid body with articulated wooden arms $5250
18” 1889 ED Etienne Denamur Paris on early stiff wrist Jumeau body, brown paperweight eyes, HH wig, antique clothing & shoes $3050 2” All Original German All Bisque in satin heart shape presentation box $95
3” All Original All Bisque in Ethnic costume, mohair wig, blue glass eyes, black Mary Janes $325 3 1/4” Amelia Earhart Doll House doll all original in flight suit and molded helmet with goggles $395 3 1/2” Doll House Flapper, all original in red and white dress, molded red cloche hat $110
37” Little Lulu by Marge 1954 all original in red dress, Little Lulu purse with makeup and hair bow, dance with me straps on feet, comes with Little Lulu - Her Ride to Grandma’s 1946 book with original dust jacket $750
15” Dianna Effner “Jenny” 1992 original artist doll, bisque head, arms and legs, cloth body, w/ handmade giraffe, bear, snowman and elephant $1050 11” Ruby Red “Dancing in Masquerade” Bleuette, resin BJD, changeable eyes & wig, gold mask & high heel shoes $258
12” #370 AM w/ compo arms, blonde mohair wig, kid body $90 13 ½” C/M Kling #123, dome head, cloth body w/ leather hands, brown eyes, piece re-glued on shoulder plate $170 24 1/2” DEP S & H made for French trade, stationary 11” K star R #26 in store stock dress, fabulous bj body, sleep eyes, blue eyes, slight nose rub, original wig $375 French body $725
5” French All Bisque Mignonnette Girl in antique silk dress, blue glass eyes, blonde mohair wig, 2 strap black slippers $2495
10” Bye-lo wonderful facial coloring, nice body with Bye-lo purple stamp, celluloid hands, blue sleep eyes $250 8” AM #341 German Dream baby, blue sleep eyes, compo baby body, blue suit & cap $135 8” AM #341 German baby, blue sleep eyes, compo baby body, red suit & cap $135 7” CM Germany #16 Herm Steiner baby on cloth body with compo hands $85
5 1/2” Kestner #2 All Bisque with swivel head, blue sleep eyes, original mohair wig, 5 strap black heeled boots, white stockings with rose accent $2195
14” K * R 115 A Baby all original in cotton baby dress, knit booties, blonde mohair wig, blue sleep eyes $1450
26” 1880 RD Bebe Rabery Delphin, c/m, HH wig, brown paperweight eyes, repaired left lower eye 17” AM 390 Af Am on flake, 1 pimple on cheek, marked Handwerck body, antique style dress $2600.00 original wig, professionally Now $2250 repainted legs $700. 11” Horseman He Bee She 9” Schoenau & Hoffmeister Bee 1925, professionally - S PB star H black fired repainted, great look, rare bisque, brown sleep eyes, composition doll $395.00 original mohair wig, 5 piece Now $295 toddler body $695
18” Italian Nicaprit all original blue flirty eyed hard plastic doll, wonderful red coat, dress and hat, really sweet $75 15” Deanna Durbin by Ideal, HH wig, original pink organdy dress, panties and shoes, crack by left side of head $295.00 Now $210 19” Cameo vinyl Scootles 1980’s all original with gold wrist tag $195.00 Now $139.95 9” Cameo Scootles in vinyl 1960’s all original with gold wrist tag $95
4” French All Bisque Mignonnette All original boy in cream satin suit and hat (outfit as is), blue glass eyes, blonde mohair wig, 2 strap black slippers $2495
20” 1957 #2071 Cissy Queen all original in gold brocade dress, blue sash w/ “jewels”, 3 bracelets, (crown backing as is in spots), rub on left cheek $695
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14” x 11” Underscored F Steiff mohair Camel on metal wheels, original leather muzzle and red felt trappings $995.00 now $850 16” K * R 116 on toddler body with original celluloid hands, professionally repaired small eye chip on right eye, stationary blue eyes $2500.00 Now $1995
22 1/2” Cuno, Otto & Dressel (look of a K * R 117 N), body and arms re-varnished, right foot repaired, HH wig, blue sleep eyes $985.00 Now $795 23” SFBJ on Jumeau body, blue sleep eyes, HH wig, French replaced hands $995
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A Look at Rare Lenci Dolls by Judy Fisher
1930 Boudoir doll, 31 inches tall, has dreamy eyes and wonderful earrings. She is seen in Marco Tosa’s Bambole Lenci on page 137.
Numbered 569, from 1929, 1930, 1931; it was then changed to T3 (this is a common occurrence with Lenci’s identification system) This is an example of the Gish face, with partial teeth showing and lovely details like the pearl necklace, roses and small cat on her shoulder. 28 inches tall.
1930 Boudoir, 28 inches, is another example with half closed eyes. She is seen in Marco Tosa’s Bambole Lenci on page 137 .
I 1930 Lady with the Fishing Pole numbered 584, 28 inches. She shows the bright colors often used by Lenci. The straight yellow hair and green eyes are unusual.
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n the early 1920’s the Lenci Company started to produce felt dolls in Torino, Italy. However, it wasn’t until the mid to late 1920s that the dolls reached the height of production. During this period, there is no question of the beauty and artistic quality the Lenci Company was able to accomplish in creating their dolls. The exquisitely painted faces, elaborate hair designs, the costumes with bright colors of felt and organdy with wonderful textures, in some cases the wonderful leather shoes made by artisan shoemakers, the personalized accessories made of wood and the fine details of embroidery make these dolls works of art. This article will illustrate the above statement by showing some of the most unusual, rare and seldom seen dolls that were produced during the “golden era” of Lenci.
1926 Manuelita Spanish Lady, 25 inches, numbered 165/8. Here is an example of a boudoir with teeth. Note her fabulous felt hat with a huge flower and the other jewelry accessories.
1931 Boudoir, 28 inches, numbered T25. The details on this doll are incredible – from her dress and headdress with pearls to her long braids entwined with gold braid.
1930 Lady is often referred to as Louise Brock. She is numbered 579 and measures 28 inches. Her black hair with blue eyes is very seldom seen on Lenci dolls. Interesting in 1927, there is a similar doll numbered 800C called Vampir holding a bull dog but she is 45 inches tall.
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uring the 2011 UFDC Convention in Anaheim, these photos and many more were shared during an hour long program titled Lenci – the Master of Felt Dolls. Following is some basic information about the boudoir dolls as well as some rare facial photos to highlight the craftsmanship of Lenci. THE BOUDOIRS • Sizes range between 24 and 29 ½ inches; rare ones at 40, 45, 48 inches. • Some dolls have wide-eyed expressions while others have narrow eyes looking mischievous and a few ladies have dreamy eyes (half closed appearance). • The doll known as Gish (named after the famous sisters) is a popular face for the boudoirs. • Facial molding is done with great realism and artistry. Eyes, nostrils and mouth are molded but also temple, chin and often eyebrows. • Some have teeth. • Head, arms are felt; bodies and legs are flesh colored muslin. • Feet are sculpted to wear high heeled shoes. • Legs attached by a tab joint; the top two inches are unstuffed to create a floppy leg so dolls can sit. • Arms attached with flat disc type joint; hands have separate fingers except second and third are sewn together. • Wigs are mohair with a combination of rooted hair, wafting on top and back and long curls or braids sewn under back and sides of hair. • Dolls wear long silk stockings up to the hip.
1926 Corinna, 36 inches, numbered 180A. This is a seldom seen doll. Note her blonde curled mohair wig, the incredible hat with double bows and flowing berries, and the organdy dress with a cross pattern of felt bands. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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he next category to illustrate the uniqueness of the Lenci Company is what I’ve termed character dolls. Lenci was known for creating dolls that captured the likeness of famous people of the time and, in some cases, friends of Madame Scavini, who was definitely the genius responsible for the dolls. The noteworthy example of this is the doll called Josephine Baker. It has been recorded that Ms. Scavini and Ms. Baker were friends. While not shared in this article, this doll has been sold at Theriault’s and can be seen on their website. In short, these dolls were not produced in large quantities; therefore, the following photographs are not only rare but exceptional.
1924 Pappagallini Bimbi (left) 30 inches , 924 and masked Jester or Arlecchino numbered 175.
1926 Nunu numbered 555 and Mimy numbered 553, 31-1/2 inches. These dolls are often described to as having the Marlene Dietrich face. As you can see, the face is the same but the hairstyle makes them look quite different. The outfits are fantastic and here is an example of the silk stockings and leather shoes.
1925/26 Lady with dog. 28 inches, numbered 258. She is seen in Dorothy Coleman’s book, Lenci. Her face is very unusual especially with the wide full smile and wide nose. Note the fabulous hat covering her chestnut (rare) curly hair.
From the 1924 Lenci Ultime Novita Catalog, Mistinguett numbered 165, 24-1/2 inches. Mistinguett was a French actress who starred with Maurice Chevalier. She appeared in Folies Bergere and Moulin Rouge. She had prominent front teeth and was known for her long legs, which she had insured. Noteworthy are her rare large blue eyes and angled eyebrows, flat wide nose and big toothed grin. 26
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1929 Butterfly numbered 559, 25-1/2 inches. She is part of what was termed the Orientals. The Lenci Company had a different mold for these faces, which were painted with very rounded eyebrows. Note the wonderful painted wooden hairpiece and the lovely silk embroidery on her felt outfit.
1930 Black Character numbered 573, 18 inches. Lenci did not make many black dolls and most of them were character dolls; however, here is a little child wearing a simple outfit with fabulous wood/felt shoes. Note the shape of her legs which is not typical of the children to be seen later in this article.
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enci’s children are considered the most popular among collectors. The company definitely produced more children, grouped by series numbers, with a large variety of costumes. I’ve included a couple photos of another rare group known as teen dolls. The children are more readily available for the collector to find. While there will not be examples of all the series, to the right you will see the basic information for the series, including height and how many costumes were produced during the “golden era.” • Bodies are made of felt, including arms and legs; zigzag stitching in back of head. • Eyes are side-glancing and have black dot in center of pupil and two highlight dots one white dot in the colored area. • The upper lip is darker than lower with two light dots to highlight. • Hands are either mitten or they have individual fingers except for the two middle fingers; toes are defined by stitching on early dolls. • Disc joints at hips, shoulders and neck; some have tab joints at the arms and the legs. • Ears are double layered. • Hair is either wefted or rooted. • They are often stamped on foot and/or have cardboard and woven ribbon tags.
THE CHILDREN AND TEENS Series Height Costumes 1920-1930 109 22-23” 135 110 18-19” 120 300 17 -1/2” 110 400 17” 16 1500 17-1/2” 20 111 13” 70 450 13” 25 149 16-1/2” 65 500 21-1/2” 40
1931 Boy numbered E45 from the 300 series, 17-1/2 inches. This doll has often been referred to as the Bogart doll.
1926 Pepito 17-1/2 inches, numbered 300/L (the L represents his costume). The 300 series is one of the most popular among collectors. His dark hair is rare.
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1927 300/T, from the 300 series, 17-1/2 inches. Just look at those curls! Note the wonderful details that Lenci is known for – his felt shirt with pockets and covered buttons, his shorts with a leather belt, knitted gators, two toned leather oxfords and the big felt hat covering the golden locks.
1931 Girl numbered AA3, 23 inches. She has a different face compared to all the dolls in the category. She wears a marvelous hat adorned with typical Lenci felt flowers. She wears green overalls with a pattern of felt dots crossstitched that is often seen on some of the costumes.
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1926 Aligi or series 300/O (O is the outfit designation, in 1931 the number changed to E70), 17-1/2 inches. Here is another example of the popular 300 series. Here he is wearing an organdy shirt with adorable pink shorts that have felt covered buttons. The beige vest has embroidery on the corners. His leather shoes look like Roman sandals that cover his toes. There is a fabulous hat but the walking stick topped off with a felt rose is priceless.
1929 or later Black doll, 10-1/2 inches. In 1929, four 10-1/2-inch dolls first appear as 310 and later they are called the 70 series. This doll has never appeared in any catalog and is extremely rare, thus it is hard to date it. Without a doubt, her coco colored felt is unusual and as mentioned earlier, black children are rare.
Here is an extremely rare 500 with glass eyes, probably a prototype - only one discovered and definitely all original. 1929 and 1930 Golfer numbered 500/5, 21-1/2 inches. The 500 series wasn’t made as frequently as some of the others. His felt checkered shirt over his beige shorts with leather shoes is great but what makes him special is that original painted wooden golf club. The Lenci Company had artisans just to make their wooden accessories along with the leather shoes.
1931 149, 16-1/2 inches. She is another very rare child because of her big smile. Lenci children often have pouty expressions.
1926 Teen Tennis Player 400/G, 16-1/2 inches with intricate felt work on her costume. This lovely doll is holding an original tennis racket made for the company.
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1927 Teen 400/M, 16-1/2 inches. There are only sixteen teen dolls shown in the 1926 and 1927 catalogs which makes them very hard to find. The face on this doll is different with a wider nose. The body is quite thin compared to a 16/2 child doll. This doll has dark chestnut hair which is not often seen.
es, there is another category of dolls that Lenci called their Babies. These are very seldom seen for sale at shows or for that matter auctions. They tend to be large and bulky.
