March 2025

Antique DOLL Collector March 2025 Vol. 28, No. 3

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Letter From The Editor

“The world is so full of a number of things, I’m sure we should all be as happy as kings.”

Robert Louis Stevenson “A Happy Thought” from A Child’s Garden of Verses Dear Readers, Already it is March and spring officially arrives this month. It seems there is always something to look forward to this time of year— sunnier days, a garden of flowers, or birds singing in the trees.

This month’s issue brings an assortment of articles.

Our cover story is by well-known collector and authority of Madame Alexander dolls, Rodney Waller, who delights us with the fascinating journey of the Little Shaver dolls. (Look for the accompanying book review, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue, which spotlights Dorothy Shaver, as well as her sister, Elsie.)

Father François Sainte-Marie shares his vast knowledge of dolls dressed as nuns. Perhaps you’ve met Father at one of the UFDC conventions. Last summer he presented a workshop where he instructed his attendees on the creation of the religious habit of the Poor Clare Nuns.

Elizabeth Bentley Hamilton shares her continued enthusiastic quest for Liberty of London dolls. Her first article, “Liberty of London Royal Dolls: A Collector’s Tale,” appeared in the September 2023 issue of Antique DOLL Collector.

And Laurie Baker introduces us to the talented, current day wooden doll artist, Cody Thompson.

Samy Odin writes of the doll family belonging to Sheila Young’s paper doll creation, Lettie Lane, in the Ladies Home Journal, with emphasis on the ever-popular Daisy.

An added treat this month is a pattern from our archives by Janet Hollingsworth which was first published in the March 2004 issue of Antique DOLL Collector. For details on how to access this pattern online, please refer to the Table of Contents, page 6.

We wish each of you the happiest of springs.

Laurie McGill

Editor-in-Chief

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LAYAW AVAILA AY BLE

15” Cabinet sized Kestner 143, brown sleep eyes, mohair wig, antique clothing, missing 1 finger $495.

4.5” German all bisque 61-3 S &H Mignonnette w/ blue glass eyes, original wig $150.

13” Dressel #1349 Jutta Simon & Halbig w/ original box bottom, original w/ shoes, socks & silk of dress was professionally replaced, brown sl eyes, great size $395.

17” Undercored F Steiff 1906 – 24 button on white mohair bear with great personality, minimal wear for age, pads professionally patched $1295. 5.5” White Steiff mohair bear 1950’s w/ button, beautiful condition w/ original ribbon $295. 8.5” CM German All Original Sailor 39/17, 5 piece compo body $105.

9.5” Beverly Walter DD1I 30th Anniversary 1999 doll with Rose embellishments on hair, dressed by Sally Cutts, blue painted eyes, pierced ears $450.

17” Ella Smith Alabama Baby w/ detailed yellow boots, amazing condition, 1920’s beautiful face, antique clothing $775.

8” A.W. Kister Covered wagon w/ vertical curls China, 1850 – 60’s all original in old frame / shadow box, sweet size, great display piece $275.

19” K * R S & H 46, blue sleep eyes, antique mohair wig, vintage clothing, pierced ears, repainted hands $215.

12.5” Schuco Yes – No Mohair Dressed Bear, sweet face $145.

17” RJ Wright Steiff Kinder, all original with tag 45/500, No box or COA’s: Sophie $275.

Lukas $275. Mathias - lederhosen straps as is $175. Katharina $275. Set of 4 $900.

11” Jumeau or FG All original Marotte, lt blue PW eyes, fur wig, costume fragile, no music $695.

9.5” Madame Alexander MIB All Original McGuffey Anna: Green & White striped dress w/ organdy pinafore, slight crazing $125. White dress w/ white & blue check apron $140.

21” Kestner J 13, blue sleep eyes, original clothing, HH wig $395. 5.25” S & H probably made for SFBJ all original, brown stat eyes, stringing loose $225.

12” OOAK Seated Alice by Marina’s Art Dolls – Russian Artist, hand sculpted & painted, great character, plastiline, mohair wig $495.

27” Lovely All Original Wax over papier mache slit head, blue sleep eyes with wire eye mechanism to open & close them, HH wig in original style, few wax chips missing $575.

