Early Grodnertal Tuck Comb Wooden Peddler Dolls and Other Grodnertal Peddler Dolls

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com 

It seems like every time I'm doing research for one thing I find so many other things that pique my curiosity. Such was the case with my research on the "The Sweet Simplicity of Tuck Comb Wooden Dolls" I posted about earlier. I discovered the "Early Grodnertal Tuck Comb Wooden Peddler Dolls" and absolutely had to know more.

The "Early Grodnertal Wooden Doll As Doll And Notions Peddler Lady" doll shown above is from Theriaults.com website is a doll after my own heart. Not only do I absolutely love her large bonnet, but she's selling sewing notions and dolls. She has five tiny dolls on her table including two mini Grodnertal woodens. Perhaps that was me in another life?

According to her description :7" Condition: generally excellent, original finish perfectly preserved. Comments: Grodnertal doll, circa 1850,presented for the English market as a peddler lady offering sewing notions and dolls. On her table are arranged a myriad of tiny laces, ribbons and buttons, sewing tools such as tiny scissors, various papers with lettered names "Robert", "Margaret" and "John", several tiny doll costumes, and five tiny dolls including two mini Grodnertal woodens. Realized Price: $4,100

According to The Ultimate Doll Book by Caroline Goodfellow peddler dolls were popular from 1820 - 1920.  They were a conversation piece in fashionable 19th century English drawing rooms and held a prominent place on the fireplace mantels. During this period there was a fascination with itinerant traders who travelled all over Europe, but peddler dolls were a "peculiarly English phenomenon." Most of the dolls were made in Germany and dressed in England with heads of wood, composition, apples and wax. The bodies were made of wood, composition, or stuffed cloth.

There was an unusual Pedlar Doll on the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum which was circa 1840, and made in Great Britain.  The head was a carved, pickled and dried apples and she has glass eyes.

According to her description the doll represented an old woman holding a basket of goods to sell.

Also, according to the V&A Museum the head of the doll was made from an apple which had been carved and then preserved. Also, there are several different methods for doing this which all use peeled apples. One is by carving, soaking in brine and then completely drying out. Another is to air dry the peeled apple and then carve it. Some 'wet' methods use vinegar or lemon juice mixed with salt. By the time the apple has finished the preservation process successfully and is ready for the finishing touches of paint, hair etc it has a firm wrinkled brown appearance which lends itself to the portrayal of characters and grotesques. 19th century examples are usually very hard, and have an almost wood-like texture. Apple-headed dolls are still made, predominantly in Canada and the USA.

There was a second Pedlar Doll from the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum website here which was circa 1830, German/English.

I tend to find the two apple faced peddler dolls for the V&A a little scary looking.  How about you?

There is a picture of an adorable "Early Grodnertal Tuck Comb Wooden Peddler Doll" on the Skinner Inc. Auctions website here. She's selling everything including the kitchen sink! Look at all her miniature purses. You have to wonder how heavy that basket had to be to carry around her neck. Talk about back pain....

I just love the Pedlar Doll on the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum website here. She is circa 1835-1840, German/English. Look at all her miniature pictures and decorations.

I also love the Pedlar Doll on the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum website here. She is circa 1830-1869, German/English.  Look at all her miniature dolls.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

The "Early Grodnertal Wooden Peddler Doll With Basket Of Novelties" doll shown above is from Theriaults.com website.  She seems really serious about selling all her wares. Doesn't she?

According to her description: 12"  Condition: original finish albeit extensive craquelure and tuck comb missing. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1830. Value Points: beautifully-shaped head and shapely torso, the doll has original peddler's costume including gown, apron,  bonnet, and is holding a woven tray of tiny miniature novelties. The doll is presented in a wooden framed early cabinet. Realized Price: $2,000.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.c om

I had to include the "Grodnertal Wooden Peddler Doll With Original Costume" from the Theriaults.com website because she was so sweet looking and I loved her bonnet. She is nowhere near as expensive as the other peddler dolls because she has hardly anything in her basket. Perhaps she was lucky and sold out of her knitting wares?

According to her description: 16" Condition: fine original finish, lacking tuck comb. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1870. Value Points: wearing her original costume with beautiful bonnet, the peddler women is preserved under glass dome with some wares. Realized Price: $700.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

I found the "Grodnertal Wooden Dolls As Peddler" shown in the picture above on the Theriaults.com website and had to include her because I loved the little oriental rug with little tiny pair of slippers and her table of wares.

According to her description: 8"  Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1850, the doll is presented on base under glass dome, posed behind a table that is well-laden with miniature lady's ephemera, including little kid gloves, purses, jewelry, playing cards, and more. Value Points: wonderful assortment of tiny items on the table while the doll wears her original gown and unusual net hair decoration. Realized Price: $2,000.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

When I look at the "Early Grodnertal Wooden Doll As Peddler Doll With Original Wares" dolls from the Theriaults.com website I can't help but imagine what she's thinking.  She just seems to be so pensive - almost wishing she was anywhere else but out selling her wares.  You can certainly relate to that - at least I can.

According to her description: 13"  Condition: generally excellent, original finish with light craquelure. Comments: Germany, circa 1840. Value Points: the peddler wears her original cotton gown, undergarments, apron, cap with ruffled liner, and red woolen cape, and carries a basket of fancy goods and household wares including a tiny Grodnertal wooden doll. Realized Price: $2,600.

I'd like to think that the dolls and all their little wares were handmade.  However, according to a Study of a Parian Peddler and Her Wares article on the NADDA (National Antique Doll Dealers Association) website by Debra Gulea: It used to be thought that these whimsical dolls were all handmade, lovingly assembled during idle evening hours by crafty Victorian homemakers. It has since been learned that many of the peddlers on the market were actually factory made during the Victorian era, particularly those standing & affixed to wooden bases and carrying little woven baskets of goodies. Indeed, these are often stamped with the company name on the base, which attests to their commercial heritage. 

Well, manufactured or not I still think they are beautiful dolls and hope you would agree.

Après l’averse; - place du Théâtre-Français... Louis Marie de Schryver

If you would like to read a wonderful post entitled "Street Vendors of the 19th century...Peddlers or Pedlars?"  from the Dolls from the Attic...Mis Muñecas blog filled with an amazing amount of information and pictures of street vendors and peddlers please CLICK HERE.

Grodnertal Wooden Costume Dolls

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com 

If you follow my Victorian Dolls, Victorian Traditions, The Victorian Era and Me Blog you know that I just LOVE the Victorian Era, love history, love to do research, and love fashion doll collections. Several years ago I ran across the Metropolitan Museum of Art website and fell in love with their collections, the ability to see everything they have in their collections, and the ability to set-up my own "My Met" space to bookmark items at the MET that I love.  So, I spent an afternoon "Moseying At The MET!" and wrote about it HERE.

Well, while researching the "Penny Wooden and Peg Wooden Dolls" I came across a series of beautiful Grodnertal Wooden Costume Dolls depicting the 11th - 16th century and just had to show them to you.  All of the dolls are from the Theriault's website.

I think they're all absolutely beautiful and love all their costumes.  As you would except they are all very pricey - especially the doll depicting the 16th century costume.