1931 Bambino numbered 5 is 25 inches.
Featured in the 1931 My Darling Baby supplement catalog were Bambino/1, Banbino/2 and Bambino/6, 16 inches, with a Lenci painted wooden cradle. Each of these darlings holding their fruit, flower and spoon are a joy to the eye.
1933 Glass eyed googly, 20�, numbered 250. Even though this belongs with the googlyeyed dolls, it is included with the babies due to the way the doll is dressed. Note the waffle pattern on the bottoms on the shoes. Note, Googly-eyed dolls have moveable glass eyes or large painted eyes; hands have five individual fingers; heads are hollow molded.
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astly, the Lenci Company made children’s clothing, purses, sewing baskets, even egg covers and so much more. As one last demonstration of the artistry of Lenci, included is a wonderful tea cozy from the 1925/26 catalog which is also shown in Dorothy Coleman’s 1977 book Lenci. My hope is that you enjoyed seeing some of these rare photos of works from the Master of Felt Dolls – LENCI. Photographs contributed by Patrizia Nicotra Martini and Rick Fisher I would like to express my deepest gratitude to PNM for sharing some rare photos. 5/26 Dutch tea cozy, 10 inches, numbered 211. Her head is similar but not the same as a miniature, which don’t actually appear until 1929.
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by Connie Lowe
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BJD dressed by Connie Lowe using antique fabrics. Courtesy Connie Lowe 32
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nce seen as foreign to the antique doll collector, the modern ball jointed doll, or BJDs as they are commonly referred to, are beginning to transcend those borders and the lines drawn in the sand are not so clear any more. Collectors both young and old are beginning to find the appeal of the modern BJD. Not only are collectors who once collected only antique dolls now collecting BJDS, I have found that collectors of the BJDS are now being introduced to the world of antique dolls. The BJD has strong ties to the antique dolls commonly seen in this magazine as well as the articulated clay and wooden dolls of ancient Greece and Rome dating to at least 200 BCE. The modern ball-jointed doll era began in Western Europe in the late 19th century. From the late 19th century through the early 20th century, French and German manufacturers made bisque dolls with strung bodies articulated with ball-joints made of composition. These dolls measured between 15 and 100 cm (6 to 40 inches) and are now collectible antiques. During the 1930s the German artist Hans Bellmer created dolls with ball-joints and used them in photography and other surrealistic artwork. Bellmer introduced the idea of artful doll photography, which continues today with Japanese doll artists, as well as BJD hobbyists. Influenced by Bellmer and the rich Japanese doll tradition, Japanese artists began creating strung ball-jointed art dolls. These are usually made entirely of bisque and often very tall, sometimes as tall as 120 cm (48 inches). These dolls are purely intended as art, not for play or even the hobby level of collecting usually associated with dolls. They cost several thousand dollars, and up to several hundred thousand dollars for older collectible dolls from famous artists. The art doll community is still active in Japan and artists regularly release artbooks with photographs of their dolls. The history of commercially produced Asian resin BJDs began in 1999 when the Japanese company Volks created the Super Dollfie line of dolls. The first Super Dollfie were 57 cm tall, strung with elastic, ball-jointed, and made of polyurethane resin. Around 2002–2003, South Korean companies started creating and producing BJDs. Customhouse and Cerberus Project were among the first Korean BJDs companies, and since then the Korean market has expanded with many more.
Courtesy Connie Lowe
Clothing designers can let their imagination soar with a wide range of clothing inspirations. Kim Lasher sculpts, painted and costumed by Connie Lowe
Val Zeitler and Connie Lowe collaboration
The first Chinese company to release their own original BJD sculpts in high quality polyurethane resin was Dollzone. Their dolls hit the market in late 2005, early 2006. Since then, several other Chinese companies followed suit, putting their own BJD creations on the international market. The first American company to produce a BJD with more of an American aesthetic influence was Goodreau Doll in 2007. Since 2007 with the encouragement and success of the Goodreau Doll company many American artists have taken on the BJD market successfully – Kim Lasher, Berdine Creedy, Christy Stone, Bo Bergman and Connie Lowe (the author of this article) just to name a few. They are not only popping up at doll shows but have their own shows and conventions which are well attended and widespread. Much like their predecessors, one can purchase an array of accessories for the modern BJD. From production line clothing, shoes, eyeglasses, even tiny cellphones and more to elaborate costumes custom made by clothing artists Val Zeitler, Michelle Hardy, Marbled Halls (author) and many others. Clothing ranges from modern chic, Goth, Lolita to vintage reproductions. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Courtesy Connie Lowe
More examples of the author’s fashions using antique fabrics. Above, Dollstown sculpt, painted by author.
Another trend involves the mixing of antique clothing and fabrics with new to create a look that is familiar to the clothing of the antique doll but with a bit of a twist. Corsets, hoop skirts and vintage style shoes all reect back to the antique doll. As a clothing designer I have found the lack of constraints with designing for the modern BJD refreshing. My love of antique fabrics and styles can be freely applied yet I can also add a bit of humor. When studying the costumes of Val Zeitler one can see the connection to the French fashion designers of the past. Not only are the fashions designed for the modern BJDs familiar, the body construction and the removable glass eyes recall their antique sisters. See how some bear a resemblance to Googlies, character dolls and pouty toddlers (page on right). The ability to customize these dolls makes for a variety of
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Antique jointed French fashion doll bodies.
Comparison of a BJD doll body and an antique Bebe Modelle for a Brevete Bru. The sad, pensive face of this BJD (right) reminds us of Kammer and Reinhardt’s Carl (below). Right: Dollstown sculpt, painted by Connie Lowe
This sculpt by the author is reminiscent of a googly doll.
Miss Muffet (Courtesy Kim Lashers, redone as “Miss Muffet” by author, photo by Alden Monberg) takes her inspiration from the S.F.B.J. 252 pouty, courtesy Mrs. Sabra Dee Whitmire, Heirloom Dolls & Antiques/Ruby Lane
To see the author’s latest BJDs, visit www.marbledhalls.com ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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interpretation. One can work with common themes used by doll companies and artists for years such as “Wizard of Oz” and “Alice and Wonderland”(left) or can create many looks from one sculpt, as with the antique dolls. Depending on the wig, clothing and the artist that painted the doll, one sculpt can be seen many ways. As collectors with the BJDs we now have the option to not only display our dolls but to take them down from the shelves and play, change their clothes, and share them! There are a myriad of doll forums to discuss, share photos or just read about what’s new, and old in the Modern BJD world. It’s a whole new world… but a familiar one! A new sculpt by Connie Lowe.
BJDs are creative art forms open for a number of interpretations. Courtesy Dollmore Lusion Dahlia, painted by Connie Lowe.
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SOME BJD FORUMS TO CONSIDER: Den of Angels (a membership of over 36,000) Zone of Zen • American BJDS • Amazing BJDS All BJDS Welcome Here • Resin Cafe and many more!!!
&
Connie
Jay
LOWE
P.O. Box 5206 Lancaster, PA 17606 • FAX 717-396-1114 • Call Toll Free 1-888-JAY LOWE or (717) 396-9879 • Email: big.birds@comcast.net
Always Looking to Buy Quality Dolls, Toys, Marklin Doll Carriages or Entire Estates • Buy & Sell With Confidence • Member of UFDC & NADDA
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Brooks House by Susan Grimshaw
The hinged faรงade of the house features an attached shallow fenced garden that is decorated with a variegated green sponged paint effect. The balustraded fence and the house trim were originally painted a flat brown color but by the time I purchased it, the original paint had been covered with a glossy white enamel that shows the rich architectural details to advantage, so I decided to keep it that way. The cornices on the front and back facades feature structural rain gutters than needed a good cleaning. The bow windows also have gutters incorporated in their cornices. Every individual brick is scored and outlined in a cream color. Houses of this vintage often feature flat painted brickwork that is not scaled as small as this, so I consider this finishing detail truly distinctive.
M
ore often than not, I have purchased antique doll houses and miniatures at auction without knowing the identity of the consignors. Unless they are wellknown individuals whose collections have appeared in publications or been displayed in public venues, auction consignors often remain under the radar until the day their collections go under the hammer and even then, some may choose to remain anonymous. I knew the previous owner of this house as a fellow collector and someone who sometimes competed with me at other auctions. Our tastes are similar and we have often found ourselves attracted to the same things at auctions and shows and we also share an appreciation for vintage craftsmen. A good portion of her collection recently ended up at auction when she down-sized and moved to a smaller home and I catalogued many of her items for the
One of the features I most enjoy about this house is the ornamented Victorian window sashes. When I set down to repair the windows, I discovered one broken sash was missing an entire section. From the disassembled pieces I was able to replicate the missing piece and learned that every window had been realistically constructed with mortise and tenon joints. It was the first time I had to repair a window made that way, and it was very satisfying when everything fit together just right!
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Although the rooms are quite spacious, the dark paint colors made them seem small, cold and depressing. The later white trim paint was applied carelessly and I needed to clean up some areas with paint stripper before I could redecorate. The house came with one antique soft metal chandelier and a more recent electrified one that was never hooked up to a power source and I kept them, although I relocated them to other rooms.
The design of the interior’s layout is typically British with basic box-back construction and centrally placed fireplaces located on the back wall. In this case, the fireplace openings were cut through the walls and external chimney stacks were attached to the back of the house. The chimneys visible at the far ends of the house are just for decoration since they do not line up with the fireplaces. Commercially produced English box-back dolls’ houses may be similar in basic design but they usually lack windows on the sides so the rooms can seem somewhat claustrophobic. The presence of side windows in this example brightens the interior and provides an opportunity to decorate the rooms with formal window draperies. The house was never electrified and really doesn’t need to be since the rooms are so generously proportioned. 40
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Sometimes the central staircase hallways in English dolls’ houses seem cramped and ill-proportioned with overly steep risers, as though the stairs are almost an afterthought, but such is not the case here. The house is deep enough that the stairs could be set well back into the hallway and the risers are nicely scaled. The hallway was very dark and foreboding before I painted it a warmer light tan color. I kept the stair carpet as I found it, but I do need to replace some missing carpet rods.
auctioneer. It was fortunate I had the unique opportunity to closely examine her things well before the sale because just a few days before the auction was held, an unexpected family obligation prevented me from attending in person. I made arrangements for someone I trusted to bid for me with instructions that my limits on a few items could be exceeded if I was unsuccessful on other items earlier in the sale. This worked out well and although I missed out on one dolls’ house I liked, I was able to acquire this one for substantially less than my maximum bid on a day when large doll houses needing TLC seemed to draw little interest among bidders. I have a fondness for British dolls’ houses and when I first saw this one, it was still in its packing crate and only the roof and chimneys were exposed, but that was enough to catch my interest because I instantly admired the detailed work evident in the hand-carved
Although I avoided filling the house with predominantly commercial furnishings, the entry hall provided the perfect spot to hang this rare antique Boulle key cabinet. Conveniently situated by the front door, it still retains its original blue lining paper and tiny soft metal keys.
roof slates and ornamented chimney stacks. Weeks later, when the house was completely unpacked and ready for cataloguing, I could appreciate how the individually scored and painted brickwork on the façade complemented the detailed work of the roof. I could also see how much restoration work was needed as many trim pieces were damaged or missing and almost half the sliding doublehung windows needed to have missing glass refitted. Fortunately, most of the glass panes had been saved along with sections of a damaged sash and some walnut replacement brackets were found in shoebox inside the house. I was able to fabricate the other missing components and it took me about a month to restore the house. Inside, I appreciated the generously proportioned rooms symmetrically balanced on each side of a center hallway with nicely scaled staircase. Each of the four rooms featured a small recessed fireplace with faux marbled surround, paneled hinged doors and unusual ceilings covered with molded Anaglypta papers imitating elaborate
This room was over-painted rather sloppily with a glossy white paint that showed every surface imperfection, and at first I planned to paint it a shade of blue similar to the color often encountered in commercial box-back houses. But I felt such a bold color was just too much for this house that I wanted to appear warm and welcoming, so instead I opted for this soft pale gray that turned out to be very close to the original color. I removed later layers of paint from the floor until I got to this glossy gray shade with some old shellac residue giving it subtle gradations of hue, and I painted thin lines to make it look like old paving stones as would be typical for ground floor level rooms. The Welsh dresser, heavy oak table, and massive chandelier are English pieces I purchased at auction in Canada. They are not that old but I like the character they lend this utilitarian room. In this view, the original simple curtain can be seen at the window. All the windows had these embroidered panels originally, but after I took them down to launder them (the wash water turned black!), I decided to dress the windows of the other rooms differently. I happily re-used all the original panels when I made gathered curtains and valances for the bay windows. The fireplace is fitted with an 18th century English brass and steel grate, probably the oldest item in my collection.
The formal draperies for this room were made from a lovely old upholstery remnant that I purchased at auction simply because I loved that shade of blue. Last year I acquired the fine petitpoint carpet that was formerly displayed in the late Jackie Andrews’ exquisite dollhouse replica of the famous tidewater plantation house, Wilton, and I love how it complements the draperies. The old mousy brown velvet carpet underneath came from my grandfather’s darkroom – it is from a large piece he used it as a backdrop cloth some seventy years ago. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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This intricately draped crystal chandelier is a vintage fixture crafted by Ellen Krucker Blauer for the Blauers’ celebrated Maynard Manor and I purchased it when the contents of the Manor were sold at auction nine years ago. It is probably only about 40 years old but I love its elaborate delicacy. Coincidently, the huge Manor itself was purchased at the same auction by the former owner of this house.
