Welcome to antique doll collector magazine blog by Dr. E's Doll Museum

Welcome to Antique Doll Collector Magazine Blog, devoted to lovers of Vintage and Antique Dolls. We welcome comments but are family friendly. All graphics and materials are the property of Antique Doll Collector Magazine. Subscribe online to our Magazine! We take PayPal. Photo used for our header is courtesy Kathy Patterson.

Thursday, April 14, 2016 May Sneak Peek!

May 2016 Cover

There’s no denying the appeal of all bisques dolls. In our October 2015 issue Becky Ourant wrote about the all bisque dolls of the 19th century; in this May issue, you’ll read about the dolls dating from the twentieth century. The variety is amazing…children with toddler proportions, babies, dolls based on storybook characters and illustration art, Kewpies, googlies, flappers and more. We guarantee that you will see all bisques you’ve never seen before including our cover, an amazing flapper with an incised Igodi mark and an unusual swivel flange neck attachment. Polly Heckewelder dolls are the oldest continuously made dolls in America. Who better to write about them than Mary Brown, the president of the Moravian Ladies Sewing Society in Bethlehem, PA. The fascinating history of the Polly doll and the changes that were made over the years of production are detailed along with photographs of the early dolls and dolls still being made today. Cloth doll lovers will find a treasure trove of valuable information in this article.

Among the earliest dolls in our collections are those made of papier-mâché. Inexpensive and easy to use, it was the material of choice for dolls beginning around 1820. Maureen Herrod has compiled a wonderfully comprehensive article on papier-mâché dolls beginning with early rare coronet hairstyles, milliner’s models, so-called patent heads, Greiners, French-type and more. Margo Delaughter had never heard of Witherspoon rag dolls until she learned of them from the Theriault sale of the Blackler cloth doll collection. She was intrigued and her research has produced this informative article. Once made as souvenirs for tourists to remember their visit to New Orleans, they are now important folk art dolls. Most people do not know about Palmer Cox Brownies…unbelievable I know! But doll collectors count these funny benevolent creatures among their favorites. The talented R. John Wright has captured the delightful Brownies and their many personalities in an array of amazing dolls. If you’re like me, it’s impossible to stop at just one! Also in our May issue, a look at important automata in the upcoming Auction Team Breker action and results of recent auctions. Happy Collecting!

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Sunday, April 3, 2016 "The Early French Fashion Doll Shops of Paris" Those who love antique French dolls are in for a treat with our April 2016 issue, where April in Paris is truly a theme with us! Samy Odin has written a wonderful article called "A Walk in the Parisian District of Early French Fashion Doll Shops." Our byline reads "the author imagines how the areas in Paris where luxury doll shops once flourished must have looked under the reign of Napoleon III." Samy Odin has done a fantastic job in this article, which is lavishly illustrated, complete with maps. I can't tell how wonderful I think the illustrations and map are. In the late 80s, I was just out of school and researching articles and doll books. We didn't have The Internet at our fingertips, and we certainly didn't have Amazon to track down doll books for us! I wrote a mystery story about a doll maker that involved the Jumeau firm. I couldn't find any old maps of Paris, only descriptions of the Parisian District. My friend, Mary Hillier, tried to help me with great tips and suggestions, and her general recollection of the area. It wasn't easy. To channel another film, the last time I saw Paris, I was 9 years old! At any rate, this article is a must for anyone interested in French Fashion dolls. Many wonderful French dolls also appear in this month's ads, as well as more great articles, including one on the dolls of Bernard Ravca, "Bernard Ravca's Real People" by Dominique Pennegues. I have my own wonderful memories of exchanging a letter or two with Mr. Ravca, and of comparing notes on this work with my friend and pen pal, R. Lane Herron. Lane is a doll artist and doll author of longstanding. This piece features many rare documents, photos, and dolls of Ravca and his dolls. So, these are just some thoughts of your Director of Social Media on antique and vintage French dolls, perhaps her favorites of all dolls ever made. Happy Collecting!

Another View of our April Cover for 2016 Posted by etquest at 3:27 PM No comments: Links to this post Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Wednesday, March 30, 2016 Bebe Gigoteur This is Ellen, Dir. of Social Media for ADC Magazine. I guess it's true good things come to collectors who wait. At a recent antique show, I found my dream doll at the booth run by Summer Kitchen antiques. She is a mint Bebe Gigoteur by Steiner. I pause here to mention that anyone who wants to learn more about Steiner doll should consult Dorothy McGonagle's amazing book about them, "The Dolls of Jules Nicholas Steiner with Historical Perspective." Bebe Gigoteur dates from the 1880s, probably 1885 or so. Jules Nicholas Steiner, 1832-1902, was a clock maker by trade. As early as 1855, he received patents for mechanical dolls. The doll pictured could be a twin to mine; we thank Theriault's for allowing me to use their photo. My doll has a light brown wig and white bonnet, as well as her original shoes and stockings. These white dresses are lovely and appear on several of these dolls.