GRODNERTAL WOODEN DOLL IN ORIGINAL COSTUME REPRESENTING 11TH CENTURY FASHION - Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

According to her description: 14" Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: the doll wears original costume of green homespun with applied gilt paper accents, metallic belt, wrapped shoes, and a long hooded cape over matching turban edged by braided black beads, with old ink-written attached paper "costume of the 11th century". Realized Price: $2,800

I just love her lined and hooded cape and embroidered dress.  Don't you?

GRODNERTAL WOODEN DOLL IN ORIGINAL COSTUME REPRESENTING 12TH CENTURY FASHION - Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

According to her description: 14" Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: wearing elaborate silk brocade gown with gilt braid trim, banded shawl that is framed by a voluminous hooded cap that is white fur lined and clasped to the gown with fan-shaped gilt buttons, with original ink-script paper scrap "costume of the 12th century". Realized Price: $3,400.

I just love her elaborate gown and fur lined cap.  Just beautiful.

GRODNERTAL WOODEN DOLL IN ORIGINAL COSTUME REPRESENTING 13TH CENTURY FASHION - Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

According to her description: 14" Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: flawless original finish with dainty face, wearing original brown velvet dress with silk twill skirt, and elaborate turban hat with oversized bow. An aged paper scrap attached to skirt reads "costume of the 13th century". Realized Price: $4,750.

There's just something so sweet about this doll and her outfit.  Wouldn't you agree?

GRODNERTAL WOODEN DOLL IN ORIGINAL COSTUME REPRESENTING 14TH CENTURY FASHION - Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

According to her description: 14" Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: wearing original patterned silk gown with magenta silk bodice and sleeves and with attached patterned silk cape, with fitted cap and carrying a small purse with blue velvet backing and embroidered silk purse, painted red shoes, and attached ink-script paper reading "costume of the 14th century". Realized Price: $3,200.

I'm totally enchanted with her little embroidered purse.  How about you?

GRODNERTAL WOODEN DOLL IN ORIGINAL COSTUME REPRESENTING 15TH CENTURY FASHION - Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

According to her description: 14" Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: the beautifully-preserved doll wears original elaborately-woven silk gown with brown velvet and silver fringe trim, blue cap with extended veil, painted shoes, and has an attached ink-script paper "costume of the 15th century". Realized Price: $3,800.

I absolutely love this doll and her 16th century costume.  She's just beautiful.

GRODNERTAL WOODEN DOLL IN ORIGINAL COSTUME REPRESENTING 16TH CENTURY FASHION - Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

According to her description: 14" Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: fine original condition with unusual shapeliness, and wearing original silk brocade blouse, red silk skirt with metallic fringe, velvet fitted shoes, and a long muslin transfer-printed robe with green silk bows; a scrap of attached ink-script paper reads "costume of the 16th century".  Realized Price: $7,500.

How beautiful are all these dolls? It's hard to decide which one I love the best. If I had to choose I'd go with the 15th century costume doll. How about you?

Early American Wooden Dolls By Joel Ellis From 1873

While I was doing research  on the "The History of Faceless Dolls" I read several articles about antique wooden dolls and fell in love with Penny Wooden Dolls so much so that I ended up writing a blog post entitled, "I'm In Love With Penny Wooden or Peg Wooden Dolls."

While doing that research I also ran across the wooden dolls created by Joel Ellis in 1873 which piqued my curiosity as he was from Vermont and only made his dolls for one year. Given I'm a die hard New Englander and curious as to why he only made them for one year I had to find out more.

Not only did I love his wooden dolls, what interested me was the workmanship on his dolls clothes, which was exceptional, unlike the cheap clothes on manufactured dolls today.

The doll pictured above is for sale on the Liveauctioneers.com website - 9: Rare 19th Century Wooden Head Doll, Joel Ellis.  According to their website this doll is attributed to Joel Ellis with metal hands, legs & feet and stands 15" tall.

According to their website, "Joel Ellis created a doll whose face is indeed a portrait of the traditional New England model of graceful simplicity – a quiet composed and simple beauty that now transports us to a long ago time. Yet we may forget the technological challenges and triumphs so benignly represented in this little rendition of humanity."

It turns out that Joel was an inventive genius who patented 13 different articles, one of which was for a wooden doll. He is credited as being the creator of the first commercial doll for America which he manufactured through his company, the Co-operative Manufacturing Company, on the premises of the Vermont Novelty Goods Company.

He filed his patent for a wooden doll of rock maple with mortise and tenon joints, and pewter or iron hands and feet on February 21, 1873 and it was granted on May 20, 1873.

According to the article from the Old and Sold Antiques Marketplace, "In 1873 Ellis took out a patent for a wooden doll of rock maple with mortise and tenon joints, and pewter or iron hands and feet. Heads were of blocks of wood taken from the end of the grain and rounded, except for one pointed side which allowed for the nose. Each block was put into a steel mold and shaped under hydraulic pressure. When it came out of the press, holes were drilled to fit a large tenon that had been made on the end of the body. The head, which was stationary, was glued to the body by means of this large tenon. The doll came in twelve, fifteen, and eighteen-inch heights. The most plentiful is the twelve inch, the least, the eighteen inch."

According to the Liveauctioneers.com description of the 9: Rare 19th Century Wooden Head Doll, Joel Ellis, "The first Ellis dolls of 1871 had pewter heads and feet. There was only one style of head and body available. The doll embodies many technical innovations. Its unique mortise and tenon construction allow a complete range of movement. Molded of rock hard rock maple, an extinct type of hardwood prevalent in New England at that time, molding and finishing must have demanded great skill. The design and construction proves excellent technical skill. Not only ingeniously built, it is well proportioned and gracefully elegant. The articulated joints work with uncommon ease. The metal hands and feet are gracefully shaped. It is a most sophisticated doll figure."

He filed his patent for a wooden doll of rock maple with mortise and tenon joints, and pewter or iron hands and feet on February 21, 1873 and it was granted on May 20, 1873.

In doing research for this on the web I found a copy of the patent page from The Commissioners of Patents' Journal By Great Britain. Patent Office.  What's interesting to note about this page, which is shown in the picture above, is that the person listed above him is Thomas Edison.  That listing is the patent for a "printing telegraph."  If you'd like to see a version of that page that you can read please CLICK HERE.

Joel Ellis operated the Co-Operative Manufacturing Company in Springfield Vermont from 1873 to 1874.

According to the Old and Sold Antiques Marketplace article, "The head, lower limbs, and forearms were dipped in flesh-colored paint; the features, eyes, and hair were painted by women, notably by two cousins of Joel Ellis, the Misses Woodbury, who became painters of miniatures."

Joel's dolls were only manufactured for one year due to the depression of 1873 so they are extremely rare today. Supposedly they cost 75 cents, which was an expensive amount for a doll in 1873. Their value today is dependent on the dolls condition and size, with the larger dolls valued at several thousand dollars.

Online Collections (The Strong) / CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

The doll shown above is from the collection on the Museum Of Play website.

