Antique DOLL Collector January 2011 Vol. 13, No. 12
January 2011 Vol. 13, No. 12 $595 / $695 Canada www.antiquedollcollector.com
A Visit with
Jocelyn Adelaar by Donna C. Kaonis Photos by Keith Kaonis
W A stately papier mache exhibits an early 19th century hairdo.
The lovely Izannah face we all love and a delightful chubby-cheeked boy by the dollmaker. 18
e knew we were in for a treat when we pulled up to Jocelyn Adelaar’s large Tudor home and parked on the beautiful stone circular driveway. Rolling lawns, garden statuary, stone walls and a tennis court beckoned. Later we learned that the house was designed and built in 1926 by Charles Lewis Bowman, an architect known for his extravagant and richly detailed estates. Inside we were equally bowled over by the wonderful blending of stylistic elements featuring textured stucco walls with raised designs, oak paneling, exposed structural timbers, limestone fireplaces and leaded glass windows. All this and dolls too! I foolishly asked Jocelyn how many dolls she owned and she didn’t have a clue. Suffice it to say a lot… easily two, perhaps three thousand.
Large poured wax dolls are nearly life-size.
Vintage dolls, reminiscent of her childhood, still hold a soft spot in her heart.
The carriage barn in the upstairs attic houses thirty antique buggies.
I first met Jocelyn many years ago while traveling to an annual UFDC convention. She, Evelyn Phillips, my husband, Keith, and I always seemed to be on the same plane. Sharing taxis we got acquainted – one interesting fact always remained with me – Jocelyn adores Johnny Mathis, in fact, she is a true groupie and for years, has traveled to about ten concerts a year. “Although I never got to meet him, once he blew me a kiss,” she said. Jocelyn’s passion for dolls began when she was a young girl. She was only four or five when she befriended her “elderly” neighbor, a woman of sixty who had no family. She and her sister adopted “Grandmother Eleanor” who in turn adored the little girls and gave them their first dolls one Christmas. Jocelyn decided the girl baby doll, a compo with a cloth body, should be a boy and dressed him appropriately in knitted sweaters and overalls. “Billy,” as he became known, is still in her collection. Very shy growing up, dolls were her best friends, but it was not until she retired from nursing and had her first child that she began actively collecting dolls. With her daughter Robyn in her stroller they would visit neighborhood resale and antique shops. One of her favorite haunts was the Irving Chase Doll Hospital in New York City. Mr. Chase, the third generation owner of the business (now closed after his death) would give Jocelyn pointers on restoration. The number of dolls grew from day to day. “I collected anything that even resembled a doll, to the point that my husband joked that they were procreating on their own, “said Jocelyn.“ They
Jocelyn made this appealing black doll. A group of large size German and French bisque dolls reside in the master bedroom.
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CLOWING AROUND I
n 1903 the Albert Schoenhut Company of Philadelphia introduced a new type of toy to their product line, which at that time was primarily noted for pianos, and other musical toys. Based on the popularity of the traveling circus, Schoenhut produced the “Humpty Dumpty” Circus Clown. Based on a patent applied for in 1901 and granted in 1903, this first clown was introduced along with a donkey and elephant, both of these also patented in 1903. The name “Humpty Dumpty” was a tribute to the famous persona employed by George L. Fox (18251877) “America’s first great white face clown.” Fox’s death was attributed to the lead based makeup he wore during his performances. The clown was an immediate success. Advertised as an unbreakable jointed figure capable of performing 10001 astonishing tricks, the clowns in their colorful costumes completely lived up to their billing. By 1904 over 50,000 sets had been sold and more figures and animals were being added to the company’s growing product line. Everyone loves a clown. Most toy and doll collectors can easily recognize
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the Schoenhut clown, however they tend to overlook the development and individual styles separating the eras of manufacture. The most creative and engaging in my opinion is the clown produced in 1903. On close inspection the earliest clown proves to be very individual and distinct from those that followed. Presented with applied red ear muffs, two part painted heads and wearing unique, colorful costumes, they had flat neck cloth collars and “boat” (turned-up) toes. Frequently these first style clowns are referred to as the “earless” clowns, but this is only because the red applied cloth earmuffs have fallen off. The other prize of the 1903 clown is the rare appearance of the Dresden foil “footprint” on its chest. The earmuffs and footprint increase the value significantly. In the mid 1980’s I acquired about ninety figures and animals as a lot. Among them was (as I later learned) a 1903 clown in blue and white polka dot costume and the Dresden footprint on the chests. I thought how strange. Not able to find any mention of this as a decoration and thinking it was applied by a youngster, I soaked it off. Oh well… we are all learning. This article shows the various renditions of the very folk-art like style O clowns of 1903-1904. So alike, yet so different to the practiced eye.
Above, Style I (1903) Clown Directly above, another example of the Style I clown used by Schoenhut in their early ads and posters. Note the early flat pointed collar.