For more on Steiner, see Carl Fox "The Doll", and the entry on Steiner in Vol 1, The Collector's Encyclopedia of Dolls by the Colemans.

Courtesy, Theriaul's Posted by etquest at 9:08 PM No comments: Links to this post Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Sunday, March 20, 2016 An Interview with Collector Laurie Baker

I started collecting antique dolls about 15 years ago, after deciding that making antiquereproduction dolls was not the best fit for me. First of all, I was not all that good at it, and second, the real antique dolls began to show up in my life as an option. Attending my first Theriault's auction was a real eye-opener--I still get chills when I recall the heady feeling I got while waving my paddle around like a crazy person, with Stuart putting up with the "newby" with his usual patience and humor. Over the ensuing years, my collection began to take shape. Though I had many lovely German dolly-face girls, and a nursery of Dream Babies, my focus began to shift toward lady dolls. I bought the lady dolls I could afford: German china dolls. They were dressed as women, in elegant gowns trimmed with laces and with ruched trains, fitted bodices, and matched underthings. I dove into collecting them with the same enthusiasm I showed at that first auction.

Laurie Baker Collection But as you all surely know, a collection is not a static thing. One day, as I entered the doll room, 125 little faces looked back. They stood so tightly packed into their cases, their detailed gowns and individual modeling were hidden from view. And coincidentally, a doll collector who had just sold all her dolls at auction, sent me "a special doll" in the mail. That doll had escaped the sale, due to an eye repair. Lo! She was a strikingly beautiful, French fashion doll! I had an epiphany! less is more! Everything in the doll room had to go! I was ruthless. I sold all of those 125 dolls, except the fashion doll. I never looked back. I was off on the grand adventure of collecting French fashion dolls, their accessories, and their furniture.

Laurie Baker Collection The doll room is now exclusively populated with French fashion dolls, each with their

own salon and accessories. It is compelling to find a rare accessory or piece of miniature furniture, in scale!

Laurie Baker Collection Recently, my first poupĂŠe bois arrived, and took up residence in her own salon, accompanied by her "visiting German cousin," a Simon and Halbig Little Women doll. The Simonne-type doll has posable arms and a rare, wooden body with lateral joints that would allow her to cross her legs while sitting in a chair, though she prefers to stand. Her bustled, silk gown is more easily appreciated in that position. Opportunities for her and her sisters are endless: gowns, corsets, gloves, parasols, hats, sewing tools, vanity sets, jewelry, shoes, luggage and hatboxes, fans, purses, vitrines...oh my. Such wonders! So much for "less is more."

Laurie Baker Collection I am sure that my collection will continue to evolve, but I am equally certain that French fashion dolls will remain my primary focus. Still playing with dolls? You bet! Any regrets? Not in this lifetime.

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Monday, March 14, 2016 April Sneak Peek!

For fashion doll collectors Paris was and remains, even to this day, as the magnificent focus of our collecting. As a student Samy Odin would walk the area of Paris where the fashionable doll shops once catered to the children of the well-to-do. If only the doll collectors of today could be transported back to the 1860â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s! Exquisite dolls and accessories from this magical era accompany his look back in time. If you thought you knew everything about the doll maker Bernard Ravca, this article by Dominique Pennegues, a noted researcher on cloth dolls, will surprise you! No articles about Ravca were published during his time in France and this is where the author begins her search. The results are fascinating. Linda Holderbaum focuses on 14-inch and taller unmarked composition dolls dressed in handmade ethnic costumes. Past research suggests that these dolls were purchased undressed and then dressed to raise monies at charity bazaars during the 1930â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and 1940â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Although these unmarked dolls were not expensive, their dressmakers spared no effort in their costuming.

Étuis, small ornamental cases for holding sewing implements, were not only made for seamstresses, but also for dolls who had everything their young owners possessed. Laurie Baker takes us on an adventure as an 1870’s Jumeau fashion doll travels to the homes of her wealthy clientele to create the finest in couture fashions. Dolls’ house and miniature collectors have an important date to mark on their calendars, May 20 and 21st, when Rhoads auctions will present an important sale featuring many rare and desirable items, among them the collection of Elizabeth Bentley Hamilton whose articles have graced these pages. A look at some memorable auctions, news and wonderful dolls await your reading pleasure. Happy Collecting

P.S. Please visit www.antiquedollcollector.com to take a brief survey which will help us to serve you better. Subscribe! Now accepting PayPal. Antique Doll Collector, P.O. Box 239, Northport, NY 11768 Call us Toll Free at 888-800-2588 Email: antiquedoll@gmail.com Check out our calendar of events! Posted by etquest at 9:15 PM No comments: Links to this post Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest

Sunday, February 14, 2016 A Visit with Kathy Patterson

Since I was a child I loved dolls. Later, when I was 18 I started to collect antique dolls and left no rock unturned! When I was 21 I sold my collection and bought my first heritage stone home to restore. After restoring 12 homes, I am not moving again! Over the years I collected on and off and then took a huge interest in Antique Santas and holiday items from 1890-1910 that were made in Germany. One day, I thought that I

would try making “one” Santa for me…18 years later, and hundreds of my Santas around the world, I sold my Santa business to Two Sister’s Studio. Many of my pieces have been featured in Early American Life magazine for the past 13 years. Better Homes and Gardens also have done features in their hard cover books and magazines as well. Although I have no professional art background, I do have an inner passion for trying to reproduce things of days gone by. It has helped greatly to have inspiration and a push from a great friend, to encourage me to attempt these fascinating dolls and the continued support of doll lovers to get the technique figured out.

Queen Anne reproduction dolls by Kathy Patterson. Dolls are made exactly as they 300 years ago with careful attention to detail.

English wooden dolls from the 1700’s have captured my attention and tugged at my heart strings for many years. In the past year I did a lot of research and thought that I would attempt carving. Well, I still have all my fingers and I can hardly put the carving knife down. Who would have guessed? The dolls that come from my studio to you actually grew on our property, hence the name for my doll business…”Babes from the Woods”.

Theses dolls are made exactly as the old ones were 300 years ago. Basswood (Linden wood) is what the English carved them from as well. The eyes are antique glass pupilless eyes just as the old ones were.

These dolls are very time consuming from start to finish and each one takes on a personality as I am working them. When finished, each is named with an appropriate name for the period when they first were made in England. They are each signed and dated as well. No two are the same as they are all hand carved individually. Their costumes are typical of the period as well and some are distressed or made with antique fabrics and old trims.

It is my hope to bring even more attention to these amazing dolls from the 1700â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of which so few have survived. I hope that my English wooden dolls have a special place in collections and mostly in peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hearts, just as they do in mine.

It is through the kindness of a friend and admirer of my work, I was encouraged to attempt to reproduce these amazing wooden dolls of years ago. It is my honor to present to you â&#x20AC;&#x153;Babes from the Woodsâ&#x20AC;? by Kathy Patterson. Enjoy and keep the spirit of the past alive.

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Friday, February 12, 2016 March Sneak Peek is here!!

Our March cover features an outstanding Queen Anne wooden in all original condition, 17 inches, and dating from 1720. She will be offered at Morphy Auctions’ during their March 4-5 doll auction and offers a rare opportunity to take home an historical treasure. This and other important dolls to be sold can be seen in our preview. Elizabeth Bentley Hamilton invites you to step inside an English Victorian dolls’ house. Except for a marvelous English wool rug, the house came unfurnished, so she had the pleasure of adding appropriate miniatures and dolls’ house dolls to bring it to life as a stately home in the English countryside. Bleuette’s journey began in 1905 in the pages of La Semaine de Suzette and continued for 55 years. Over the years, as fashions changed, Bleuette saw her wardrobe reflect the lives of real life middle and upper class girls. Nicki Burley discusses the knit and crochet patterns made for Bleuette and includes a charming cape pattern for your Bleuette to wear on those chilly nights. The most famous cat of all is not Felix, indeed a far longer and more romantic history belongs to Puss in Boots who made his first appearance in 1697. Julie Blewis has an impressive collection of these fanciful felines, one whose popularity has not waned over the years.

There were once two dollmakers creating Indian dolls around the same time. Interesting they were both named Mary: Mary Dwyer McAboy, creator of Skookum dolls and the dolls made by Mary Frances Woods. Lois Cohorst shares knowledge of the two makers and their fascinating and collectible dolls. In general, it seems that when men created dolls they often had some life-like animation to enhance the play value. In Ginger Strain’s article she shares some of the playthings that showcase the mechanical influence on the doll world. Some will surprise you! Back to the good ol’ days… 1941 when Kimport Dolls was busy locating dolls from around the world and publishing their finds in the tiny publication “Doll Talk.” We take a fun look back at an earlier era in doll collecting. Happy Collecting!

P.S. Please visit www.antiquedollcollector.com to take a brief survey which will help us to serve you better. Subscribe! Now accepting PayPal. Antique Doll Collector, P.O. Box 239, Northport, NY 11768 Call us Toll Free at 888-800-2588 Email: antiquedoll@gmail.com Check out our calendar of events! Posted by etquest at 11:04 AM No comments: Links to this post Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Older Posts Home Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)

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