According to their description of this doll: Joel Ellis and the Cooperative Manufacturing Company, a collaborative of craftsmen in Springfield, Vermont, patented this wooden doll in 1873. Using local maple, Ellis created a uniquely jointed doll. Projections on the doll's body fit into slots on its arms and legs. Serving as pivots, steel pins held these mortise-and-tenon joints together. Friction in the joints allowed the doll's limbs and body to stay in any desired position. Unlike soft-bodied dolls of the time, the "Springfield Woodens" could even stand on their heads! This design, fascinating to children, led advertisers to declare that the "cost and trouble of dressing" the doll could be avoided. 

Also, according to their description: True to Victorian-era conventions, women, who made up one-third of the 50-60 employees, painted the doll's features and cast-iron hands and feet, while only men operated the complex lathes and other machinery. Ellis stopped making the dolls after one year, and Vermont Novelty Works, another Springfield firm, subsequently manufactured them under Ellis's patent until 1893.

Credits: doll 1873, Manufacturer -Vermont Novelty Works | Cooperative Mfg. Co., Material wood | metal, Origin Springfield, VT, Style Springfield, Object ID 78.1163

God forbid Victorian women were allowed to use lathes and other machinery!

Image Courtesy of Liveauctioneers.com

What intrigued me about the dolls was their clothing and that they were made during the Victorian Era.The dolls pictured above are 50: Pair of Joel Ellis Dolls from the LiveAuctioneers.com website. I just love the tiered layers of the dolls dress above.

Image Courtesy of Cowan's Auctions

I found the doll pictured above, whose outfit I just love, on the Cowan's Auctions website - Lot 487  Early Joel Ellis Wooden Jointed Doll.

In 2005 some of Joel's dolls were the highlight of an exhibit by the Springfield Art and Historical Society which had combined it's doll collection with dolls from the Eldridge family of Springfield. The exhibit has 500 dolls from around the world including some from Joel Ellis.

Image Courtesy of Morphy Auctions

If you look at the picture of the Rare Joel Ellis Wood Doll pictured above from the Morphy Auctions website you can't help but admire it's simplistic beauty.  At least I can't.

 

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

While the features of the dolls remained the same as he used the same mold for all his dolls he did manufacture both white and black dolls, like the beautiful Rare American Black-Complexioned Doll by Joel Ellis doll pictured above on the Theriault's website and the Black Joel Ellis Jointed Wooden Doll pictured on the Skinner Inc. website.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

The AMERICAN WOODEN DOLL BY JOEL ELLIS WITH RARE BROWN HAIR, shown in the picture above,  is also from the Theriault's website . 

Image Courtesy of Willis Henry Auctions 

I found the 66. Joel Ellis carved wood doll  pictured above and 67. Two Joel Ellis  dolls pictured below on the Willis Henry Auctions website.

Image Courtesy of Willis Henry Auctions 

The paint on the dolls seems to be the weakest element in  their construction and hasn't held up as well as the clothing has. Despite that you can't help but admire the beauty of these dolls and simplicity of their design. Had it not been for the depression of 1873 he probably would have continued manufacturing his charming dolls.

Ester Loves The Morning - 1858 Morning Dress - Victorian Lady Doll

"Ester Loves The Morning", "Mehitable", "Sweet, Sweet Julianna", and "Prudence On A Walk" have been friends since they were all in diapers. In fact they've always been the BEST of friends. They love each other, protect each other, and are fiercely devoted to each other. So much so that it sometimes gets in the way of their relationships with their boyfriends.

Without fail, every day they get together for their afternoon tea and crumpets. Everything and anything is fair game in their discussions. They might be talking about the latest Godey fashions plate pages, they're newest outfit, the Queen's annual ball, their families, their boyfriends, their engagements, etc. Nothing is off limits. That is, nothing within the reasonable limits of proper Victorian discussion etiquette. Their afternoon teas are held on a rotating basis with each friend hosting the afternoon tea every fourth day. Today, they will all be having tea in Mehitable's parlor.

"Ester Loves The Morning" is a 14" Victorian square bottomed cloth bodied doll with a gathered waistline, porcelain head, and porcelain arms. She is wearing an 1858 Morning Dress. Esther has two layers of lace trim along the bottom of her body. Her slip is finished along the bottom hem edge with flat lace trim and is gathered at the waist. A full length lace overslip has been added and is also gathered at the waist.

Her 1858 Morning Dress is very dainty looking and has a lace trimmed and gathered front insert with 4 levels of gathered lace trim. Flat lace trim surrounded by gathered lace trim is sewn to the front center of the bodice and lace trim adorns the sleeve hem edge. Her Victorian dress has a multi-layered lace trimmed overskirt and both the overskirt and dress skirt with the dainty front insert are gathered at the waist. Gathered lace trim also adorns the waistline of her dress bodice and dress skirt and adorns the bottom hem edge of her dress skirt. Her dress is gathered at the neck edge and adorned with lace trim. Ester's outfit includes a lined and lace trimmed shawl with arm loops. Her dainty bonnet is adorned with multiple layers of lace trim and ribbon bows and is gathered along the bun line of her hair.

Ester just loves her 1858 Morning Dress and loves to go out walking in the morning when she is wearing it. She knows that it is exquisitely detailed and lace trimmed and draws a lot of attention which Esther doesn't mind at all. She just loves all the flattery.

Note: The porcelain head and hands that are pictured are from Midwest Design Imports.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Isolda - Just Let Her Stroll In The Park! - Victorian Girl Doll

"Isolda" loves to stroll in the park. It doesn't matter if it's sunny, rainy, cold, or warm. Isolda just loves being outside and loves walking, strolling, chatting with friends she meets, and just plain musing.

"Isolda" is an 11" Victorian cloth bodied doll with a gathered waistline, cloth legs with cross laced and painted black boots, porcelain head, and porcelain arms. She is wearing an 1863 Street Dress.  Isolda is wearing bloomers with lace trim that are gathered at the waist. Her slip is lace trimmed and gathered at the waist as well.

Her 1863 Street Dress has oversleeves. The sleeves have two layers of lace trim along the sleeve hem edge and are gathered at the shoulders. The oversleeves have lace trim along the edge and are also gathered at the shoulders. Her Victorian dress is gathered at the waist and lace trimmed at the waist as well. Her dress has 1 layer of gathered lace trim and one layer of wide gathered satin ribbon trim along the bottom hem edge. The neck edge of her dress is gathered and lace trimmed. Isolda has a delicate old handkerchief wrapped around her shoulders for a shawl that is tied in a knot in the front.

"Isolda" can spend all day just walking, strolling, talking, chatting, pondering and musing in the park. She never gets bored and never gets tired of it. Just let her stroll, and stroll, and stroll.

Note: The porcelain head and hands that are pictured are from Midwest Design Imports.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Prudence On A Walk With Her 1858 Red Walking Dress - Victorian Lady Doll

"Prudence On A Walk", "Mehitable", "Sweet, Sweet Julianna", and "Ester Loves The Morning" have been friends since they were all in diapers. In fact they've always been the BEST of friends. They love each other, protect each other, and are fiercely devoted to each other. So much so that it sometimes gets in the way of their relationships with their boyfriends.