A LOOK AT SCHOENHUT’S FIRST CLOWN BY KEITH KAONIS Above, Left to Right: The 1903 Clown in an alternate costume with the coveted “Dresden” paper footprint. Another desirable costume variation, also with the “footprint.” A slightly later Style I version with ears and a ruffled collar. Right: Two Style II clowns with ruffled collars, ears, flat feet and more colorful costumes are happily cavorting. Below: A close-up of the “Dresden” paper footprint.
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SELL A DOLL IN THE
EMPORIUM continued from page 28
Nora’s Antique Dolls & Collectibles 1-732-341-2611 Beautiful 25” Jumeau Triste in a rare size 11. Desirable pale bisque and blue eyes. Antique blonde wig. On her original marked Jumeau body with straight wrists. Visit her and other quality antique dolls and accessories on my website.
www.noramcneil.com NORA’S FABULOUS FINDS
rubylane.com/shops/nora2
Lovely 15 inch character/ fashion marked 154, unusual modeled chest plate and bisque hands. Call for details: Deborah Fratino, 203-434-6700. Email: debfratino@aol.com Member NADDA and UFDC
y Happ ar! e New Y Consider Us When Selling Your Dolls
Ken Farmer Auctions is a full service auction gallery. We can help you sell one doll or an entire collection. Please contact us to discuss your needs. Come see me and much more at...
Doll Museum Rare early Schoenhut figures for sale. Call with your wants. Buying and Selling. Keith Kaonis, 717-519-6868, email: kkaonis@gmail.com 44
www.kfauctions.com
Email: info@kfauctions.com 3206 6th Avenue North, Billings, Montana 59101 • 406-252-0041
www.legacydollmuseum.com
105 Harrison St. Radford, VA 24141 Phone: (800) 476-5359 L V A #434
THREE EARLY DOLLS by Karen Golden
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aving collected antique dolls for many years, I’ve been asked more than a few times why I collect them. Initially, I didn’t know why other than the fact that I was drawn to the dolls. Time has helped me to define why I collect dolls, or maybe the dolls have helped me define the things that are of interest to me. Many people see them as odd looking, or even scary – I get that a lot! I try to explain that not only are they beautiful to me (even if not in the modern sense) they are also small, well-designed packages which contain a large amount of information about how, where, when or by whom they were made. In addition to the specific information available in doll reference books, the dolls lead me to look into things I would otherwise not have thought to take the time to learn. Whenever I add a new doll to my collection, it triggers a flurry of activity. This includes a thorough inspection of everything about the doll, making a written and photographic record of the doll and finally working it into the display area. Once I start examining the doll it usually leads me on a journey of discovery. No matter how many dolls I add to my collection, I never lose the sense of awe that comes when considering how old they 45
Phil May Antiques, Ocean Grove, NJ. Email: dollmanofog@aol.com
Blackberry Studios, Baltimore, MD. Email: margaret.kincaid@gmail.com
Grandma’s Attic, Bronx, NY. Email: joycedolls@aol.com
Miniature Dutch Cabinet, c. 1840, 31 inches tall, $3750. Country Squire, Milton, MA.
Size 0 Bru, 10-1/2 inches, $19,000. Nancy Smith, Natik, MA. Email: nasdoll@comcast.net
Prevost-era Huret with a trunk of clothing and accessories, Mary Ann Spinelli, Temecula, CA. Email: nellingsdolls@gmail.com
For the Love of Dolls – A Great Dolly Weekend at the Gaithersburg Doll Show
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he Dollology Club of Washington D.C. in cooperation with the National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts presents A Great Dolly Weekend March 5 and 6th , 2011. Pre-registration is required for events on Saturday, March 5 and includes: breakfast, early admission to the Gaithersburg Doll Show, luncheon with program/souvenir and workshops. On Sunday all attendees to the show can be part of dolly discussions. Bring your mystery doll for identification; come to the doll clinic for minor repairs (a nominal fee), plus raffle items and special displays! For information contact Henri at 301-294-0132 or email henri@dollyweekend.com Marshall Martin, Email: marshallmartin@earthlink.net 54
THE PATSY ALICE MYSTERY: A Doll That Never Was?