The floor in this small space was covered with a stained pink velvet carpet that had been marked by ballpoint pen, so after removing it, I stripped the floor down to bare wood and placed a small tapestry rug here. The Babette Schweizer sewing machine was one of my very first purchases on eBay some thirteen years ago. Old daguerrotypes and ambrotypes hang on the walls along the staircase.
plasterwork. The house’s well-proportioned architectural features and its graceful staircase display an uncommon level of skill and attention to detail and it must have taken its creator a long time to build such a realistic and sturdy house. Even the projecting bay windows on the ground floor are expertly angled and cleanly finished inside and out. Because the house had so much detail, I didn’t care that the interior needed substantial attention. Every room had been painted several times and the bedroom wallpaper had been covered with 42
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I purchased this early 20th century mahogany breakfront at a New Hampshire auction without previewing beforehand, but I decided to risk an absentee bid solely from my favorable impression gathered from a rather poor quality photograph. I was absolutely delighted with it when it arrived in the mail and I waited a number of years for a sufficiently formal room in which to display it. The patina and craftsmanship are a delight.
This warm and cozy bedroom had old painted-over wallpaper peeling from the walls and when I easily removed it, I found a hard-to-replicate shade of shellpink paint coated with brown crackled wallpaper paste residue. Since the room had been papered before, I used an old Laura Ashley paper with soft coral pink colors in a very traditional Victorian diaper pattern that I had purchased in Worcestershire a decade ago. The background color is a very close match to the original paint surface. The delicate wing chair in the foreground with gently faded brocade upholstery is an early 20th century piece by Eric Pearson from Carolyn Sunstein’s collection. The chandelier came with the house. The draperies came from a dollhouse in Ontario. I topped them with an ormolu cornice and old tasseled fringe that had been part of a drapery pelmet found at a car boot sale in Birmingham a dozen years ago. The bed coverlet is a piece of antique embroidery edged with satin ribbon ruffles that just fits the antique fourposter bed with trundle from the Mary Merritt Museum.
a coat of mustard gold paint. A dismal dark green coated the hallway, parlor and dining rooms and the same paint covered the exposed edges of the walls, floors and hinges. A thin film of powdery mildew clung to the painted surfaces while stained and dirty velvet carpeting had been glued to the floors. I was eager to strip back the layers of later decoration to see what was underneath it all. The carpets had been tacked to the floors around the perimeter and only thinly glued in the center, so they came up easily to expose wooden floors that had been carelessly painted over the original glossy gray. I stripped down all the floors to their original gray paint and in the kitchen and entrance hall, I added thin painted lines to delineate large Yorkshire paving stones. Clean replacement velvet carpets were fashioned from gently faded old drapery panels I had purchased at car boot sales in England a decade ago. There were so many layers of paint on the walls that rather than strip them all down, I filled in some cracks and multiple nail holes and simply repainted them in muted Victorian colors. It was only after I stripped the single layer of paint on the inside of the façade that I discovered my paint choices were very similar to the original colors! The very dark gray original to the dining room was rather oppressive and I’m happy with the lighter shade I chose myself. In that room, a large mirror or framed picture had once been attached to the back wall over the fireplace and its outline could be discerned because someone had once painted around it! I was able to hang an antique gilt mirror with a surprisingly similar shape in the same place. When it came to furnishing the interior, I departed from my usual custom of striving to maintain the antique character of the house with purely antique miniatures. It just seemed appropriate to be more eclectic in my choices because I knew the previous owner has always been very broad-minded in the way she furnishes her dolls’ houses, blissfully mixing antique, vintage and contemporary artisan work together. Since I had made the decision a few years ago to divest myself of a lot of my own commercially produced antique furniture to focus on more unique hand-crafted pieces, I had limited antique inventory on hand to place in this house when it
All the fireplaces were vacant and forlorn-looking when I purchased the house, so I constructed coal grate inserts for all the rooms but the kitchen. I tried to emulate the lovely Evans and Cartwright inserts I long admired in Carolyn Sunstein’s Vickerman Baby House and I made these from wood decorated with brass upholstery tacks, Dresden paper painted glossy black, and brass-finished coat hanger wire. They will do quite well until authentic inserts are found.
I wanted this room be a comfortable refuge for a family. The walls were previously painted forest green and were marred by many old nail holes and a deep split across the back. I repainted the room a lighter shade of green after patching the walls and later discovered it was almost identical to the original color buried under later repaint. The parlor suite is an unusual one I bought in pieces at auction, and the rosewood bookcase is among my most favorite pieces in my entire collection. The interior is lined with pale green paper and filled mostly with antique wooden books. I waited some years for just the right English house for this beautiful bookcase and when I saw this house, I knew I’d finally found it. The draperies are also from the Ontario auction and the small Chinese rug is from Jackie Andrews’ Wilton. The rich green velvet carpet came from a damaged old Victorian chair I bought just for the fabric and the antique tea set is Limoges. The ormolu tray on the left is filled with tiny hand-lettered calling cards and was purchased from a London auction house. I find the atmosphere of this room most comfortable and appealing, especially in the morning when natural light streams through the window. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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This antique miniature portrait on ivory hangs over the fireplace in the parlor. I love the sensitive expression on this young man’s face and it was another item I saved for the right house someday. It is British and dates to the early 19th century. The back of this pendant displays a token lock of the sitter’s hair.
came along, so I also used vintage artist pieces from the early 20th century and I kept a more modern chandelier that had come with the house. I tried to place mainly English furniture in this house and many were pieces I bought at antique fairs in England or at auction in this country and Canada. Because the dolls’ house is in the style of a late Victorian suburban villa, I wanted the rooms to have the comfortable lived-in feeling of an upper middle class family home. I particularly enjoyed making the window treatments. The windows had been dressed with very dirty white curtains and I laundered and re-used them for the kitchen and the bow windows, but I concocted something a little more elaborate for the other rooms using antique lace panels under lightweight upholstery fabrics crowned with ormolu cornices. The draperies in the bedroom and parlor came from a dollhouse I acquired when the Marion Mahoney Museum in Ontario closed in 2010 while the blue brocade draperies in the dining room were made from an elegant remnant saved for “something special” like this large English dolls’ house. I refer to this house as the “Brooks House” because it is named after the enthusiastic collector to whom it once belonged and I hope she likes the way it has been affectionately restored and redecorated. I went substantially over my budget to bring this wonderful handmade rosewood bookcase home with me from Eileen Rhoads’ auction of Carolyn Sunstein’s collection several years ago. It was the one item from that sale that I was determined to acquire and I have no regrets at all. It fits perfectly in the parlor of Brooks House and I just wish the hand-carved Gothic tracery on the door fronts could be more easily seen and appreciated when looking straight into the room.
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s ’ y d d Pu m a e r D
lls o D n a Germ d n a h c Fren ears Y 4 3 r o f Quality ues q i t n A e Fin 1. Sweet 30” C.M. Bergman Pierced Ears - $2,300. 2. Adorable Rare Model ABG 33” Sweet Nell. Original Paperweight Eyes and Pierced Ears. $2,700. 3. Pretty 33” A.M. Ruffled Hat $2,300. 4. French Market 27” DEP Heubach. Pierced Ears $1,600. 5. HUGE LIFE-SIZE 39” Konig & Wernicke - $6,700. 6. Premere Artist M. Wolfe 12” Jumeau - Undressed. $995. 7. Super LARGE 27” SFBG Laughing Jumeau - Toddler body - Jointed Knees.$4,700. 8. 30” C.M. Bergman. Pierced Ears - $1,650. 9. Extra Large 36” Kammer & Reinhart Portrait Girl $4,200. 10. Brilliant 36” A.M. Character Child - $3,800. 11. Snow Girl- All Original A.M. DEP 1894. Paperweight Eyes. $795.
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8 Puddy’s Dream is located in Evanswood Village on Hwy 10, Weyauwega, WI phone: 920-867-4300 puddy4300@gmail.com FREE SHIPPING on all DOLLS in 48 states Layaway Available
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Doll Museum
3206 6th Avenue North Billings, Montana 59101 406-252-0041
It’s Worth the Trip!
DEACQUISITION SALE SEPTEMBER 29th, 12-5pm In celebration of the museums 5th anniversary. Hundreds of dolls for sale.
www.legacydollmuseum.com
Madame Alexander's “Mystery Dolls” S
by Florence Theriault
ince 1923, Beatrice Alexander had been involved in the creation of beautiful dolls – of cloth and of composition, representing both storybook figures and childhood stars. The fledging company moved rapidly from its headquarters at her kitchen table in Brooklyn to ever larger offices and studios in New York. In the pursuit of excellence, and having a natural love of fashion, textiles, and historical costume, Madame Alexander mingled with the fashion elite of New York, winning acclaim not only for her doll designs, but for their costumes. The 1940s, the era of WWII, impacted this as fine textiles became more difficult to acquire, skilled couturiers had been called into other work arenas, and the doll market was generally in disarray. At the end of WWII, Madame Alexander looked to re-invigorate the doll world with new designs - in materials, in models and in fashion. To accomplish this, she enlisted the aid of designers and moguls in the New York “people fashion” industry who astutely determined that the excitement generated by haute couture dolls would benefit them as well as the doll industry. This path, in fact, was not new. It was exactly the path that the French fashion industry had
undertaken earlier in the 20th century when French artists such as Marque and Prevost-Huret had joined forces with Parisian couturiers to create artistic dolls in extraordinary costumes in order to re-kindle the mutually-struggling worlds of fashion and dolls. The illustrious dolls that issued from the Alexander studios in the late 1940s and early 1950s have been described as “paeans to past perfection” (Madame Alexander Dolls, An American Legend). The Godey Ladies, the Fashions of a Century, and, most notably the six extraordinary ladies known only as “The Mystery Dolls” were created during that time. All are highly desirable if found today, but none compare with The Mystery Doll series of 1951. These six portrait dolls are known as Champs-Elysee, Victorian Bride, Lady with Rhinestone Beauty Mark (or Judy), Deborah Ballerina, Pink Champagne (or Arlene Dahl) and Kathryn Grayson. Presumably, these were not names used by the Alexander doll firm in 1951, but they are somewhat useful in identifying the dolls to collectors today. The doll from this series never appeared in the Alexander catalogs, and it is likely that they were only made in the same limited numbers as the ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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prized bisque French Marque doll of 1915. The reason is understandable. Each face is hand-painted to the highest of artistic standards and each is ornamented with luxury details such as a rhinestone beauty mark or hand-cut lashes with geometric detail. The coiffures are meticulous, of distinctive hand-dyed colors, with highly-stylized arrangements ornamented with jewels, lace or flowers. It is not known if the fabrics used in the construction were antique, but they are, surely, from the finest fabric houses of the world comprising hand-woven lace, softest silk satins, and the daintiest of fabric flowers. So spectacular were the dolls that in 1951 Beatrice Alexander received the celebrated Fashion Academy Gold Medal for her designs. In a photograph shown in the Jewish Women’s Archive of New York, she is shown accepting the award from Emil Hartman, director of the New York Fashion Academy while an example of one of the Mystery Dolls is posed between them. What was most notable about this was that the Award had been meant to honor designers of “real people” costumes, and here it was, being awarded to a doll designer! As a letter accompanying her 1952 Fashion Academy Award read, 48
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“Accenting fine fabrics and meticulous workmanship with the newest in fashion trends, you have imbued dolls’ clothes with all the loveliness and smartness that might well characterize a leading couturier’s collection.” Perhaps due to the expense of their production, few of the Mystery dolls were made, and today, even fewer come onto the market. Occasionally, one or two isolated examples appear, but a complete set of six? And, even more, six dolls that have always “lived together”, that is, been in the hands of one owner. That is what makes the set of dolls shown here, coming for auction at Theriault’s catalog doll auction, “Upon Arriving Home” on July 23 in New Orleans, so exceptional. For as rare as the individual dolls might be - and that is exceptionally rare - this is the only complete set of six known to exist intact from one original owner. When the dolls first surfaced in 2003, the original owner noted that her grandfather had been in the New York fashion industry, had been a close friend of Madame Alexanders, and, thus, had been able to purchase the complete series for his granddaughter as a special gift. The dolls had been in her possession since 1951 and she wished to have them remain together. The set was acquired by Judene Hansen and has been featured in her West Palm Beach, Florida doll museum since that time. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Visit Dollmasters
at the UFDC Salesroom, Booth 125
At the New Orleans 2012 National Convention
You’ll see the latest arrivals from our Dollmasters Exclusive line of antique-style doll costumes, made of the finest silks, wools and cottons with pure lace trim. Our costumes are authentically-styled from master patterns drawn from original doll clothing.