Without fail, every day they get together for their afternoon tea and crumpets. Everything and anything is fair game in their discussions. They might be talking about the latest Godey fashions plate pages, they're newest outfit, the Queen's annual ball, their families, their boyfriends, their engagements, etc. Nothing is off limits. That is, nothing within the reasonable limits of proper Victorian discussion etiquette. Their afternoon teas are held on a rotating basis with each friend hosting the afternoon tea every fourth day. Today, they will all be having tea in Mehitable's parlor.

"Prudence On A Walk" is a 13" Victorian square bottomed cloth bodied doll with a gathered waistline, porcelain head, and porcelain arms. She is wearing an 1858 Walking Dress. Prudence has two layers of lace trim along the bottom of her body. Her slip has 2 layers of lace trim along the bottom hem edge and is gathered at the waist.

Her 1858 Walking Dress is a two-tone Victorian dress with two layers of fancy lace trimmed overskirts. The sleeves are lace trimmed and gathered at the shoulders and wrists. Her Victorian dress is gathered at the waist and has a two separate layers of lace trimmed overskirts which are also gathered at the waist. Her dress is gathered along the neck edge which is adorned with lace trim. A single layer of gathered lace trim runs along the bottom hem edge.

Prudence's outfit includes a lined and lace trimmed shawl that is wrapped around her shoulders with armhole loops. Her matching and coordinated lined bonnet has a wide brim and is tied in a knot under her chin.

Prudence can hardly wait for the afternoon tea to show her best friends her new red walking outfit. She just loves it and feels like the belle of the ball when she's wearing it and hopes that her friends will love it as much as she does.

Note: The porcelain head and hands that are pictured are from Midwest Design Imports.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Lettice Would Really Like To Meet Some New People - Victorian Girl Doll

"Lettice" just moved to London and decided that it was such a nice day that she would take a stroll in the park. After all, she had on her newest street ensemble and would surely make a good impression on everyone she encountered in the park.

"Lettice" is an 11" Victorian cloth bodied doll with a gathered waistline, cloth legs with cross laced painted black boots, porcelain head, and porcelain arms. She is wearing an 1858 Walking Dress. Lettice's bloomers are lace trimmed and gathered at the waist. Her slip is lace trimmed and also gathered at the waist. Her 1858 Street Dress is really an ensemble with a matching dress, lined two level jacket, matching bonnet, and matching purse. Lettice's dress is gathered at the waist and the sleeves are gathered at the shoulders and wrist. Two layers of lace trim adorn the bottom hem edge and her gathered neck edge. Her coordinating jacket is lined with 3/4 sleeves that are gathered at the shoulders. Her jacket has a lined upper section and lined and gathered lower section and is top stitched along all the edges. It is fastened in the middle of the front with a ribbon bow.

She has a full head of curly brown doll hair. Her bonnet is matching, lined, and gathered and is tied under the left side of her chin in a bow. Her matching shoulder strap purse is gathered and decorated with ribbon trim and is draped over her right shoulder.

Lettice is anxious to meet new people and equally anxious to make a good first impression. She'd love to be invited to join any one of the numerous afternoon tea societies and is hoping that maybe today will be the day she meets a new friend.

Note: The porcelain head and hands that are pictured are from Midwest Design Imports.

Designer - Linda Walsh Originals

Linda's Book Reviews - 15th and 16th Bluebook Dolls & Values

   

I'll bet that doll collectors who scour flea markets and yard sales for that rare doll find always take something with them. Want to bet? Want to know what that is?

Well, it would be the Blue Book Dolls and Values, 15th Edition book or, now, Jan Foulke's Guide to Dolls: A Definitive Identification & Price Guide book. Why would I bet that they all take their copies whenever they go hunting for dolls? Because if you are a doll collector, especially a collector of rare and vintage dolls, and want to know what a doll is worth you need the "Blue Book."

The "15Th (or 16Th) Blue Book - Dolls & Values" is written by Jan Foulke with photographs by Howard Foulke.

I would dare say that the doll collector's "blue book" is the most trusted price guide to all types of dolls around. The book I have is the 15Th edition and there is now a new 16Th edition.

If you are into dolls and collecting old, vintage, or even new dolls the "Blue Book" will help you identify and learn about your dolls or dolls you are thinking of buying. It can help you appraise the dolls you already have in your collection as well as help you to determine whether or not a doll you are considering buying is fairly priced.

It also has useful information for the doll collecting enthusiast as to investing in dolls, marks to look for, quality, condition, body, clothing, total originality, age, size, availability, popularity, desirability, uniqueness, and visual appearance. It also has tips for selling a doll.

The "Blue Book" is organized into two alphabetical sections: Antique & Vintage Dolls, and Modern & Collectible Dolls. In each section the dolls are listed alphabetically by doll maker, by material, and sometimes by trade name.

The values shown in the "Blue Book" are retail prices for clean dolls in excellent overall condition. For the doll collecting enthusiast this book is an indispensable tool especially if you're walking around that flea market or scouring yard sales for that "rare" doll find.

Laura, Lady In Waiting! and Sweet Dreamy Dana, Victorian In Her Soul! - Victorian Candlestick Dolls

I tend to like unconventional dolls and dolls that can stand by themselves. As a result, I'm always looking for different ways to make Victorian dolls and decided that I would like to make a Victorian equivalent of a primitive "make-do!" But, instead of using something primitive like a rusty spring I wanted to use a wooden candlestick and a half porcelain Victorian doll. Thus, my Victorian candlestick dolls were born.

"Laura, Lady In Waiting" and "Sweet Dreamy Dana, Victorian In Her Soul!" are identical twin sisters and two of my new Victorian Candlestick Dolls. They both LOVE the Victorian era and love Victorian fashions, and love to play tricks on their family and each others boyfriends. They are so identical it is hard to tell them apart facially. However, Laura is taller than the Dana and Laura tends to like splashy colors while Dana favors blues.

Plus, Dana is a bit on the shy side and tends to favor walks in the park, reading a good book, and sewing while Laura prefers Victorian balls, splashy appearance, and societal teas. Facially they are very alike. In their personalities they couldn't be more different.

"Laura, Lady In Waiting" is a 16" Victorian candlestick doll with a wood candlestick frame and base and a porcelain head with 1/2 porcelain upper body. Eyelet lace trim is wrapped around the top of the wood candlestick and lower part of the 1/2 porcelain body. Laura is wearing an eyelet lace slip that is gathered at the waist. Her multi-colored and 6 sectional Victorian dress is gathered at the waist and has lace trim along her neckline as well as lace ribbon bow decorations. Her sleeves are gathered at the shoulders and wrists and there is a gathered lace trim waistband wrapped tightly around her waist and secured in the back. There are two layers of ribbon and gathered lace trim along the bottom hem edge.

Laura has a multi-layered gathered ribbon and lace trim shawl wrapped around her shoulders and arms and a gathered ribbon and lace trim cap along the top of her head. Small ribbon bows adorn her cap in the back.

"Laura, Lady In Waiting" is waiting to see if she's going to be invited to the Queens Annual Spring Ball. She definitely wants to go and already has a new multi-colored dress picked out that she figures will make her the belle of the ball. So, she's waiting - waiting and waiting for her invitation to arrive.