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by Don Jensen
any of the 275,000 American girls who received the latest Patsytown News early in 1934 must have been puzzled indeed. Effanbee, one of the most successful doll companies of the troubled Depression Years, often used its promotional newsletter to introduce new dolls in its popular Patsy family lineup. And now, seemingly, it had done it again. That issue of Patsytown News contained a simple list of all the Patsy doll sizes that Effanbee was then marketing. Besides the original 14-inch Patsy, there were the recently added big girls, Patsy Ruth, 26 inches, and Patsy Mae, 29 inches. Also listed were the other members of the family: 6-inch Patsy Human-hairTinyette, 8-inch Patsy Babyette, 9-inch Patsyette, 12½-inch Patsykin, wigged Patricia Lou, 23-1/2 inches 16-inch Patsy Joan, 19-inch Patsy Ann and 22-inch Patsy Lou. and first released But then came the surprise listing: “Patsy Alice, 24 inches tall.” by Effanbee in Patsy Alice was then – and for decades afterward – a mystery doll. 1935. (Collection Other than the passing reference in Patsytown of Lynn Kublank, all photos by the News, little more is known. author) Who WAS Patsy Alice? None of Effanbee’s extensive trade magazine advertising ever featured this 24-inch member of the Patsy family of dolls. No promotional photos were published. No doll sold as Over the years, a few dolls have been Patsy Alice ever appeared in found which could fit the size description toy or department stores. In of the mysterious Patsy Alice. I have all the years since, no collector examined one belonging to Illinois collector has found a tagged or marked Lynn Kublank. Like others, studied some Patsy Alice. years ago by the late Patsy experts, Patricia In Effanbee’s marketing Schoonmaker and John Axe, she is 23½ inches scheme, though, Patsy Alice tall, near enough to the 24-inch Patsy Alice. would have made sense, fitting Although this doll clearly is factory neatly into the size gap between assembled and has an Effanbee Patsy Lou Patsy Lou and Patsy Ruth. And mold head, she is unmarked. She has clearly, the doll company brown sleep eyes and a human hair wig planned to sell such a doll, Close up look at Patricia Lou, showing the head was made from a Patsy Lou mold. over unpainted molded hair. but was it ever produced? 55
Auction Gallery continued from page 65
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rare Tobacco Shop Room Box, the only known example of its type, in excellent condition, possibly made by Rock and Graner and measuring 21-1/4” l. x 15-1/2” t., x 15-1/2” d., realized $21,850 at the recent sale of the Old Salem Toy Museum presented by Noel Barrett Antiques & Auctions.
n outstanding Bebe Modele by Leon Casimir Bru, 15 inches tall with the original all wood articulated body, realized approximately $21,1000 at François Theimer’s November 27 auction in Paris.
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rare Vichy Musical automaton of a pearl fisherman, c. 1895, the figure with a composition head, 18-1/2 inches tall, brought approximately $44,200 at the recent sale conducted by Auction Team Breker in Koln, Germany. The fisherman moves both arms and nods his head as he reels in his catch, but to his surprise instead of a pearl, the shell reveals a starfish with the face of Pierrot.
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n early large Steiff golden mohair cone-nosed teddy, c. 1905, 28 inches tall, brought approximately $8400 at Bonhams in Knightsbridge. PHOTO COURTESY BONHAMS
We would like to thank the following auction houses for their participation:
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n extraordinary Neopolitan angel made of terra cotta with carved wooden wings, 16 inches tall, realized $5200 (plus premium) at the Lynda Christian sale presented by Theriault’s on November 21.
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he Jumeau portrait bebe with a label for “Au Papa Entrennes”, 19 inches, wearing an antique costume and marked Paris shoes, sold for $7475 at Frasher’s November 20 auction.
Auction Team Breker, Otto-Hahn Str. 10, 50997 Koln, Germany. www.breker.com Noel Barrett Antiques and Auctions, P. O. Box 300, Carversville, PA 18913. 215-97-5109 www.noelbarrett.com Bonhams, Montpelier Street, Knightsbridge, London. www.bonhams.com Frasher Doll Auctions, 2323 S. Mecklin School Road, Oak Grove, MO 64075. 816-625-3786 Francois Theimer, 4 rue des cavaliers 89130 Toucy, France www.theimer.fr Theriault’s, P.O. Box 151, Annapolis, MD 21401. 410-224-3655. www.theriaults.com
Harriet a Country Wooden from England by Margaret Towner
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I
n Britain, the appreciation of homemade primitive works of art or craft is even now distinctly less widespread than it is in the United States. The reasons for this are uncertain, but it may be due to the fact that pioneering days, when commercial goods were not available to everyone, are a more recent and valued memory in America. In England, most things, including dolls, were the subject of organized manufacture and trade from early times; the fairly recent discovery in London of massproduced pewter toys dating from the medieval period up to the 19th century is an example. In the 18th century the production of wooden dolls of good quality was a regular trade, and imsier quality Bartholomew babies were probably made cheaply for fairs in some quantity. In the early 19th century the import of inexpensive dolls from Germany affected the trade of English makers, but meant that all but the poorest child might have a penny wooden. Nevertheless making dolls at home, adapting what materials were at hand, did continue, with both mothers and children involved. Very few collectors have been interested in this, an exception being Edward Lovett, born in London in 1852, a member of the Folklore Society, who became a serious student of ethnographic dolls. He made a collection of what he called “emergent dollsâ€?, looking for home-made examples which he would obtain from
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