And don’t forget to stop by and request your Dollmaster’s complimentary gift, a perfect complement to the Jambalaya Jubilee convention theme.
dollmasters
PO Box 2319 • Annapolis, Maryland 21404 USA • Orders: 800-966-3655 • fax: 410-571-9605 • www.dollmasters.com
Maud Tousey Fangel 1881-1968 Artist, Illustrator and Doll Designer by Sara Bernstein
T
Framed prints of Maud Tousey Fangel’s work were sold in Woolworth’s. The print of the baby is the high chair is raised in some areas giving it a three-dimensional look.
oday we see advertisements everywhere, on billboards, computer screens, in magazines and newspapers. We’re accustomed to advertisements as part of our daily lives, so it may be hard to imagine that in the 1880’s printed advertising was a fairly new and daring concept. Some of the greatest artists of the time were commissioned by manufacturers to create these early illustrations for this fledgling industry. Due to innovations in the printing process in the late 1800’s, the business of printing had become very profitable, leading to “The Golden Age of American Illustration,” the period from the 1880’s through the 1920’s. It was the development of a four color printing process called “chromolithography” and half tone, printing that would bring the works of artists like Maxfield Parrish, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle and Maud Tousey Fangel into the homes of American families. Lithography was first invented in Germany in 1798. It was a one-color process, based on the concept that oil and water repel each other. Within twenty years, its use spread to the United Kingdom and the United States. It was mainly used for books, or printing artwork which would then be hand colored, such as the prints of Currier and Ives. It was a time consuming process, making
owning art expensive. For years attempts were made to use multiple colors in lithography. It wasn’t until the late 1800’s that chromolithography and halftone printing were developed successfully. Chromolithography used a separate plate of limestone or metal for each color printed. Each colored plate would go through the printing press, one color at a time. Half tone printing took this advancement to another level, by breaking down the colors to dots. With the development of a steam driven printing press and the availability of cheaper pulp papers, the process of printing became affordable. Its use was just beginning to come to fruition with the publishing of mass produced magazines, advertising and packaging. These advancements would have profound effects on the economy. It brought art, literature, newspapers, magazines and shopping (the Sears Catalog 1894) to almost everyone in the United States. One of the first companies to take advantage of this new technology was Cream of Wheat who hired an advertising agency to create some of the first illustrated advertisements. Maud Tousey Fangel was one of fifty-eight illustrators hired to do the early Cream of Wheat Illustrations. Maud Tousey Fangel was among the most talented, prolific and sought after artists and illustrators in the ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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During the Golden Age of Illustration (1880’s – 1920’s) many famous artists were commissioned to create illustrations for well-known products used by children but which were targeted to their buying parents. These drawings in ads for Kellogg’s and Vanta Baby Garments show the appealing realism Maud Tousey Fangel was renowned for.
first half of the twentieth century. She was born January 1, 1881 in Medford, Massachusetts. Her father was the head of The Divinity Department at Tufts College. Like many young women at the time, Maud learned to draw. She was a serious artist and distinguished herself with her talent. She attended Boston Museum School of Fine Art, where she excelled and won a full scholarship to the Cooper Union Art School in New York City. She also studied at the Art Students League. It was this early trip to New York to further her art education that would be fortuitous. She would soon be making the rounds to advertising agencies and magazines with her portfolio. On one of these early interviews she met the art director of Good Housekeeping magazine Guy Fangel. Guy Fangel recognized her extraordinary artistic abilities and hired Maud for her first commercial magazine assignment. This artistic relationship would continue over the years and she would create a vast amount of covers for Good Housekeeping. Guy Fangel was so taken with this lovely and talented woman that he courted her and eventually proposed. In 1914 they had a son named Lloyd. Before her son was 3 years old, she had rendered him in over 1500 sketches. These early illustrations of her son were a great influence in the direction of her career. Maud’s sketches and drawings were executed in her own unique style. Her charming illustrations of very young children and babies portrayed a very special understanding of her subject. Her illustrations seem 52
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to come to life on the paper. For the first half of the twentieth century, Maud Tousey Fangel was considered the preeminent and most innovative American artist of children. Her realistic illustrations set her artwork apart from her peers and brought her worldwide recognition. She became a member of the prestigious Society of Illustrators, whose members included such prominent artists as Maxfield Parish, Charles Dana Gibson and James Montgomery Flagg. In the past, children had been portrayed in artwork as miniature adults, or chubby little cherubs. There was nothing natural about them. Maud Tousey Fangel changed that. She portrayed her models naturally, as she saw them, active in everyday life, playing, napping and happy. She brought realism to her subjects that had never been seen before. To quote Mrs. Fangel “babies have never been properly portrayed, adults had no perspective on them and produced drivel about them. The pictures you saw of them look like stiff little adults, sophisticated, absurdly mature. I wanted to study everything they did to show them as they really were, each one different from all others, not wise cupids, nor precocious cherubs, but flesh-and blood babies.” Between 1920 to 1950’s her artwork graced the covers of thousands of magazines, advertising campaigns, product packaging, and children’s books. She was commissioned by numerous companies such as Colgate, Cream of Wheat, Kellogg’s, Wheatena, Munsingwear,
The paper doll book consists of the five Quints, each with a different expression. The dolls are six inches tall. There are also five pages with costumes, accessories, furniture and toys, each with the sisters’ names. This early set of paper dolls by Merrill is highly collectable and very hard to find in an uncut set.
Hinds Cream, Hoover and Ivory Soap to create illustrations for their products and packaging that was geared to children but meant to appeal to the consumer, the parent. Her illustrations were frequently on the cover of the Ladies Home Journal, and Woman’s Home Companion and magazines as far away as Australian Women’s Weekly. Maud Tousey Fangel’s artwork was reproduced for prints and even calendars. She was becoming a household name. She never worked from photographs, but used live models. She did not pose them but she preferred to observe them in natural situations. Her favored mediums to work with were oil pastels, chalk, charcoal and a conte crayon, which is made from a combination of Kaolin clay and graphite. All these mediums are very versatile for drawing or sketching. They allowed the artist to use various strokes, sweeping lines, blending and smudging that gave a flow to her illustrations that captured a sense of realism and movement. It was not surprising, that 21 years after Maud Tousey Fangel did her first series of drawings of her son Lloyd she would be hired as the first artist commissioned to illustrate portraits of the famed Dionne Quintuplets in their nursery. Mrs. Fangel was one of the few people ever given complete access to the entire Dionne Quintuplet Nursery. She wrote and illustrated an article called a “Squint at the Quint’s” for Women’s Home Companion and did the first portraits of them for the magazine cover. She was also commissioned to be the first illustrator to create a paper doll book of the Dionne Quintuplets for Merrill
Coloring book with artist’s signature in lower left.
Publishing in 1935. Unlike other artists, who would later draw the famous sisters as identical, Maud Tousey Fangel’s cover illustrations of the Dionne Quintuplets and her rendition of the paper dolls gave each Quint her own identity. In an interview with Maud Tousey Fangel in the 1935 Pittsburgh Press, written by Mary Margaret McBride about Mrs. Fangel’s time spent with the Quintuplets, McBride describes Maud Tousey Fangel’s uncanny understanding of babies, her ability to capture each of the Quints individual personality. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Made of muslin fabric, Fangel’s simply made baby doll was very affordable and must have appealed to young children. This side view shows the artist’s initials and the copyright symbol, indicating it was done for Averill.
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loth dolls had been around for centuries. Prior to the advancements in the printing industry doll manufacturers did not possess the ability to mass-produce an affordable printed cloth doll. The only way to apply color to fabric was using handmade wood cuts, hand painting each doll individually, or embroidery . . . all tedious processes and too time consuming and costly for mass producing a cloth doll. Cloth dolls were left to the creative home sewer. Most of these early rag dolls were well loved by their owners and many did not survive. It was in the late 1800’s that doll artists were determined to create commercially successful cloth doll. Cloth was a great material to work with. It was versatile, inexpensive and best of all, unbreakable. Doll artist Izannah Walker created the earliest commercial and exceptionally beautiful hand painted doll. Other commercial doll artists such as Julia Beecher and Ella Smith also saw the need for all cloth dolls. These dolls were also hand painted or had embroidered features, so each doll was hand created, one at a time. As with all advancements, as time passes, people find more innovative and creative uses for it. It was companies like Peck, Cocheco and Arnold Print Works that saw the possibilities of commercially printed cloth dolls. These companies used the new, innovative printing processes to create flat sheets of fabric with dolls printed on them. The dolls were meant to be cut out and sewn by the home sewer. It was a commercial success and lead to other companies experimenting with cloth dolls. Today if you happen to find one of the original uncut sheets of dolls you will see at the edges of the fabric, dots of black and the primary colors. This was how they aligned each color plate for printing. Possibly the best example to explain the timeline in printing advancements on fabric would be the Babyland dolls by Horsman. Their earliest dolls were hand painted. The later ones used the halftone printing process for photographic faces. By 1938 Maud Tousey Fangel had already achieved great notoriety. The Averill Manufacturing Company saw the advantage of working with the most sought after children’s portrait artist of the time. Averill had been making a series of international mask face cloth dolls for a couple of years. These dolls are often confused with the similar mask face Molleyes dolls. The Averill Company was also collaborating with other illustrators to create cloth dolls. They had exclusive license agreements with artists Johnny Gruelle for his Raggedy Ann and Andy, Howard Garis for his storybook characters Uncle Wiggily and Nurse Jane and Grace Drayton for her Dolly Dingles and Chocolate Drop characters. However these dolls were created from the artist’s imagination. They were fictional characters. So collaborating with Maud Tousey Fangel on a cloth doll with a face based on her real life illustrations was a novel idea. Since her illustrations had been reproduced by chromolithography and halftone printing in hundreds of magazines, advertisements, calendars and prints it was understandable that the only way to capture the essence of Maud Tousey Fangel’s artwork, would be to use this same method of printing to create the doll. A doll made from composition or bisque which was more widely used at the time would never have captured the same charm or character that she expressed in her illustrations. It was in 1938 that Maud Tousey Fangel, in collaboration with Averill Manufacturing Company, created all cloth dolls with printed faces.
The dolls were advertised by the names Sweets, Snooks and Peggy Ann. Each doll had a face printed onto a flat piece of cotton material and sewn in place. Two different faces were designed for the dolls. The two faces are easily identified as the work of Maud Tousey Fangel since they capture the essence of one of her pastel drawings. The faces are signed with her initials MTF on the left side of the doll’s face, so these faces were most likely done as a commission for Averill. They do not seem to have been taken from one of her other illustrations, since her illustrations were signed with her full name. Averill manufactured the dolls in a few different sizes 12 inches 14 inches 17 inches and 22 inches. The examples most easily found today are the smaller size. Averill priced the dolls so they were affordable, ranging from forty-nine cents to one dollar. They came with brunette or blond hair and blue or brown eyes. Two of them were meant to be baby dolls. The baby doll body was made of a sateen muslin fabric with no print or pattern. The pattern for the baby doll body was specifically designed with curved legs and a flat bottom, so it would be able to sit, and it had mitt style hands. The clothing and bonnet was usually a white organdy dress or a little colored romper with matching bonnet. The clothing and bonnet on these dolls was removable. The third doll was meant to be a slightly older child, even though the lithographed face was the same face that was used on the babies. This was probably a cost saving measure. This doll’s pattern was designed in a similar manner as the babies, with mitt hands, but the arms and legs were longer and straight. The most significant difference between these dolls was the material Averill used for the body. This doll was made from brightly colored cotton, unlike the plain muslin on the baby doll. The materials used were various prints, from pretty pastels, to bright garish floral and plaid. She had a large floppy brim on her bonnet that was not removable but was sewn onto the head. The only removable piece of clothing was the skirt which was made from the same material as the body. There is another variation of this doll that can be found with or without wool pigtails. The doll is jointed at the hip and shoulder making a floppy doll that would delight their young owners. Each doll had a blue paper hangtag that had the name of the doll “designed by Maud Tousey Fangel for Georgene Novelties. The collaboration between Averill Manufacturing Company and Maud Tousey Fangel brought the worlds of advertising, art and doll manufacturing together. The dolls were only manufactured between the years 1938 to around 1940. She was still receiving commissions to illustrate magazine covers and advertisements well into the 1950’s, when advertisers were beginning to turn towards photography to replace illustrations. To this day, collectors still appreciate the talent and charm that made Maud Tousey Fangel’s artwork sought after at the time, and highly collectable today. There are many prints, and magazine covers illustrated by Maud Tousey Fangel that are available for resale at reasonable prices. Her original artwork does command much higher prices. The Maud Tousey Fangel Averill cloth dolls are extremely hard to find and very collectable today. Snooks, Sweets, and
Printed fabric was use for the body of the doll meant to be a slightly older child.
Peggy Ann dolls were originally advertised as washable, which may be one of the reasons that they are so scarce. It also may be due to their few years of production or that they were so well loved by their owners, not many survived. For the lucky doll collector who is able to own one of these wonderful creations, the artistic talent of their creator and the charm they possess of a long ago time is readily apparent. References: The Illustrator in America, Walter Reed, Society of Illustrators, New York Who Was Who in American Art, Peter H. Falk, Sound View Press Cloth Dolls of the 1920’s and 1930’s, Polly Judd, Hobby House Press Pittsburgh Press, Volume 51 No. 330 , “Artist Calls Dionne’s Most Lovable Babies “1935, Mary Margaret McBride
This doll has different eye color and hair treatment than the previous example. Photos by Sara Bernstein ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Auction Gallery
Jean & Ken Nordquist’s
continued from page 15
Collectible Doll Co. Gourmet Doll Supplies for the Discriminating Doll Collector
*Nordquist Doll Molds *Daisyettes *Bleuette Premiere *Mignonettes *Presentation Displays *Paper Toys for Dolls *Thurlow Patters for Knit & Crochet Outfits *Collectible Doll Fashions
*Finished Crocheted Outfits *Cat’s Paw Doll Jewelry *Feather Trees *Paper Ornaments *Vintage Postcards *Doll Sewing Projects *Leather Doll Shoes *Mohair Doll Wigs *Miniature Accessories Mold & Global Catalogs not shown
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lovely Bebe Bru marked Bru Jne 8 (repair at neckline and fingers) sold for approximately $15,000 at Chartres on May 19. Included was a trunk and additional costumes.