Note: The 7" porcelain head and 1/2 upper body is from Midwest Design Imports.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

"Sweet Dreamy Dana, Victorian In Her Soul!" is a 15" Victorian candlestick doll with a wood candlestick frame and base and a porcelain head with 1/2 porcelain upper body. Eyelet lace trim is wrapped around the top of the wood candlestick and lower part of the 1/2 porcelain body. Dana is wearing an eyelet lace slip that is gathered at the waist. Her beautiful Victorian blue colored dress is gathered at the waist and has two layers of gathered lace trim and one layer of straight ribbon trim along the bottom hem edge. The sleeves are puffy and gathered at the shoulders and wrists. Lace trim adorns her neckline.

Her lace trimmed lace shawl is made from an old lace handkerchief and is wrapped around her shoulders and tied in a knot in the front. Dana's fancy gathered and lace trimmed and lined bonnet has two tiers of lace trim and flat ribbon trim wrapped around the lower band. It sits beautifully on the top of her head.

"Sweet Dreamy Dana, Victorian In Her Soul!" doesn't care if she isn't invited to the Queen's Annual Spring Ball. She'd much rather read a romance novel or take a leisurely stroll in the park.

Note: The 7" porcelain head and 1/2 upper body is from Midwest Design Imports.

Designer - Linda Walsh Of Linda Walsh Originals

Mehitable Is Getting Ready For The Afternoon Tea - Victorian Lady Doll

"Mehitable", "Sweet, Sweet Julianna", "Ester Loves The Morning" and "Prudence On A Walk" have been friends since they were all in diapers. In fact they've always been the BEST of friends. They love each other, protect each other, and are fiercely devoted to each other. So much so that it sometimes gets in the way of their relationships with their boyfriends.

Without fail, every day they get together for their afternoon tea and crumpets. Everything and anything is fair game in their discussions. They might be talking about the latest Godey fashions plate pages, they're newest outfit, the Queen's annual ball, their families, their boyfriends, their engagements, etc. Nothing is off limits. That is, nothing within the reasonable limits of proper Victorian discussion etiquette. Their afternoon teas are held on a rotating basis with each friend hosting the afternoon tea every fourth day. Today, they will all be having tea in Mehitable's parlor.

"Mehitable" is a 13" Victorian square bottomed cloth bodied doll with a gathered waistline, porcelain head, and porcelain arms. She is wearing an 1858 Walking Dress. Mehitable has two layers of lace trim along the bottom of her body. Her slip is lace trimmed and gathered at the waist.

Her 1858 Walking Dress has oversleeves and an overskirt. The sleeves are lace trimmed and gathered at the shoulders and wrists. The oversleeves have two layers of lace trim along the edge and are also gathered at the shoulders. Her Victorian dress is gathered at the waist and has a 2 layer lace trimmed overskirt which is also gathered at the waist. Scalloped finished lace trim surrounds her neck edge. A single layer of gathered lace trim runs along the bottom hem edge and scalloped lace trim. Mehitable's outfit includes a lined and lace trimmed shawl that is wrapped around her shoulders and secured in the front with a silk floral. There is a row of finished bridal lace trim decorating the bun in her hair and a ribbon bow in the back of her bun. She is carrying a bouquet of miniature ceramic Lilly's with ribbon streamers.

Mehitable just received the latest fashion plate page from Godey's and is anxious to show her best friends the latest in Paris fashion at this afternoons tea. She has her eye on a particular ensemble and wants to get her friends opinion on it before she orders it. But, right now she is busy preparing for her afternoon tea and needs to get ready. So much to do - so little time.

Note: The porcelain head and hands that are pictured are from Midwest Design Imports.

Designer - Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals

Sweet, Sweet Julianna! Is Wearing Her 1863 Walking Dress - Victorian Lady Doll

"Sweet, Sweet Julianna", "Mehitable" "Ester Loves The Morning" and "Prudence On A Walk" have been friends since they were all in diapers. In fact they've always been the BEST of friends. They love each other, protect each other, and are fiercely devoted to each other. So much so that it sometimes gets in the way of their relationships with their boyfriends.

Without fail, every day they get together for their afternoon tea and crumpets. Everything and anything is fair game in their discussions. They might be talking about the latest Godey fashions plate pages, they're newest outfit, the Queen's annual ball, their families, their boyfriends, their engagements, etc. Nothing is off limits. That is, nothing within the reasonable limits of proper Victorian discussion etiquette. Their afternoon teas are held on a rotating basis with each friend hosting the afternoon tea every fourth day. Today, they will all be having tea in Mehitable's parlor.

"Sweet, Sweet Julianna!" is a 13" Victorian square bottomed cloth bodied doll with a gathered waistline, porcelain head, and porcelain arms. She is wearing an 1863 Walking Dress. Julianna has two layers of lace trim along the bottom of her body. Her slip has 2 layers of lace trim along the bottom hem edge and is gathered at the waist. It also has a full length lace over slip that is gathered at the waist as well.

Her 1863 Walking Dress has oversleeves and a finished scalloped lace overskirt. The sleeves are lace trimmed and gathered at the shoulders and wrists. The oversleeves have lace trim along the edge and are also gathered at the shoulders and mid-sleeve. Both her Victorian dress bodice and her dress skirt are gathered at the waist. The finished scalloped lace overskirt is also gathered at the waist. Her neck edge is gathered and covered by a finished doily collar. A lace binding waistband is wrapped around her waist and is tied in a bow in the back. It is decorated in the front with a silk ribbon floral. Julianna is wearing a delicate handkerchief with lace trim as a shawl which is wrapped around her shoulders and tied in the front in a knot. Her frilly, lace trimmed and gathered bonnet sits atop her head and is tied under the right hand side of her chin in a bow.

"Sweet, Sweet Julianna!" is anxious for this afternoon's tea. She has some wonderful news to tell her friends and can hardly wait to do so.

Note: The porcelain head and hands that are pictured are from Midwest Design Imports.

Designer - Linda Walsh Of Linda Walsh Originals

Linda's Book Reviews - Vintage Barbie Dolls -With Barbie & Skipper Fashions and the Whole Family of Barbie Dolls

Since I just wrote an article about Barbie I thought it might be a good idea to review the latest book that I bought on Barbie. It's entitled "The Complete & Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls® & Fashions (Schiffer Book for Collectors)."

If you are an avid Barbie collector or even just a fan of Barbie dolls this is a great book to scan through.

If you are a collector of mint Barbie dolls this book is a complete guide to vintage Barbie and all her friends and family from 1959 to 1972. It is organized into two sections.

The first section is "Dolls" and shows pictures of the dolls as well as pictures of some of the dolls in their original packaging (which is vital for collectors of mint condition dolls). It also lists values for NRFB (Never Removed From The Box), Mint/No Box value and average value so you can see what your doll is worth. And, there is a detailed list of all the items that were originally included in the doll package.

The second section is "Outfits and Accessories" and shows pictures of the outfits as well as pictures of some of the outfits in their original packaging (which is vital for collectors of mint condition dolls). It also lists values for NRFB (Never Removed From The Box), Mint/No Box value and average value so you can see what the doll's outfit is worth. And, there is a detailed list of all the items that were originally included in the "outfit and accessories" package.

If you are a collector of Barbie this is a "must have." If you're just a fan of Barbie this book is enjoyable as well just to see the way "Barbie" has progressed through the years and what her various values are.