15” All original Kestner 167 B 6, brown sleep eyes, mohair wig, sweet cabinet size $245. 4.5” German All Bisque w/ blue painted eyes $89.95

12 & 10.5” Abe & Mary Todd Lincoln by Avis Lee, 1943 Chicago, IL. Hand carved wooden heads, hands & feet, cloth bodies, nice early examples $525.

14” L x 10.5” H Steiff 1910 – 15 Center Seam Bear on Wheels w/ original leather collar & bell, great face & beautiful mohair, slight wear by hump $995.

17” All Original English Chad Valley Scottish red head girl in kilt, blue painted eyes $245.

9” English 1930-40’s Merrythought All original boy, by artist George Studdy - Bonzo the Dog $89.95 7.5” seated wooden carved 1940’s Betsy Ross by Tony Sarge, right hand as is $150.

Carved Wooden dolls - House of Seven Gables doll from Salem, Mass 9” $99. 7” $89.

10” Beautifully painted Tuesday’s Child by Diana Effner 2005, all vinyl, Boneka outfit $265. 8.5” Cathy Hansen French Fashion repro on leather body, blue glass eyes, mohair wig & accessories $275.

7” Vintage hand carved wooden Hitty 1940’s, Hitty embroidered on slip, well detailed $329.

6029 N. Northwest Hwy. Chicago, IL 60631 • 773-594-1540 • (800-442-3655 orders only) • Fax 773- 594-1710 Open: Tues., Wed., Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Thurs., Fri. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Sun. & Mon. Near O’Hare, Park Ridge & Niles

Chicago’s finest selection of Antique, Modern and Collectible Dolls, Barbie, Gene, Alexander, Tonner, Fashion Royalty, Steiff, Dollhouses and Accessories.

Member U.F.D.C. & NADDA • Worldwide Shipping • email: questions@gigisdolls.com • Check Out Our eBay Store - gigisdolls2010

Contact us for Monthly Specials! Tour our shop at: www.gigisdolls.com & join us on Facebook • Now on Ruby Lane

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Nelling, Inc.

FINE ANTIQUE DOLLS AND ACCESSORIES BUYING & SELLING QUALITY DOLLS FOR OVER 31 YEARS

“The Lenci Doll Collection of Judy Fisher”

published by the

www.antiquedollcollector.com Publications Director: Lisa Brannock Editor-in-Chief: Laurie McGill Senior Editor: Linda Edward Production Director: Louann Wilcock Art Director: Lisa Claisse Administrative Manager: Valerie Foley Social Media Director: Brigid McHugh Jones Contributors: Elizabeth Ann Coleman, Bradley Justice, Samy Odin Subscription Manager: Jim Lance Subscriptions: adcsubs@gmail.com Display Advertising: Lisa Brannock: lbrannock@antiquedollcollector.com phone: 631-261-4100 Louann Wilcock: louannw@antiquedollcollector.com phone: 872-216-8842 Advertising Materials Contact: Louann Wilcock: louannw@antiquedollcollector.com phone: 872-216-8842 Editorial: antiquedoll@gmail.com Laurie McGill: lauriem@antiquedollcollector.com phone: 717-517-9217 Send all catalogs to this address: Antique DOLL Collector, 4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814 Marketing: Penguin Communications, Inc. Subscriptions: Send to Antique DOLL Collector, P.O. Box 349, Herndon, VA 20172. Phone: 631-261-4100 Subscription Rates: One Year $59.95; Two Years $109.95.

First class delivery in U.S. add $34.00 per year.

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Foreign subscriptions must be paid in U.S. funds.

Do not send cash. Credit cards accepted.

Antique DOLL Collector (ISSN 1096-8474) is published monthly with a combined issue in July/August (11 times per year) by the Puffin Co., LLC, 4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200, Bethesda, MD 20814 Phone: 631-261-4100 Periodicals postage paid at Northport, NY and at additional mailing offices. Contents ©2025 Antique DOLL Collector, all rights reserved.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Antique DOLL Collector, P.O. Box 349, Herndon, VA 20172.

Antique DOLL Collector is not responsible for any inaccuracies in advertisers’ content. An unsolicited manuscript must be accompanied by SASE. Antique DOLL Collector assumes no responsibility for such material. All rights including translations are reserved by the publisher. Requests for permissions and reprints must be made in writing to Antique DOLL Collector. ©2025 by the Puffin Co., LLC.