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his rare Huret poupee from the Carette and Prevost period with poured bisque head, original articulated body, metal hands, 17 inches tall, with the original silk costume, boots and wig, brought approximately $9,100 at Francois Theimer’s May 26 auction in Paris.
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rare Bebe Francaise incised B. 9 F., 21 inches tall, with fully jointed wood and composition body, brought approximately $13,800 at Bonham’s May 23 auction in Knightsbridge, London. We would like to thank the following auction houses for their participation:
Complete 5 Catalog Set - $25 ppd.
Bonhams, Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London SW7 1 HH. www.bonhams.com
jeannordquistdolls.com
Chartres, 10, Rue Claude Bernard, Za Du Coudray BP 70120-2800 3 Chartres Cedix www.galeriedechartres.com
Includes $15 money back coupon with purchase. Order Desk
1-800-566-6646 Collectible Doll Company P.O. Box 697, Cedar Hill, TX 75106 58
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François Theimer, 4 rue des Cavaliers 89130 Toucy, France www.theimer.fr Sweetbriar Auctions, P.O. Box 37, Earleville, MD 21919 (410) 275-2094. www.sweetbriarauctions.com
Patricia A. Vaillancourt 1380 West St. Joseph Street, Stuart, FL 34994 • 561-512-7193
Come visit me in Stuart, FL! I offer a full array of dolls and accessories. Find me at www.dollsantique.com and www.rubylane.com/shops/dollsantique or e-mail: dollsantique1@gmail.com 1. Marked French Fashion, all original, blue paperweight eyes, perfect fingers, original hair, marvelous old clothes, original shoes and socks. This is a sweet, seldom found diminutive size, only 10 inches. Her eyes are unusually pretty and she has a bee stung mouth. Very special because of size and originality. $1500 2. This is a really fine example of Princess Elizabeth, 19 inches tall, on a chubby 5 piece body, a rare and hard doll to find. She is marked Porzellan fabric Burrgurb Princess Elizabeth 5 Made in Germany. She was made in 1929 and has always been a favorite of mine. She wears a silk dress trimmed in rosettes. $2300 3. All bisque Nun, marvelous face, great poised hands, wearing a wonderful nun’s outfit, with brown stockings on her bisque. Pictured in the 6th Blue Book. The previous owner left a label which says, marked on head 129 Germany. Her hands and face really make this Dominican nun a real winner, 1 2 3 4 5 so perfect. $650 4. Beautiful example of an all original Madame Alexander Wendy Ann with tag, 16 inches. According to Mme Alexander not many of these dolls were made. This example is in pristine condition, with no odor. Has all her clothes in top condition, wonderful blush on legs. Original shoes and socks matching underwear, the hair is perfect. $750 5. A sweet Steiff bear from the early 1900’s. The tag was removed but it has a wrist bracelet that says on one side, “a bear, a little girl’s first love,” and on the other side, “Margarita from Love.” He has a nice little hump and a cute upturned nose, the kind of bear you can’t help loving… he just has the look. $950 6. 16-inch sweet original Annabelle by Madame Alexander, marked on her bib and in a plaid dress with matching hat. Her 6 7 8 9 10 color is excellent, her hair still in clip, original shoes and socks. This is the cutest doll in perfect condition, one I have never had. She has the Maggie face. $650 flowers, no doubt made from a formal antique dress. $2500 7. 9-inch Yes/No Schuco Elephant, very special with a belly button and glass eyes! (Only one very small 9. All original 15 inch Simon Halbig Fashion, clothes, body and head are in perfect condition. You do not worn spot). His unusual size and attitude make him stand out. $350 see many Simon Halbig fashions and this example has original clothes, wig, hat, shoes and socks. I have 8. Simon Halbig Lady doll in a magnificent 23-inch size. This is a great doll in a large size. She has a mohair owned her for many years. $2500 wig that is really styled for the period as if she is going to a ball (feathers have been added), beautiful 10. A wonderful 20-inch Cuno Otto Dressel character that resembles the 117n with flirty eyes (works brown eyes and a wonderful lady body. She is wearing a spectacular silk embroidered dress, handmade perfectly) and wonderful molding. If her eyes look crooked in picture it is just because they flirt. I have socks. Unfortunately you can not see the magnificence of the dress with its beading and embroidered always been attracted to this doll. You can see her in the Blue Book, $750 ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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RUSSIAN DOLLS by Penny Hadfield
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actual information about Russian dolls is not easy to find…there is very little written about them…at least in English! As Susan Hedrick and Vilma Machette say in their great book on ethnic dolls, “World Colors,” They are fascinating and handsome, yet information about them is very elusive.” Is it ever! No one seems to know exactly who made them, when or where. I have collected these bisque and cloth Russian dolls for about 25 years. I was first attracted to the cloth dolls by the beautiful workmanship shown in their making…stockinet covered faces delicately hand-painted, wigs made of natural flax, clothing often made of linen with block printed and stenciled patterns and edgings, and overall wonderfully colorful outfits. My mother was an artist and art teacher and I grew up cutting and printing with wood and linoleum blocks and stenciling, so these dolls struck a chord with me. The bisque head dolls are wonderfully costumed with lots of beading. I did not collect the ceramic head dolls…their color and staring eyes (they are good
German glass eyes, but with very small pupils) just did not appeal to me. The earliest dolls I have in Russian costumes are German bisque head dolls with composition bodies. I have four little 5-6” (photo 1, above) dolls that I think might be by Gbr. Knoch (heads are marked only “Made in Germany.” They wear the elaborate beaded costumes of areas surrounding Moscow. A 10 ½” doll has a Kestner 155 mold head on a somewhat cruder Russian made wood and composition body (photo 2). She wears a faux-astrakhan coat over several layers of clothes including a long-sleeved under-dress and the traditional “sarafan” (a sleeveless jumper/pinafore overdress). The legs are wrapped in fabric and then the “lapti” (sandals) are tied on and laces wrapped up the legs. In real life these are made of split birch bark, on dolls they vary from dried grass and crocheted cotton to very fine splint. Another 9 ½”bisque head doll is marked with a Russian script letter and the numbers “532 4/0” (photo 3). I do not know her maker for sure but I think she can be attributed to Kestner…
Photo 1: Four Little 5-6” Bisque Head Girls – heads are marked only “Made in Germany” – perhaps by Gbr. Knoch. Each has a pinned on paper label with a number. Left to right: #70 Simbirsk, #78 Samara on Volga, #66 Penza, and #35 Valujki (or Valuschkaya). All have blue glass eyes, brushed brows, 5-6 tiny teeth, mohair wigs and nice quality 5 piece German composition bodies. 60
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Photo 2: 10 ½” doll with a Kestner 155 head on a Russian made wood and composition body. Her head is marked “Made in Germany / 155”. She has sleep eyes and a flax wig on a cloth cap over a turned wood pate. She wears 3 layers of clothing under her faux-astrakhan winter coat, including a long sleeved under-dress and the traditional overdress/jumper (sarafan) and woven sandals (lapti).
Photo 3: 9 ½” (11 ½” including her head dress) doll marked with a Russian script letter and “532 4/0”. Her head is attributed to Kestner. She has a Russian composition and wood body also. She has sleep eyes and a mohair wig with braids wrapped around her head, over a gauze cap and cardboard pate. Photo 4: My favorite, and also the earliest, of the 15” cloth dolls is the doll from Belarus (or Byelorussia) on the left. The label is written entirely in Russian. She has a great body with large breasts, and defined waist. Her costume has an elaborately wrapped head piece, block printed trim, and an embroidered flannel vest. On the right is the “Smolensk District Woman”. She has a tag “Made in the Soviet Union”. These 2 dolls use the same mask face with a very serene expression, though the later one on the right seems slimmer.
A comparison of the legs of these 2 dolls: on the left, the early Belarus lady has a shaped torso of heavy flannel and fine cotton legs with well defined thighs and knees; while on the right, the later doll has a muslin body and almost straight un-defined legs.
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Photo 5: A 15” pair with very dramatic faces. There were obviously many artists painting the faces of these dolls, and the end result is that you find many variations of each face. This “Village Boy” on the left is very unusual with extra large eyes and mouth and bright golden yellow flax hair. He has a cloth label with no country of origin…just hand-written “Village Boy”. His lovely companion is the “Ukrainian Woman”. The beautifully painted face of the “Ukrainian Woman”. Note her shaded eyes with fine lashes at the outer corners. Her flax hair is dyed black and bedecked with cloth flowers and trailing silk ribbons. Her label is stamped “Made in Russia” while “Ukrainian Woman” is hand written.
her face certainly looks it. She has the same wood and composition body as the Kestner 155. The larger cloth dolls are 14 -16” tall. Most of the examples that I have are labeled “Made in Russia” and a few “Foreign Made” which dates them from before the Revolution in 1917, up until 1922 when the Soviet Union was created (photos 4-7). After that date they are labeled “Made in Soviet Union”, which puts their making through the late 20s and up into the 1940s (photo 8). A book about the doll collection at the Wenham Museum written in 1951 by Adeline Cole showed a picture of a set of 13 different adult dolls in this largest size. These dolls were meant for display and to show the various costumes. They are not play dolls…the bodies are quite stiff and un-jointed…very firmly and smoothly packed…arms are movable but not the legs. It is the painting of their faces on the stockinet-covered mask and their colorful costumes that makes them so wonderful. The hands are also molded very distinctively and covered with stockinet. Occasionally you find heads covered in fine cotton, and in those cases the hands will match. I think these early large dolls were mostly sold at world fairs and perhaps imported by American stores and businesses such as Elsie Clark Krug in Baltimore. I have never found any with tags or labels to suggest this, but they had to get here somehow and not through Kimport, I don’t think, as I have never found one of this size with a Kimport label. The 10” play dolls (photo 9) are all marked “Made in Soviet Union.” They are solidly stuffed but not hard, with pink muslin bodies with sewn on cloth joints. They wear children’s folk costumes that are much simpler than the adult costumes of the larger dolls. Their faces are all hand painted also, and they all seem to be stockinet. Kimport sold these play dolls for many years, giving them different names all the time, frequently “Olga” and “Sonia.” They appeared Photo 6: Two happy ladies, both are tagged “Made in Russia – Ryasan District Woman”. Their red cotton head scarves are edged with wool paisley. Note the different fabrics used in their “sarafan”, but similar block-printed long sleeves and head wrap. The lady on the left has a cloth face and hands while the doll on the right is stockinet. The arms are tacked into position on the doll at left. 62
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Left to right: Photo 7: These two ladies are both tagged “Made in Russia – Mordwa Woman”. They wear long tunics over shorts, both of heavy linen, with bright silk scarves tied into the belts. Note their totally different faces! Both are painted on stockinet but there the similarity ends! Photo 8: This doll is later, as she is labeled “Made in Soviet Union – Eskimo Woman”. She is dressed for the cold weather in flannel trimmed with fur, and large mittens and padded boots.
in their catalogs up until 1944 but by then they seem to be selling leftovers in just a couple of styles. Then there are some 6 - 9” character dolls with really darling faces (photos 10, 11). These generally have a wire armature like the 7” costume dolls. The 8-9” ones have larger heads with deeply molded features…all that I have found have stockinet covered faces, and most are tagged “Made in Soviet Union” or “Foreign Made”. They are truly characters and all have names. The pair named Tanika and Vanika are real favorites! Note the tiny pair of Kestner all bisque dolls that Tanika holds on their original cords… I wonder if they were sold as ornaments? The sailor boy shown has an unusual floppy corduroy body similar to those of Norah Wellings dolls (photo 12). I love the happy expressions on the two gossiping ladies (photo 13). There is a great variety of costumes in the 7” size series all marked “Made in Soviet Union” (photos 14-16). These dolls have cute round little faces (mostly of stockinet but some fabric ones also) and a firmly stuffed small cloth body with wire armature for the arms and legs. The arm wire goes straight through the body so both arms can move together. The legs are padded and then wrapped. Most of the dolls wear woven straw “lapti” but a large number have hand carved wooden boots instead. Kimport also imported a lot of these and the little 3-4” ones as well…they are scattered through many years of their “Doll Talk” news/sales pamphlets. It is odd that so many of the different dolls have the same number – 8084…one wonders why? And the smallest series of dolls measure only 4” to 4 ¾” with very delicate little faces with side glancing eyes (photo 17). Unfortunately these little faces are often
Photo 9: Three of the later 10” play dolls. All are tagged “Made in Soviet Union”. The dolls also have numbers: left - #8098 (?), center -#8092, and right #9086. The doll on the right also has a sewn in Kimport label that says “Made in Russia. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Photo 10: A colorful and cute 9” pair of character dolls – “Tanika” and “Vanika” both labeled “Made in Soviet Union”. These character dolls have firmly stuffed bodies with a wire armature for the arms to be movable, and padded and wrapped legs. “Tanika” holds a 2 ½” pair of Kestner all bisque dolls – suspended by their original cords. Perhaps they were sold as ornaments? Both have mohair wigs, painted features, and are properly costumed. Photo 12: This 9 ½” sailor boy has a Norah Wellings type of soft and floppy jointed body, made of corduroy. His face is stockinet, and his hair is cut from heavy coat fabric and tacked on. Under his collar in back he is tagged “8208 - Made in Soviet Union”. Photo 13 (right): These two charming ladies, 6” and 6 ½”, are both labeled “Kiazan Village Girl”. No two are ever alike, making it fun to have more! The girl on the left has a border of mushrooms painted on her kerchief, while the girl on the right has a more common border of flowers.