You've Got To Be Kidding! Women's Rights In the Victorian Era

I wrote this ten years ago.  It still seems appropriate so I thought you might enjoy reading it.

If you're been reading my Linda's Blog for awhile then you know I love history, research, and that I'm a big advocate for women's rights.

You also know that I love the Victorian period and love to design Victorian doll patterns for my Linda Walsh Originals website.

So, I decided to do a little research on Women's Rights (or I should say lack of women's rights) in the Victorian Era and my fascination for that period.

I quickly came to the conclusion that while I love the fashions of the Victorian period, I clearly could never have been a Victorian woman and here's why.

The following excerpts were taken from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. "The Victorian Era (1837 to 1901) symbolized by the reign of British monarch Queen Victoria was a very difficult period for women, because of the vision of the "ideal women" shared by most in the society."

"The legal rights of married women were similar to those of children. They could not vote or sue or even own property. Also, they were seen as pure and clean. Because of this view, their bodies were seen as temples which should not be adorned with makeup nor should they be used for such pleasurable things as sex. The role of women was to have children and tend to the house. They could not hold jobs unless they were those of a teacher nor were they allowed to have their own checking accounts or savings accounts. In the end, they were to be treated as saints, but saints that had no legal rights. "

Does this sound like "women should be barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen" or what? I can't see a modern day woman wanting to tolerate that. No voting, no suing, no property. Must remain pure and clean in body and soul. I don't think so.

"In the Victorian Era the law regarded a married couple as one person. The husband was responsible for his wife and bound by law to protect her. She was supposed to obey him and he had the right to enforce this. The personal property the wife brought into the marriage was then owned by the husband, even in case of a divorce. The income of the wife belonged completely to her husband and the custody of children belonged to the father as well. He was able to refuse any contact between the mother and her children. The wife was not able to conclude a contract on her own. She needed her husband’s agreement. In addition, the married woman could not be punished for certain offences, such as theft or burglary if she acted under the command of her husband. It was impossible to charge the wife for concealing her husband and for stealing from her husband as they were one person in law. "

I can't possibly imagine that any female in her right mind would think that this made sense. Is it any wonder that they wrote "obey" out of the marriage vows of today? Personal property of the wife became the husband's. Can you imagine a husband saying to his wife "What's mine is mine and what's yours is mine, too." And, the wife saying, "Yes, of course, dear!"

During this time women had no legal say in how many children they would have nor would they get custody of children if the marriage ended in divorce. You have to say to yourself, "Were they out of their minds!" No say in how many children you're going to have? I just shake my head.

"A very special connection existed between women and their brothers. Sisters had to treat their brothers as they would treat their future husbands. They were dependent on their male family members as the brother’s affection might secure their future in case their husband treated them badly or they did not get married at all. "

The Victorian men had the Victorian women trapped. If you didn't get married, basically, your brother owned you. If you did get married then your husband owned you.

At that time educated women working in academic jobs were considered abnormal and monstrous. ABNORMAL and MONSTEROUS! I bet all the women professors of today would just love to hear this. The only jobs open to women were governess, servant, teacher at boarding school, nurse or author.

"The attitude towards women and education was that education of women needn’t be the same as that of men. Women were supposed to know the things necessary to bring up their children and to keep house. That’s why subjects as history, geography and general literature were of extreme importance, whereas Latin and Greek were of little importance. Woman who wanted to study something like law, physics, engineering, science or art were satirized and dismissed. People thought that it was unnecessary for women to go to a university. It was even said that studying was against their nature and that it could make them ill. They should stay more or less an “Ornament of Society” and be subordinate to their husbands. Obedience was the only requirement. "

Studying was against their nature and could make them ill. I MUST be very sick then. Ornament of society - NEVER. No wonder the women revolted. No wonder the feminist movement was born out of this period?

But, best of all Victorian women had to be SUBORDINATE to their husbands. All I can say to that is, "You've got to be kidding! My husband would hate that."

The Sweet Simplicity of Tuck Comb Wooden Dolls

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com.

While I was doing research  on the "The History of Faceless Dolls" I read several articles about antique wooden dolls and fell in love with Penny Wooden Dolls so much so that I ended up writing a blog post entitled, "I'm In Love With Penny Wooden or Peg Wooden Dolls."

In researching the penny wooden dolls I learned about a special type of peg wooden doll called "tuck comb dolls."  The dolls are so named for their carved and painted hair combs.

According to Wikipedia.org, " Tuck comb dolls are a special style of peg wooden doll, named for their carved hair comb. The head and body is turned as one piece. The hair is usually painted with curled bangs and with a painted comb. Early tuck comb dolls had elongated, graceful proportions, nicely carved details, painted slippers, and sometimes with wood pendant earrings. Some dressed as merchants were called pedlar dolls."

Also, according to The Ultimate Doll Book by Caroline Goodfellow: The high comb, often painted yellow was a fashionable hair ornament and special feature of early 19th century wooden dolls.

I just love these dolls and find them irresistible. I love their adorable painted tuck combs and their clothing. So, of course, I wanted to see more pictures and find out more about these types of peg wooden dolls. Here's what I found and what drew me to each of the dolls:

The Grodnertal, circa 1840 doll pictured at the beginning of this section is a "Very Fine Grodnertal Wooden Doll With Tuck Comb, Fine Painting and Original Costume" was for sale on the Theriaults.com website. I find her utterly charming and undeniably sweet.

Her description said, "17" (43 cm.) All-wooden doll with one-piece carved head and torso, elongated slender throat, shapely torso, dowel-jointed wooden arms and legs, painted-over-gesso complexion, painted black hair with shaded ringlet curls framing the face and sculpted yellow tuck comb, earlobes pierced into head, painted blue eyes, painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with center accent line, blushed cheeks and chin, spoon-shaped hands, orange painted flat shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: wonderful size with beautiful original painting, artistically rendered curls around the petite facial details, original gown, petticoat, and pantalets."

The tuck comb Doll In Fashionable Dress on the V&A (Victoria and Albert) Museum website here is just beautiful and is circa 1830, German/English.  I just love her delicate features and beautiful dress.

Image Courtesy of Carmel Doll Shop

The elegant Grodnertal Wooden Doll, shown in the picture above, is from the Carmel Doll Shop. I think she's just beautiful.  How about you?

According to their description: A sweet smile will help open doors...Annabel, this exceptionally grand fourteen and three-quarter inch Grodnertal Wooden, must fully be aware of that fact. Appearing as a young lady of means with stylish wisps framing her face, bead earrings and an exquisite printed cotton dress – Annabel wears a subtle smile for all with which she has been blessed. Further details include a paint finish showing flat crazing, but in very good stable condition, (possible, yet slight in-painting to crazing on upper forehead) a distinctive, mustard colored, carved wood comb, plus carved accents to emulate a hairstyle, unusual pale gray painted eyes, a desirable fully articulated wooden body and that magnificent late empire waist dress with leg o' mutton sleeves! Oh yes, green-painted slippers compliment her willowy figure...too wonderful. An elegant doll in a desirable larger size.