Contact us re: 120 Dolls, many appearing on the MISC. Page at www.maspinelli.com P.O. Box 4327, Burbank CA 91503 • e-mail: nellingdolls@gmail.com Cell: 818-738-4591 Home: 818-562-7839 • Member NADDA and UFDC

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MOVING? Important: We need your old address and your new address.

The Post Office will forward magazines for 60 days only.

Call 631-261-4100, email at adcsubs@gmail.com or write to us at: P.O. Box 349, Herndon, VA 20172.

MARCH 2025

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Valerie Fogel’s

Beautiful Bébés Fine Dolls & Precious Playthings from our Past

www.beautifulbebes.com

Always Buying!

Trades and Consignments Considered Tel: 425.765.4010 Beautifulbebes@outlook.com

Rare Barrois Poupée - Rare 17 inch Poupée w/ articulated hands. Beautiful Barrois shoulder head w/ deep blue enamel eyes framed by antique honey-blonde wig.

Kidskin body is firm. Her arms are unique in that they are leather to the elbow. The bisque forearms have been inserted. The hands are strung from inside the bisque; they can clasp together. Enfantine style jumper with lamb collar and muff w/ additional antique costume shown of ivory wool w/a cape-style collar and lacey dress underneath. Overall excellent condition for age circa 1870. $4800

Member UFDC & NADDA

Poulbot Urchins - Here is a darling pair at a fantastic price! These Poulbot children come with loads of information & history of the dolls & their original creator, F. Poulbot. They’re 14 inches tall w/bisque socket heads, distinctively shaped face, trademark heavy eyelids, and red hair wigs. Designed to depict young urchins of Paris orphaned by WWI and produced by SFBJ. Circa 1916. Pair come with history and provenance. $7800 pair

See us at the: Queens of the Aisle Doll Show March 30, 2025 11-4 PDT Portland Airport Embassy Suites Portland, Oregon

Petite Deux Jours Bonnet - Adorable, small HelloGoodbye hat in wood box.

Generally, excellent for age!

Perfect for your petite fashions of 12 inches. 3.5”. $289

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Charming Doll House Dolls - Both have delicately painted features with singlestroke brows and blue-gray eyes. She is wearing a charming velvet brown coat with green silk trims. The wee lad is ready for school in his forest-green woolen jacket with tiny brass buttons and tan britches and boots. They’ve always been together and sold only as a pair. Girl is 4.5 inches. Boy is 3.5 inches. $1595 pair

Mint in Box Swirl Barbie Fabulous mint condition, NRFB. This beauty, known as the Swirl Barbie, for her hairstyle, is in immaculate condition. She possesses her crisp orig arm tag, red high heels, & original bathing suit. Her stand is neatly in the box along with the original book. Her orig earrings are included & she has safety earrings to prevent discoloration. She is as fresh as the day she was made! $785

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The Complete Guide to Antique, Vintage and Collectible Dolls

March, 2025 Volume 28, Number 3

On the Cover

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LITTLE SHAVER DOLLS

by Rodney Waller

THE STORY OF NUN DOLLS

Our cover this month showcases a pair of cloth Little Shaver Dolls from 1942 by Madame Alexander. The 10-inch and 12-inch dolls' dresses are tagged “Little Shaver / Madame Alexander New York.” Courtesy of Theriaults, “The Rodney Waller Collection – Part One,” 2019.

by Father FranÇois Sainte-Marie

SUBSCRIBE TO ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR, GO TO antiquedollcollector.com Subscription information: adcsubs@gmail.com or 631-261-4100

LIBERTY OF LONDON DOLLS: A Stitch of History

by Elizabeth Bentley Hamilton Photography by Eugene Frye

Take a stroll through our archive and check out the March 2004 pattern piece on the articles page on our website! antiquedollcollector.com/articles1.html for the downloadable PDF

Departments

2 Letter from the Editor 10 Paper Doll Stories

by Samy Odin 14 Book Review 14 Letter to the Editor 46 Auction Calendar 46 Emporium 47 Events/Classified Ads Follow us on...