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Photo 11: Two 8 ½” Boys. On the left is a play doll with pin jointed legs and cloth jointed arms. He has a hand written label “1859 – Made in Soviet Union”. The boy on the right is un-jointed as are the other characters. He has a printed label “Foreign Made – 6202 – Grishka”.
Photo 14: Three lovely 7” girls! On the left is “8084 – A. Girl with Bundle”, in the middle “8089 – Belorusska”, and on the right “8091 – Ziqanka”. If you have been observant, you will have noticed lots of dolls with the number ‘8084’…don’t ask, I don’t know why! “Ziqanka” has a cloth face instead of the usual stockinet.
damaged…the painted gesso surface is very fragile and chips easily. Even these smallest dolls show diversity in hair styles, caps and scarves and are always very colorful! I think they were probably dressed using scraps of fabrics from the larger dolls. And of course there are many oddities. A wonderful wooden egg on legs that opens up, and little hand made creations made by refugees living in Paris and perhaps also in Austria (photos 18, 19 and 20). These dolls often portray royalty rather than peasants…they are quite charming! I also have a 15” Beefeater (or Yeoman of the Guard) (photo 21) with the royal crest embroidered and the initials “ER” appliquéd…a special order for the coronation of Edward VII? Some have thought there might be a connection to the Liberty of London dolls… the body is definitely Russian, but perhaps he was dressed in England. There are no tags or labels to help us! Now for a bit of their history…what I have managed to glean! The earliest Russian dolls of colored clay were made in the Dimkovskaya district around 1600. A few years later wooden dolls were made in a Sergiyevo monastery. Both clay and wooden dolls were made for many generations. Playing with dolls was considered important in children’s upbringing. Rag dolls in cradles were considered guardians. These rag dolls had no facial features and a single braid of human hair, but they were finely costumed. As early as 1787 wooden dolls were being made by peasants and townspeople in Serhijewski, near Moscow. The “father” of the doll-making industry was Tatyha, who carved dolls of linden (bass) wood. He trained others including Chirkoff. The most popular wooden dolls were the Trihedrals (carved from 3-sided pieces of wood…usually 7-8” tall) and Matryoshkas which originated in Semyonov. Many of
Photo 15: Here are three more from the 7” series. On the left is “8084 – A. Samoied”, in the middle “8084 – A. Tadjik”, and on the right “8090 – Kirquiz”. All three have wooden boots and they are all different!
Photo 16: These three girls appear to be a bit later as they are in more modern everyday dress. The pretty girl on the left has moveable wooden arms and legs and stands alone. She is marked only “8202 – Girl”. In the middle is “8200 – Sky Girl”; obviously they meant to say “Ski”. She is dressed in flannel and is ready for the slopes. On the right is an odd doll with a gauze face, she is labeled “8084 – A. Winter Girl”, and wears a cute coat and matching hat. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Photo 17: A group of seven of the smallest dolls, 4 ¼” to 4 ¾”. These are marked only “Made in Soviet Union”. They have no names or numbers. The girls have various hairdos and the boys can have cloth boots or crocheted lapti like the girls. Their faces are painted over a very fragile gesso coating and can be chipped very easily.
the Trihedrals of the 1800s and 1900s were made in the Zagorsk region, northeast of Moscow and now known as Sergiev Posad. Zagorsk became the doll-making center of Russia, surrounding a monastery there, and by 1900 all types of dolls and toys were being produced in the area. Some families made heads, others bodies,
Photo 18: These little 4” and 5” dolls are examples of those made by Russian refugees living in Paris after the Revolution. They are totally hand made with faces painted on silk and hair of raveled wool fabric. This balalaika player and drummer are part of a musical band…I have also seen a boy with a flute. 66
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and yet others dressed them. There were dolls for the rich as well as the poor, and carved wooden soldiers and other figures, including endless Matryoshkas. “Matryona” means mother. The nesting dolls were traditionally made for Easter. Both wooden and papier mache dolls were also made in Horodowski, Wladymyr and Wiatsky Provinces. Doll making prospered during the earlier years of the 1800s and the dolls were sent all over the world. Complete dolls and doll heads were imported to Russia from several German doll manufacturers (Simon & Halbig for Kammer & Reinhardt, and Kestner among them) and used in Zagorsk to make Russian costumed dolls from the late 1880s into the 1920s. In 1900 Russian toys, including Matryoshkas, were exhibited at the Paris Exhibition and were awarded the bronze medal. These nesting dolls became very popular and were exported around the world. In 1913 independent craftsmen united to form the first cooperative. The Russians were making wood and composition bodies which are less refined than the German bodies, but when covered with bright costumes… who’s to know or care? An old catalog from the Zagorsk Toy Museum stated that in the late 19th century interest in Russian antiques and folk culture inspired a series of dolls dressed in costumes from various Russian provinces. Towards the end of the 1800s cloth dolls were made in the Orel region and some bisque head dolls were possibly made in Zagorsk. As the 1800s ended competition grew and craftsmen found it necessary to form a union. Russians copied many types of dolls made in other countries, but one type is unique to Russia…wooden dolls carved with a hot iron. In the new Soviet Union traditional crafts were encouraged, but not the individual worker, so arts and crafts were organized
Photo 19: This 6 ½” tall wooden egg is very thin and light and stands on wooden legs inserted into the bottom of the egg. It opens at the waist but has nothing inside. The design is burned into the wood and then painted… an old Russian art form. She has an old paper note that came attached to the back of her skirt – “This doll came in the first ship load of toys from the Soviet Union to Am Torg in New York” – this was in 1928, according to the Coleman Encyclopedia, Vol. 2. Photo 20: This is a 5 ½” charming silk needle-sculpted doll, made by one of those Paris refugees. She has no labels or tags, but is clearly made by a very talented seamstress and artist. Photo 21: 15” Beefeater (or Yeoman of the Guard) - This very unusual 15” cloth doll may be a one-ofa-kind. My thoughts are that he was a special order for the coronation of Edward VII in 1936. There are no labels. “ER” is appliquéd on his chest. The costume is mostly made of heavy wool felt with ribbon trim and embroidery. The painting of the face is typical of the Russian dolls and the body is definitely Russian made…but the hair and costume I think are unique!
into cooperatives. The 12-13” ceramic headed dolls were made from about 1920 to the mid 30s, using old Kammer & Reinhardt molds. They are painted a reddish brown but the K*R Star of David can sometimes be faintly seen. Sadly, today in Russia, there seem to be too few of these old dolls, and even more sadly, little interest in them! Is it because those years were not happy ones for the vast majority of the people, and these dolls are reminders? There is an active group of modern doll artists producing both cloth and porcelain dolls dressed in elaborate costumes, as well as endless artists producing delightful Matryoshkas by the thousands…these are very delicately painted with wonderful vivid colors. The newer doll and toy industry is thriving again in Russia, but it is producing mainly for tourists and export. Older dolls are rarely to be found outside of museums. I find this unfortunate, but we who have found and treasure these old dolls, are the fortunate ones. I have about eighty of these Russian dolls, but I would love to see pictures of any unusual examples and receive information from anyone willing to share that would add to my knowledge of these wonderful dolls. Please contact me at aquietplace@verizon.net, or through my website www.aquietplacedolls.com. Bibliography: World Colors – Dolls and Dress – by Susan Hedrick & Vilma Machette; Hobby House Press, 1997. Dolls at 2000 – UFDC, 2000 – pages 63-69 “Dolls of the Former Soviet Union” by Elena Lisiana. The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Dolls, Vol. 2, by Dorothy, Elizabeth and Evelyn Coleman, Crown, 1986.
Timeline from Coleman Encyclopedia, Vol. 2 Prior to 1897: Russian Toy Congress protested large elegant French dolls that taught love of dress and luxury. 1900: At Paris International Exposition, Russian wooden dolls and dolls dressed in provincial costumes were displayed. “Zemstvo” (possibly bisque head) dolls competed with Polish bisque dolls. 1913: “Toys and Novelties” showed trihedral wooden dolls that were made by Russian peasants. “Ladies Home Journal” showed 7” dolls dressed by children in a Russian orphan’s asylum. 1914: Rubber dolls were made in Russia. 1919: A collection of early clay dolls belonging to the author Denshin was given to the Toy Museum in Zagorsk. 1924: A Frenchman referred to doll babies in swaddling clothes made by Russian peasants and costing less than a cent. 1926: Russian refugees in Paris dressed dolls as Russian peasants. Marie Vassilieff, one of the Russian doll makers, was still showing her character dolls. 1928: Dolls made by Russian peasants were distributed in America by “Am Torg”. “Toys and Novelties” reported, “Moscow Teacher’s Union has decided that little girls should not be allowed to play with dolls. The doll represents the bourgeois idea of family life.” “Playthings” reported that 50 more dolls that belonged to the Russian Princesses were sent to the museum at Tharkoies Selo.
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UFDC Salesroom Booth Number in Yellow
SELL A DOLL IN THE
EMPORIUM Jumeau ( or Simonne) Fashion 17-1/2” on rare kid covered wood body with tenon joints and bisque hands. She has blue paperweight eyes, slightly smiling mouth, blonde mohair wig, and perfect bisque. She is appropriately redressed. $4900. Call 215-794-8164 or email alloyd@nni.com.
Member of UFDC and NADDA. You may see other photos and other dolls at RubyLane.com/ shops/ anntiquedolls.
SARA BERNSTEIN DOLLS Visit my website and view Quality Dolls at affordable prices. 100’s of pictures and prices. Phone 732-536-4101 Email santiqbebe@aol.com
www.sarabernsteindolls.com www.sarabernsteindolls.rubylane.com
SCHOENHUT RINGMASTER MANNIKIN
Kathy Libraty’s ANTIQUE DOLLS Humongous 41”Antique HEINRICH HANDWERCK 79 DOLL in Fabulous Antique Dress. WOW! $4500
www.rubylane.com/shops/kathylibratysantiques www.kathylibratysdolls.com 718-859-0901 MEMBER: UFDC Libradolls@aol.com OR—Buy My Dolls on eBay where I begin most of my antique dolls for just $1—Search seller name kathylibraty ALSO! MORE FRENCH BEBES, FASHIONS, BLACK BISQUE, GERMAN CHARACTERS & DOLLIES, PLUS++++ DOLLS FULLY GUARANTEED IN WRITING - 3 DAY RETURN PRIVILEGE!
ASK ABOUT OUR GENEROUS 8 MONTH LAYAWAY POLICY!
GOT KEWPIE Blain Kukevitch
PO Box 295, Central Village, CT 06332 phone: 860-450-2617 email: GotKewpie@att.net
This very rare and prestigious figure is fully articulated, 19-1/2” tall including the top hat. Excellent condition and great presence. Call Keith Kaonis, 717-519-6868. Email: kkaonis@gmail.com Always Buying and Selling
Early German Bisque Kewpies, more available. Call to Buy / Sell / Trade
NEW! LARGER Size Emporium Ads.
Purchase of an ad includes FREE internet ad on our website. Send us a photo or a digital photo of your doll with a description and your check or credit card information. We do the rest!! Take advantage of this special forum; the cost is only $95 for a 2.4”w x 2.9”h ad space. Antique DOLL Collector, P.O. Box 239, Northport, NY 11768. Phone 1-888-800-2588. Email: antiquedoll@gmail.com
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www.babesfromthewoods.com
BABES FROM THE WOODS Hand carved wooden Queen Anne style dolls by Kathy Patterson toysintheattic@sympatico.ca Ph. 705-489-1046
Miss Flora McFlimsey Mariana and Faded Elegance by Florence Theriault
“Once there was an old doll whose name was Flora McFlimsey. She lived in a toy cupboard in the attic with a box of Tiddly-Winks and a Mother Goose book and Gulliver’s Travels and a Noah’s Ark and a fat sheep on wheels and an old, old, doll’s trunk”.