For sure Annabel knows she's an exceptional doll.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

What I love about the German Wooden Doll Known As Tuck-Comb pictured above on the Theriaults.com website is the fabric in her outfit. According to her description it's an original cotton gown. So, even in the Victorian Era they could be a little bohemian. Perhaps she was a little bit of a "wild child."

According to her description: 7" Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Grodnertal region, circa 1840. Value Points: wonderful painting of stippled curls around her face, original cotton gown, undergarments.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

The beautiful simplicity of the "Grodnertal Wooden Doll With Yellow Tuck Comb" from the Theriaults.com website is evident in her sweet face, painted curls, and plaid outfit. I just love her. I can't help but think she was the "perfect lady."

According to her description: 11"  Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: fine original finish with beautiful painting.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

One of my favorite tuck comb doll outfits is the one on the"Grodnertal Wooden Doll With Exuberant Curls and Tuck Comb" on the Theriaults.com website. It is quint-essential romantic and her outfit seems to be in fantastic condition.  When I look at her I can't help but think she might be a "lady" but an independent one at that.

According to her description: 16". Condition: original finish with extensive craquelure. Comments: Grodnertal,circa 1840. Value Points: exuberant painting of curls frame the face on the large Grodnertal model.

 

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

The two "Very Rare Pair of Grodnertal Wooden Tuck Comb Ladies With Original Costumes" from the Theriaults.com website is the sweet simplicity of the dolls and their very unusual folk outfits. They seem very Bavarian and representative of some kind of traditional folk outfit. Very unusual, indeed.  Where are their tambourines?

According to their description: 9" Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1830,one of the pair is shown in Ackerman's Dolls in Miniature, page 33,described by the author as a "superior doll because both skilled craftsmanship and aesthetic considerations were part of what went into her creation". Value Points: the dolls have rare pierced ears with original yellow wooden earrings, and wearing matching gauzy costumes of unusual style, trimmed with gold ribbon and fringe.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

What I couldn't help but notice about the "Large Grodnertal Wooden Doll With Yellow Tuck Comb and Extravagant Curls" shown in the picture above from the Theriaults.com website is the conservative nature and colors of her outfit contrasted with her bright green shoes.   Looks like she could be a demur, polite, gracious lady with a little bit of "imp" in her.  Every once in awhile she may have taken "a walk on the wild side." Hmmm....

According to her description: 18"  Condition: generally excellent, typical light craquelure on complexion, nose tip rubbed. Comments: Germany, Grodnertal region, circa 1830. Value Points: having great presence and fine original finish, the lady doll is notable for extravagant painting of hair, elegantly-shaped face, larger size, and wearing early costume comprising tulle gown with ruffled yoke, undergarments, and padded green silk day dress with pleated ruffles.

Image Courtesy of Theriaults.com

What drew me to the "Early Grodnertal Wooden Doll With Fine Original Costume" doll shown in the picture above from the Theriaults.com website was her beautiful embellished sunbonnet.  She is so overly sweet and very hard to resist. Certainly the perfect "lady."

According to her description: 17" Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Grodnertal, circa 1840. Value Points: fine larger size with all-original painting, beautifully-blushed cheeks and wearing original early cotton gown with very full sleeves, undergarments, sunbonnet.

Last but not least is the "Small Tuck Comb Wooden Doll, With Provenance" on the Skinnerinc Auctions website here.  What drew me to her was she was found in New England with a note that stated, "This doll was the plaything (about 1817) of Eliza Thornton, sister of Lydia Thornton Cram."  How fabulous is that?

I'll bet back in 1817 the two sisters couldn't conceive of a picture of their doll being shown in 2016, let alone on something called "the web." Wouldn't you like to know more about the Thornton sisters?

According to her description: Provenance: Found in New England, a note with doll states "This doll was the plaything (about 1817) of Eliza Thornton, sister of Lydia Thornton Cram."

Linda's Book Reviews - Ultimate Doll Book Book#6

Readers of my "Linda's Blog" know that I just love dolls of all kinds, shapes, and sizes. I also love history, especially if it's doll history.

Many, many years ago I bought a book on doll history (the cover is shown in the first picture above) that was supposed to be the "ultimate" book on dolls and doll history. Well, it definitely lived up to its hype.

The Ultimate Doll Book was written by Caroline Goodfellow who is a doll curator.

"The Ultimate Doll Book" is a wonderful treasury of more than 400 different dolls of every type and every time period. It covers the history of dolls from a manufacturing perspective over the last 200 years which was something I was fascinated by. Plus, for the doll collector or someone thinking of starting a doll collection there is some helpful advice for doing so.

There are beautiful, beautiful pictures of all of the various dolls photographed by Matthew Ward contained throughout the book. One of my favorite dolls is the "Old Pretender" pictured on Page 2 and Page 13. She was made in c1680 and it is said that she belonged to the court of King James II. Of course, I just love her and all the rest of the early dolls (circa 1680's to 1820's). Now why is that? Hmmm....

The book is arranged in chronological chapters by manufacturing processes and materials used to make the dolls and starts with Wooden Dolls. This chapter covers Early Dolls (1680's to 1820's), Dolls from the New World (1850's to 1930's), Poupards and Simple Dolls (1800's to present), and Peg Woodens (1790's to present).

The next chapter is Composition Dolls and covers Greiner and German Dolls (1840's to 1900's), Developments in Composition (1850's to 1930's), Alexander Doll Company (1926 to present), and Wax-Over Composition Dolls (1830's to 1900's).

Then we learn the history of and manufacturing of Poured Wax Dolls, Early Dolls ( 1750's to 1850's), English Makers (1850's to 1930's), The Pierotti Family (1770's to 1935), Pierotti Portrait Dolls (1900's to 1930's), and Princess Daisy (1890's).

Next is the history of and manufacturing of Porcelain Dolls, Fancy Glazed China Heads (1830's to 1880's), Plain Glazed China Heads (1840's to 1870's), Fancy Untinted Bisque Heads (1860's to 1880's), and Plain Untinted Bisque Heads (1860's to 1880's.

Following this is Bisque Dolls. We learn about Fashionable Lady Dolls (1860's to 1890's), Developments in Body Types (1860's to 1880's), Jumeau Dolls (1842 to 1958), Bru Dolls (1866 to 1950's), Lady With Wooden Body (1870's), Steiner Dolls (1855 to 1908), The S.F.B.J. and Others (1899 to 1950's), German Marks of Distinction (1860's to 1920's), German Character Dolls (1880's to 1900's), German Doll-Makers (1890's to 1930's), Lady Betty Modish (1902 to 1911), Armand Marseille Dolls (1890's to 1930's), My Dream Baby (1920's to 1930's), Bisque Baby Dolls (1900's to 1990's), Lesser-known German Makers (1900's to 1930's), Ethnic and English Dolls (1860's to 1920's), and Mass-produced Bisque Dolls (1900's to 1940's).

Then we learn the history of Rag Dolls and the American Home Industry (1890's to 1930's), Painted and Sewn Dolls (1880's to 1900's), Printed Cloth Dolls (1900's to 1980's), Steiff Dolls (1900's to present), English Manufacturers (1920's to 1950's), European Manufacturers (1920's to 1950's), and Norah Wellings (1919 to 1960).