So begins the story of Miss Flora McFlimsey, written in 1949, and the first book of a series of adventures about the doll. The books were written and illustrated by Marian Foster Curtiss under the pen-name “Mariana”. She was born in a small town at the end of the 19th century. At an early age, obliged to choose between piano or drawing lessons she “chose drawing, what seemed the lesser of two evils”, according to an interview she gave in her later years. Her love of art developed and continued into studies at the Art Students League in New
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York and into free-lance work for the New York Herald Tribune. “When the Great Depression hit I got a job on the American Index Project of the W.P.A. We made factual drawings of ‘Early Americana’ at the museums and here I discovered the fine craftsmanship and beauty of pre-mass-production days. It was the old toys which charmed me most...especially the old dolls in their faded elegance”. During that work project, Mariana discovered an old cloth doll at the New York Historical Society named for the heroine of the 19th-century poem “Miss Flora McFlimsey of Madison Square” about a young lady who had silk and velvet gowns galore, but “nothing to wear, nothing to wear”. Inspired by that doll, Mariana went on to write and illustrate nine children’s books about the adventures of her own Miss Flora McFlimsey which she described in a 1952 article in Life magazine as “a cross between Queen Victoria and Mae West”. Her simple line drawings feature a doll with large O-shaped pupil-less eyes and a prim little mouth. Those same features are present in the two cloth dolls that she made, inspired by her drawings. The books were published by Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Co. and for a number of years were printed, re-printed, and finally grew out-of-print. Mariana died in 1978 in East Hampton, Long Island at the age of 86. In the garden of her East Hampton home still stood the large one-room playhouse of her youth. It was said that, during her writing years, the playhouse served as her muse, and during the summer months she moved into the child-scaled playhouse along with a fullsize cot, a chair, and all her drawings, writings, and the one-of-a-kind cloth doll, Miss Flora McFlimsey, that she had made. The 18” cloth doll with firmly-stuffed head, oil-painted complexion, and highly-stylized facial features including large round O-shaped pupil-less eyes, turned up nose and tiny mouth, has a mohair wig, loosely-loopjointed limbs, and is wearing her original velveteen dress and fancy matching bonnet - “faded elegance”, indeed. In 1952, Mariana was featured in an article in Life magazine. She is shown in a photograph sitting inside the tiny playhouse, her cloth doll posed alongside and other illustrations of the doll pinned to the walls. How the doll and her accompanying artwork came to be saved is an equally fascinating story. As a young girl in the early 1950s, Linda Mumew Ruskoski, didn’t much like to read. So when the bookmobile came to her second-grade classroom she searched instead for books with nice illustrations, and spotted the book Miss Flora McFlimsey’s Christmas Eve. She relates, “After dinner, I sat in the living room and began to read this special story about a doll that had been relegated to the attic and forgotten. Then, thanks to Santa, she began life anew...I loved pouring over all of the accessories on one of the pages. It has always been one of my favorite illustrations. I can’t tell you how many times that little book was read and reread.” And Linda began a life-long love of reading. At that time, her father worked in
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offices at the Plaza Hotel, nearby FAO Schwarz where the Miss Flora McFlimsey books were sold and each time a new book in the series was added, Linda marched from the Plaza to the toy store and eagerly swooped up a copy. Years later, then a teacher herself, Linda relates, “I decided to write Mariana a letter, sharing with her that I did not like to read until I discovered her books. Well, Mariana wrote me back! We became friends! ....Spending time with her was incredibly special to me. She was so modest and humble, like Flora”. During the coming year, Linda determined that the books, long out-of-print, must be reprinted, and began a dedicated drive to that end. The anecdotal details of that project, which sadly was never realized, are outlined in hand-written correspondence from Mariana. Then, just one year later, 1978, Mariana died. Shortly before her death, a large box arrived at Linda’s home. “Carefully, I opened the package and inside was the doll, Miss Flora McFlimsey, a smaller Flora and a French fashion doll named ‘Mamselle’....Mariana had made the two Flora’s herself to use as models for her illustrations”. In addition, Mariana had given to the young teacher a number of her hand-colored artworks, many featuring Flora. As for the books in this collection, they are all the childhood property of Linda Mumew Ruskoski, cherished these many years. Except for the book Hotspur which has a hand-drawn image on the inside front page and the message “A Merry Christmas from Hotspur, To Linda, Mariana”. The dolls, artwork, and books have been in the private possession of Linda Ruskoski until this time, and are exceptional documents and poignant ephemera of one woman’s lifetime work. Included with the one-of-a-kind handmade cloth Miss Flora McFlimsey, are 12 original watercolor paintings by Mariana, including scenes from the story books as well as an intriguing set of watercolor samplers; each is signed by the artist. There is a folio of paper ephemera including letters from Mariana to the present owner, a September 22, 1952 Life magazine issue with article and photographs about Mariana, a red wooden doll chair for Flora, a small hand-made cloth doll and a petite 9” French bisque poupee named “Mam’selle” in Mariana’s correspondence. And, finally, included in the collection are nine out-of-print Miss Flora McFlimsey books written between 1949-1965 including Christmas Eve, Baby New Year, Easter Bonnet, Birthday, Little Laughing Water, Little Red Schoolhouse, Valentine, May Day and Halloween, and three additional Mariana books: Journey of Bangwell Putt, Doki and Hotspur. Miss Flora McFlimsey the doll, along with all of the artwork, letters, ephemera, other two dolls, and books will be sold in one lot at Theriault’s July 23 New Orleans catalog doll auction, “Upon Arriving Home”.
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Gaithersburg, June 2 & 3 O
minous tornado warnings threatened to put a damper on the recent Gaithersburg Doll Show, June 2 and 3, but Saturday dawned bright and beautiful with an eager crowd waiting patiently outside for the 10 am opening. Held four times a year, the December event being the largest, the other three shows also boast quality dealers and great merchandise. And now on Sunday mornings, prior to the opening, you can learn more about dolls from respected dealers/collectors. This June show featured Val Star discussing early dolls dating from the 1700’s to the late 1800’s and Shari McMasters on what to look for in buying an antique doll.
Fritzi’s Antique Dolls, Yorkville, IL.
22-1/2” French fashion, $3850, rare incised Bru Jne C fashion, $7500 and a Portrait Jumeau, $5500. Jackie Allington, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Kathy Ray, Westmoreland, New Hampshire.
Tete Jumeau, 26”, $3650, 17-1/2” FG fashion, $2350 and FG fashion, 27-1/2”, $3200. Gigi’s Dolls and Sherry’s Teddy Bears, Chicago, IL.
27” Schmitt et Fils, Block Letter FG, 23” and 19” SH 939. Dolls Etc. Walworth, NY. 74
ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
Jay and Connie Lowe, Lancaster, PA.
JULY 2012
Rick Saxman, Valley Forge, PA.
Sue Kallen, Bonita, CA.
Marion Maus, Ellicott City, MD.
Sondra Krueger, Forest Ranch, CA.
These adorable reproduction mignonettes in presentation boxes are being used as a fundraiser for the Princeton Doll and Toy Museum.
26” Kestner #146, $850 and a 20” JDK 211, $700 found in the wedding themed booth of Billye Harris, Whitsett, NC.
Scott’s Antiques, Whitefish Bay, WI. Phil May, Ocean Grove, NJ.
Val Star, Wayne, IL.
Linda Essers, Fallston, MD. Laura Turner, Small Wonders Antiques, Westminster, MD.
Circa 1790 wooden holding a “baby house” wooden. Nancy McCray, Cedar Rapids, IA.
Left, 12” AM 252 baby, $1725 and 12” Hertel Schwab googly 172, $3875. Shari McMasters, New Concord. ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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Calendar of Events
Gaithersburg Antiques Doll Show
OVER 500 Selling Tables…
SEPT 15&16
The 159th Eastern National Antique to Modern Doll & *Toy Show 2012 Established 1972
Four Times Each Year
Send in your Free Calendar Listing to: Antique Doll Collector, c/o Calendar, P.O. Box 239, Northport, New York 11768 or Email: adcsubs@gmail.com. If you plan on attending a show, please call the number to verify the date and location as they may change.
4/21-10/7 Basel, Switzerland. Christening & Much More Special Exhibition. Toy Worlds Museum Basle. www.toy-worlds-museum.basle.ch.
JULY
8 Darby, MT. Doll & Toy & Teddy Bear Show. Darby Community Library. Kay Schrader. Schrader1501@blackfoot.net. 14 Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Christmas in July. Dolls & Bears & Collectibles Show. Amara Shrine Temple. Young-At-Heart Dolls. Karen Monahan. 561-304-9581. youngatheartdolls@comcast.net. 15 Ewing, NJ. 33rd Annual Christmas in July Doll & Bear Show. W. Trenton Volunteer Fire Co. No. 1. Delaware Valley Doll Club of NJ. 609-259-3428. 609-371-1902. www.dvdcnj.org. 16-21 Asheville, NC. Golden Glow of Christmas Past. Two Sisters Studios. 705-489-1473. www.twosistersstudios.com. 21 New York, NY. Black Doll & Art Show. The Riverside Church. Black Doll Shows. Sharon Alexander. 212-594-2455. www.blackdollshows.com. 22 Mounds View, MN. 29th Annual Doll & Bear & Original Artist Show. Mermaid Event Center. Carol Benson. 507-864-3073. www.CPromotionsPlus.com. 22-25 New Orleans, LA. National Antique Doll Festival. Hilton New Orleans Riverside. National Doll Festival. 831-438-5349. NatlDoll@aol.com. www.dollshowusa.com. 22-23 New Orleans, LA. Theriault’s Auctions. Westin Hotel Canal Place. Theriault’s. 410-224-3655. 24-27 New Orleans, LA. 63rd Annual Convention of UFDC Doll Show. Sheraton New Orleans Hotel. UFDC. 816-891-7040. www.UFDC.org.
AUGUST
©
Over 200 Years of Playthings TH
SEPT 15 SAT 10AM to 5PM SEPT 16TH SUN 10AM to 5PM Admission $8 Good 2 Days
Half Price With A Copy Of This Ad
Email us for $2 Discount Coupons and Maps
InfoDOLLS@comcast.net
THE FAIRGROUNDS
16 Chestnut St. Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Building 6 / 4 Exhibit Halls / Air Conditioned and Heated
12 Miles North West of Washington DC (I-270) Exit 10 to red light, turn left, follow fairgrounds signs. Hotels: HOLIDAY INN 301.948.8900 HILTON 301.977.8900 Ask for special rates for Bellman Doll Show. Book hotel 30 days before each show
3 International Airports Ronald Reagan Washington National (DCA) Dulles International (IAD) Baltimore / Washington International (BWI)
BELLMAN EVENTS 410.357.8451 • 443.617.3590 *LIMITED Number of Toys and Games 76
ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
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4-5 Belgium. 26th International Doll & Teddy Bear Show. Niesje Wolters van Bemmel. 0031 578 628767. info@niesjewolters.nl. 4 Eagle River, WI. 34th Annual Doll Show. Kalmar Community Ctr. Enchanted Doll Club of the Northwoods. 715-479-7132. injdubs@ gmail.com. 4 San Diego, CA. Crossroads Doll Show. Al Bahr Shrine Ctr. info@ dolls4all.com. 9-12 Costa Brava, Spain. First International Costa Brava Doll Festival. 00 34659161660 or 00 34669056513. www.in-dolls.com. 11 Huntsville, AL. 36th Annual Doll Show. The Jaycees Building. Twickenham Doll Club of Huntsville & No. Alabama. Sonya Heim. 256-479-3251. Twickenhamdollclub@earthlink.net. www. twickenhamdollclub.webs.com. 11 Vallejo, CA. Doll Show. Vallejo Fairgrounds. Nancy Jo Schreeder. 925-229-4190. (F) 925-229-5369. www.nancyjodollsales.com. 12 Teaneck, NJ. Doll & Bear Show. Teaneck Armory. JMK Shows. 352-527-6666. www.jmkshows.com. 15-17 Nashua, NH. Doll Auction. Holiday Inn. Withington Auction. 603-478-3232.(f)478-3233. www.withingtonauction.com 18 Arcadia, CA. Doll Show. Arcadia Masonic Lodge. Forever Young. Sandy Kline. 818-368-4648. sandykline@socal.rr.com. 18 Columbia, SC. Doll Show. SC State Fairgrounds, Rosewoods Bldg. Knight Doll Shows. 803-783-8049. www.KnightShows.com. 18 E. Peoria, IL. Doll & Bear & Toy Show. Event Center. Julie Bronski. 312-919-7135. ILDollShows@aol.com. 19 Baltimore, MD. Estate Auction. BWI Marriott. Theriault’s. 410-224-3655. (F) 410-224-2515. www.theriaults.com. 19 Strongsville, OH. Doll & Bear Show. Holiday Inn. Gail Lemmon. 440-396-5386. 25 San Antonio, TX. 4th Annual Hill Country Doll Show & Sale. Live Oak Civic Ctr. Dorothy Meredith. 830-606-5868. www.dolldr.com. 25 Olean, NY. 3rd Annual Dolls & Bears & Miniatures Show. Knights of Columbus Hall. Southwestern York-Penn Doll Club. Wende Kenyon. 585-466-3037. darstoy143@verizon.net. 26 Bellevue, WA. Doll & Toy Show. Red Lion Hotel. The Antique Doll & Toy Market. Teresa Lehmbeck. 425-413-9516. 26 Tiffin, OH. Doll & Bear Show. Seneca County Opportunity Ctr. Sandusky River Valley Doll Club. Lois Berger. 419-448-4720.
SEPTEMBER
1 Portland, OR. Doll Show. Kliever National Guard Armory. Dorothy Drake. info@dolls4all.com. 1 Westampton, NJ. Roberta’s Doll House Sales Inventory at Auction. Crescent Shrine Center. Sweetbriar Auctions. 410-275-2094. SweetbriarAuctions.com. 5-9 Greenwood Village, CO. 32nd Annual Denver Museum of Miniatures & Dolls Show. Doubletree Hotel Denver Tech. www.DMMDT.org/fallshow.htm. 2012fallshow@DMMDT.org. Joy Johnson. 303-805-1840.