Then we are on to the history of and manufacturing of Celluloid Dolls including German Manufacturers (1870's to 1960's) and Mass-produced Dolls (1900's to 1980's).

Modern Dolls is covered next including Voque Dolls, Inc. (1940's to 1960's), American Manufacturers (1900's to present), The Changing Faces of Barbie (1959 to present), English Manufacturers (1950's to 1980's), Sindy and Patch (1960's to present), Baby and Toddler Dolls (1940's to present), Royal Doulton and Nisbet (1980 to 1985), Men and Boys (1960's to present), and New Doll Ideas (1960's to present).

This is followed by the history of National dolls, including Japanese Dolls (1900's to 1960's), Chinese Dolls (1900's to 1950's), Russian Dolls (1800's to present), and Patriotic Character Dolls (1890's to 1918).

The last doll history section concerns the history of Unusual Dolls. This includes Multiple Heads and Faces (1860's to 1980's), Peddler Dolls (1820's to 1990's), and A Master Doll-maker (1970's to present). The latter has to be seen as they are just exquisite.

The final sections of the book contain useful information for the doll collecting enthusiast. It also contains a section on caring for your rare and vintage dolls.

Given that I love dolls, love doll history, and especially love the Victorian Period it was a given that I would love this book. To say it's my favorite doll book would not be an exaggeration. I can read it again, again, and again. I just love dolls. Dolls of all kinds. But, that's me. Maybe after reading Ultimate Doll Book that will be you, too.

Baby Lollipops Decoration Centerpiece Free E-Pattern

"Baby Lollipops Decoration" is a fabulous way to add cheer and sunshine to any baby shower.  It's a wonderful centerpiece decoration for the honoree's table and for all the guest tables.  Plus, it would make a bright and cheery focal point for any food displays.  Just image it surrounded by pink and blue cupcakes.  How adorable would that be?

"Baby Lollipops Decoration" is a pattern to create the cutest" baby shower lollipop basket centerpiece and was created using various fat quarters from my It’s Raining Baby Shower fabric collections.

My "Baby Lollipops Decoration" is a delightful basket centerpiece to make for any baby shower.

It contains a large lollipop centered in a wicker basket which is surrounded with smaller lollipop favor ornaments.  A personalized baby shower tag with the particulars of this event can be added to the smaller lollipop favor ornaments for your guests to take home as a keepsake.

Clusters of pink and blue tulle as well as pink and blue ribbons add delightful color to the lollipop basket centerpiece.

If you would like to add the personalized baby shower tags I have two free "Baby Shower Free E-Printable Favor Tag#1" and "Baby Shower Free E-Printable Favor Tag#2" that can be downloaded and used with my "Baby Shower Personalized Favor Stickers."

I also have a free e-book entitled "How To Make Our Personalized Baby Shower Favor Tags Free E-Book" free tutorial e-book"  that can be downloaded and which shows you how to create my tags.

"Baby Lollipops Decoration" makes an adorable baby shower centerpiece decoration and a wonderful decoration for the mother-to-be.

"Baby Lollipops Decoration", 12" Baby Shower Lollipop Basket Centerpiece E-Pattern - Baby Shower Series - Pattern Category - Skill Level - Beginner

To view and download my free e-pattern please CLICK HERE.  You'll be brought to Google Drive where you can view my free e-pattern. Then just download my free .pdf e-pattern  by clicking on the down arrow.

Once my e-product is downloaded to your computer you can save it and print it. I hope you enjoy my free e-products.

For more information on all my free e-patterns, e-printables and e-books please CLICK HERE.

Please respect My Terms of Use:  All patterns, e-patterns, printables, e-printables, e-books, graphics, tutorials, how-to's, articles and other e-products © 2004-2023 Linda Walsh Originals-Designs by Linda Walsh. All rights reserved. Commercial selling or reselling by any means prohibited without the written consent of Linda Walsh.

Patterns, e-patterns, printables, e-printables, e-books, graphics, tutorials, how-to's, articles and other e-products are for personal use only. You may not modify, photocopy, download, upload, post, transmit, display, perform, publish, license, reprint, create derivative works from, mass duplicate, re-sell, digitize, and reproduce in any other form (print, digital or electric) or commercially apply, embed, share, Email, or redistribution in any other means. Use of any of the above is prohibited without the written permission of Linda Walsh.

However, you may link to my website(s)/blog(s) and the individual page(s)/blog post(s) (including 1 picture) but do not copy, reprint or duplicate my website(s)/blog(s) or individual page(s)/post(s ) without my permission.

Items made from Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns are intended for personal use for fun or small scale personal and business profit as long as you credit us with the design. Large scale commercial use (i.e. mass production) of items made from Linda Walsh Originals E-Patterns are by permission only.

Please see my Terms and Conditions for additional information.

Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Written By Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer.

Spring, Easter and Bunnies Free Tutorials, E-Patterns, Printables and E-Books

Spring is a joyous time of the year.  As a result, I love to create free e-patterns, free e-printables, and free e-books for my customers and blog readers and have created several of each.

Free Silk Floral Tutorial E-Books

My Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make A Beautiful Blue Silk Floral Arrangement Free E-Book

My Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make A Glass Container Vase Floral Arrangement Free E-Book

My Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make A Handle Floral Covered Basket Free E-Book

Linda’s How-Do-I Series? How To Make A Rose Silk Floral Large Topiary Free E-Book

Linda’s How-Do-I Series? How To Make A Roses In Ceramic Pot Floral Arrangement Free E-Book

My Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make Small Carnation Silk Floral Topiary Free E-Book

How I Created My Large Silk Floral Arrangement Tutorial and Free E-Book


Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make Our Silk Floral Terra Cotta Flower Arrangements Decoration Free E-Book

7 Easy Free E-Pattern and E-Book Tutorials For Making Birds And Birdhouses

Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make My Pretty Spring Tulips Woodcraft Free E-Book

Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make Our Reds Birdhouse Haven Decoration Free E-Book

Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make An Adorable Birdhouse Decoration Free E-Book

Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make My Gotta Love Birdhouses Decoration A Free E-Book

Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make My Tweeties Purple Passion Birdhouse Decoration Free E-Book

Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make My Trio of Stenciled Birdhouse Decorations Free E-Book

Linda's How-Do-I Series? How To Make My Gotta Love Birdhouses Decoration B Free E-Book

9 Adorable Free E-Patterns and Tutorial E-Books Bunny Decorations To Make For Easter, Spring and Summer

Bunnies In The Flower Patch Woodcraft Decoration Free E-Book

Bunny My Heart - Easter Bunny Heart Decoration Free E-Book

Delightful Fancy Bunnies Woodcraft Decoration Free E-Book

Hang-10 Bunny Free E-Pattern

Hop Along Harry and Sally Free E-Pattern

Hop On In Spring Bunny Grapevine Wreath Decoration Free E-Book

Tiny Bunny Heart Decoration Free E-Book

Tiny Bunny Wreath Decoration Free E-Book

It's Me Ginny! Bunny Free E-Pattern

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Copyright © 2004 - 2023 - All Rights Reserved - Written By Linda Walsh of Linda Walsh Originals and Linda's Blog. Linda is a doll maker and doll pattern designer.