5-8 Santa Clara, CA. UFDC Region 2-N Conference. Hyatt Regency. Anne Lien. Stilly5@yahoo.com. www.2012dollconference2N.com. 8 Alexander, NY. Doll Show. Firemen’s Recreation Hall. Fairland Dolls & Toys. Sue Spin. 585-591-2841. 8 Las Cruces, NM. Doll Show. Days Inn Conf. Ctr. Dona Ana Doll Club. Gloria Sanders. 575-523-1413. 8 Perry, GA. Doll Show. Georgia National Fairgrounds. Knight Southeastern Doll Shows. 803-783-8049. www.KnightShows.com. 8 San Diego, CA. 34th Annual Delightful Doll Doll Show. Al Bahr Temple. charvet@jensenswing.com. 619-265-0443. 8 Talbott, TN. 25th Annual Doll Show. W. Hamblen County Vol. Fire Dept. Morristown Doll & Teddy Bear Club. Gail Twine. 865-475-3323. 9 Maquoketa, IA. Eastern Iowa Doll & Toy Show. Jackson County Fairgrounds. www.easterniowadollshows.com. Sherryl Newton. 319-610-3534. 9 Valparaiso, IN. 18th Annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show. Porter County Expo Center. Valparaiso Dolls & Friends Club. Vera Johnson. 219-476-7384. Rickandjac@frontier.com. 15 Beaverton, OR. 25th Annual Doll Show. Beaverton Elks. Fashion Doll Club of Oregon. Sharon. 503-655-7040. 15-16 Gaithersburg, MD. 159th Eastern National Antique to Modern Doll & Toy Show. The Fairgrounds. InfoDolls@comcast.net. Bellman Events. 410-357-8451. 443-617-3590. 15 Greenville, SC. Doll Show. Holiday Inn. Knight Southeastern Doll Shows. 803-783-8049. www.KnightShows.com. 15 Lawrenceville, PA. Doll & Bear & Miniature Show. Lawrenceville Fire Dept. Laurel Doll Club. 570-537-2253. 15 Lewiston, ID. Doll Show. Williams Conference Ctr. @ Lewis-Clark St. College. Lewis-Clark Doll Club. Carmen Moxley. 509-758-5487. smglawson@gmail.com. 16 Houston, TX. 36th Doll Show & Sale. Hilton Houston Hobby Airport. First Houston Doll Club. Carolyn Johnson. 409-945-2796. carolyndol@aol.com. 16 Milwaukee, WI. Doll Show. Serb Hall. Orphans in the Attic. Sue Serio. 800-796-9649. 19-22 Las Vegas, NV. Modern Doll Collectors Convention. Harrah’s Hotel. Karen Schoewe. 763-634-2614. 21-22 Golden, CO. 3rd Annual TriState Doll Sale. Jefferson County Fairgrounds. Lorella. 303-988-8591. Mary Ann. 303-985-2770. 22 Bremerton, WA. Kitsap Doll Club Show & Sale. Sons of Norway Hall. Merrisue Steinman. 360-426-2232. gsteinman@wavecable.com. 22 Paris, France. Exhibit @ The Musee de la Poupee, “Dolls Made in Italy”. www.museedelapoupeeparis.com. 22 Roseville, CA. Doll Show. Placer County Fairgrounds. Dorothy Drake. info@dolls4all.com. 23 Countryside, IL. Doll & Bear & Toy Show. William Tell Holiday Inn. Julie Bronski. 312-919-7135. ILDollshows@aol.com. 23 Omaha, NE. Doll & Toy Show. Fireman’s Union Hall. Elaine’s Dolls. 712-889-2154. 28-10/3 New Milford, CT. Doll Making Retreat. www.asweetremembrance.com. 860-355-5709. 29 Deacquisition Sale. www.legacydollmuseum.com. 29 Asheville, NC. Land O’Sky Doll Club Annual Doll Show. WNC Agricultural Center. Lue. 828-883-4899. 29 Paris, France. Collectible Dolls, Automatons, Toys & Games International Prestige Auction. Ambassador Hotel. LombrailTeucquam Maison De Ventes. 01 43 97 91 29 (F) 01 42 83 68 48. Lt-1@wanadoo.fr. Francois Theimer. (0033) 03 86 74 31 76. (F) (0033) 03 86 74 32 13. Francois.theimer@wanadoo.fr. 29 Seattle, WA. Antique & Collectible Doll Market. 12531 28th Ave. Lisa Pepin. 206-362-8723. 29 Waldorf, MD. 30th Annual Doll Show. Clarion Inn. Southern Maryland Doll Club. Lynn Buonviri. 301-4475-3466. Dealer Info. 301-475-3466. 30 Alberta, Canada. Doll Show. Alberta Aviation Museum. Doll Club of Edmonton. 780-485-3026. dollclub.shawwebspace.ca. 30 Willoughby Hills, OH. Doll Show. W. Hills Community Ctr. Eileen Green. 440-729-9690.
OCTOBER
21 Toledo, OH. 34th Toledo Doll & Bear Show. Stranahan Great Hall. Sandy. 734-282-0152. sbullock4085@wowway.com. www.toledodollshow.com.
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• Toys • Miniatures • Doll Molds • Supplies •
Nancy Jo’s DOLL SALES
2012 VALLEJO, CA Vallejo Fairgrounds
August 11 Saturday 9 am
Nov. 2 & 3 Friday 12 pm Saturday 9 am
For information send SASE (2 stamps) to: Nancy Jo Schreeder, 305 Robinson St., Martinez, CA 94553 Phone 925-229-4190 Fax 925-229-5369
Website: www.nancyjodollsales.com
Doll Related Items • Furniture • Clothes • Bears
Eastern Iowa Doll/ Toy Shows Fall Schedule Sunday September 9 Maquoketa, IA Jackson County Fairgrounds
New Management • Quality Dealers
OCTOBER 21, 2012 10 am – 4 pm
Admission $4 – Children Free
Sunday Nov. 11
Stranahan Great Hall 4645 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 43614
9AM-3PM $4, under 10 Free, Early birds 8AM $10
Doll, Bear and Toy Appraisals Food Area – Door Prizes Dealer Inquires call Sandy at 734-282-0152, email: sbullock4085@wowway.com
Davenport, IA Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds For more information visit: www.easterniowadollshows.com or contact Sherryl Newton, 212 E. 4th St., Waterloo, IA 50703 319-610-3534
$1 OFF with this ad
Our next show will be held April 14, 2013
Visit www.toledodollshow.com
TOYS • DOLLS • BLOCKS HUMPTY DUMPTY CIRCUS TEDDY ROOSEVELT SAFARI FARM SETS • TARGET GAMES TENTS • WAGONS • PIANOS BUILDING SETS • POND BOATS R O LY S • C O M I C F I G U R E S QUACKY DOODLES • & MORE! The Schoenhut Collectors’ Club invites you to JOIN NOW!
Worldwide Membership Annual Convention with Seminars, Buying & Selling, Special Events! ● Quarterly Multi-Page Newsletter ● Guaranteed to be Fun! USA Memberships: Memberships Overseas: $20./Single $25./Single $30./Family $35./Family $10./Museum ● ●
Send to: Schoenhut
Collectors’ Club,
72 Barre Drive Lancaster, PA 17601-3206 Phone 717-569-9697 Email:jwellsjr47@aol.com Visit www.schoenhutcollectorsclub.org ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR
JULY 2012
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The Doll Works Judith Armitstead (781) 334-5577 P.O. Box 195, Lynnfield, MA 01940
Please visit our website for a fine selection of antique dolls, dollhouse dolls, dollhouse miniatures, teddy bears, all bisque dolls, bathing beauties, kewpies, dresser boxes, snow babies, half dolls, and doll accessories at www.thedollworks.net
106 W. Main St., Carlisle, KY 40311 859-289-3344 Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11 am to 4 pm or by Appointment.
Early Kestner twins with asphaltum table
www.TheDollWorks.net
Sherman’s Antiques & Doll Hospital
SARA BERNSTEIN’S DOLLS
10 Sami Court, Englishtown, NJ 07726 Phone 732-536-4101 Email: santiqbebe@aol.com www.sarabernsteindolls.com www.rubylane.com/shops/sarabernsteindolls
155 E. Haines Blvd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850 We specialize in antique and collectable toys and dolls and also deal in all types of antiques. Our doll doctor has over 20 years experience with all doll services performed on site. We make as well as restore teddy bears too. Our doll doctor can make wigs, clothes or any service your doll may need. We are located in central Florida and opened year around seven days a week. Monday thru Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm. Call 863-956-4333 or 863-221-4035. Email: Jerry@Shermansantiques.net Website: www.shermansantiques.net Member of UFDC
SONDRA KRUEGER ANTIQUES
FRIZELLBURG ANTIQUE STORE A quality group shop specializing in dolls, toys and holidays. Visit our website today!
www.frizellburgantiques.com
Laura Turner, proprietor, 1909 Old Taneytown Rd., Westminster, MD 21158. Open ThursSun 11-5 We also carry a quality line of antiques, textiles, furniture and jewelry. 30 years of experience where you can buy or sell with confidence. Call us with your wants, we have an ever-changing inventory. 410-848-0664 or 410-875-2850
14” Tete Jumeau
Twickenham Doll Club Doll Show & Sale
Saturday, August 11
10 am – 4 pm Huntsville Jaycees Building 2180 Airport Rd, Huntsville, AL Adults $5 • Children $2 5 and under FREE For dealer information contact: Sonya Heim 256-479-3251
email: Twickenhamdollclub@earthlink.net
www.twickenhamdollclub.webs.com
PLACE YOUR AD HERE a classified marketplace for antique dolls and related merchandise Copy Ads: 35 cents per word, no limit; $12 minimum Ads with a border and boldface, add $10 to word total BLACK AND WHITE PHOTO ADS we can convert your color ads to black and white 1/12 page ( 2 1/2” h x 2 3/8” w) $40 1/9 page ( 3 3/8” h x 2 3/8” w) $50 FULL COLOR PHOTO ADS 1/9 page ( 3 3/8” h x 2 3/8” w) $125 Please include payment with your ad. Larger ads are considered display ads — call us for information. 1-888-800-2588. Antique Doll Collector, P.O. Box 239, Northport, NY 11768
ON THE WEB AT:
Classified ads due no later than the first day of the preceding month of publication. Example: May 1 for the June issue.
New dolls added weekly
ANTIQUE DOLLS – French and German Bisque, All Bisque, Chinas, Limited Ed. Doll Plates. SASE. Ann Lloyd, 5632 S. Deer Run Road, Doylestown, PA 18902. 215-794-8164. Email: alloyd@nni.com RubyLane.com/ shops/anntiquedolls Member NADDA, UFDC
www.HoneyandShars.com
Sharon & Ed KoLiBaBa Phone 623/266-2926 or cell 206/295-8585
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Buying and Selling antique doll furniture, dollhouses, antique toy china, accessories.
www.sondrakrueger.com Ebay Store: Sondra Krueger Antiques phone 530-893-5135. Email: sondkr@sondrakrueger.com
ANTIQUE dolls and collectibles. LSADSE for color fully illustrated list. 10 month layaway available. Member UFDC & NADDA. Regina A. Steele, 23 Wheatfield DR, Wilmington, DE 19810-4351. Phone 302-475-5374 Email: RSteele855@aol.com Visit my website: www.ReginaSteele.com CERTIFIED DOLL APPRAISALS – Doll appraisals online at www.doll-appraisals.com by Certified C.A.G.A. appraiser, for insurance, bankruptcy, divorce, casualty loss, or just to see what a doll is worth, its history, etc. I can also do appraisals by mail. Victoria Way, P. O. Box 501, Tehachapi, CA 93582. Phone 661-823-7828 or 661-972-7728. Please visit my website at www.doll-appraisals.com or www.antiquedollappraisals.com
Ashley's Dolls & Antiquities
24" Handwerck Mold 109 - $950, 26" Kestner Mold 146 - $850, Rare 14" Bisque Head Baby Bo Kaye - $950, 20" Kestner Mold 211 - $750 See you in the UFDC Salesroom in New Orleans! Billye Harris • 723 NC Hwy 61 South, Whitsett, NC 27377 • (336) 266-2608 • www.rubylane.com/shops/ashleysdollsandantiquities Billyehb@aol.com • All major credit cards welcome: Amex, MC, Visa, Discover • Generous Layaways • Member UFDC
LARGE SELECTION OF ANTIQUE FRENCH AND GERMAN DOLLS
18” Unusual Figure C Steiner Bebe with original wig, original fully jointed composition body, lovely antique aqua silk dress and incredible blue French boots with rosettes. $5800
BUYING FINE QUALITY DOLLS AND COLLECTIONS
Open Sunday 9AM - 4PM or by appointment Visa/Mastercard 8 N. Village Circle P.O. Box 705 Adamstown, PA. 19501 717-484-1200 cell 610-662-5473 ourant@ptd.net
29” S&H 1279 character child, wonderful modeling with “fly away” eye brows, beautiful composition body, original blonde mohair wig, ivory silk antique dress and a fabulous bonnet. $3850