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CODY THOMPSON, DOLLMAKER An Interview with the Artist

by Laurie Baker

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THE DOLL THAT HAS COME TO LIFE Paper Doll Stories

by Samy Odin

facebook.com/antiquedollcollectormagazine pinterest.com/antiquedollcollectormagazine instagram.com/antiquedollcollectormagazine

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1) Precious 6” Poured Wax in Silk Lined Case - Victorian treasure of silk, fringe, die-cuts & pillow all tucked in miniature Lidded Case! $1495 2) Mint Victorian Boxed Game - 6 pastoral cards in 9” x 11” Lidded Box for FAO Schwarz. First quality ca1890. $295

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3) Adorable 1870’s Miniature 7” Crank Toy - handle rocks the wooden Hobby Horse w. Parian Boy & Paper Hat to & fro w. music. Just 4” x 4”. Rare. $750 4) Signed Mint Rabbit Candy Containers: 9” w. perfect ears, bright color & Orig. Baskets sgnd. ‘Germany’. Left $150; Right $295

(212) 787-7279 P.O. Box 1410 NY, NY 10023

Quality Antique Dolls by Mail Return Privilege • Layaways Member UFDC & NADDA

matrixbymail@gmail.com

MATRIX ALL BISQUES (Left to Right) 6) 7” Large & Unusual ‘565’ - closed mo., bl.sl., Orig. Mohair Wig. So chunky! $425 just $325 7) 6” Kestner ‘150’ - sl. Eyes, smile w 2-carved teeth, Mint Factory Wig & fancy orig. Clothes! $250; 5” 2-Strap Kling - shirred stocking, sl. eyes, Long mohair braids, Fancy Orig Dress $275 8) 3” Rare Socket Head Kestner ‘310’ – w. Yellow Stockings - clo. mo., very big eyes, a doll’s doll! $475 just $395; 5.5” Kestner ‘720’ - well-dressed w. 2-strap & 2-tone Heeled Slippers! Just $215 9) 4” Rare Jtd. Baby ‘833’ - bl. sl. eyes, Factory Wig & smile! Top quality. Just $250; 5.5” Chunky Toddler ’83-760’ - a unique character, bl. sl eyes, Factory Mohair Braids, so cute! $215 10) 6” Over the Knee Black Stocking Halbig - Round face Socket Head, knee length Factory Wig & Dress, huge PWs, mint! Not $1100 just $850 11) 5” Luxury French Trade Mignonette - slender body, Clo. Mo. Socket Head, long hair, big sl. eyes, 2-Strap Heels & Yellow Stockings! $695 12) 5”&6” A/O DH Pair - top quality china, orig. bodies, many fancy wardrobe details in Formal Gown & Tux! $375 13) 4.5” Child Maid - All Original. In 1890’s Apron Uniform! $115

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5 5) Rare 19” Kruse ‘Little Jumping Child’ - mint & All Original Doll XIII - rare size ca: 1930 complete w the Hat, Hang Tag on wrist, fine original paint w. brush marks. All pristine! Museum Class factory fresh ‘Hampelchen’. $2800

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14) 36” Continental Wooden Cage Santos - a profound example, Glass eyes, fully jtd. arms/hands, beautiful long fingers. Dramatic! $1495 15) Rare 20” Brown Carton Milliner - Original Wig and Hat, lovely expression, big Glass Eyes & Original Stand too! Great display. $895 16) ‘Kissing’ Bru Jne. R in brilliant Factory Presentation. (see #25) 17 & 20) Romantic 18” Vichy Violinist in Original Clothes and Wig - Your fashions will adore this handsome bisque head ‘Bru Era’ Troubadour as he serenades (over wound) them with his Orig. Violin & Bow. Drenched in Fine Silks & Plumed Hat he’s so seductive. $4250 18) Impressive 1880’s China Blank 11” x 11” w.15” c. Head! Mint work of art for the bookcase or mantle. 15-sew holes! She’s one of a kind artistic ephemera! $895 19) Pre-1900 Closed Mouth ‘Long Face’- Unusual 17” ‘angel’. Lovely, sculpted satin cream bisque, warm brn. PWs, great Goat Skin Wig, early Stiff Wrist Loose Ball Body & fine antique clothes! Not $2200 only $1695 20) Vichy Automaton - see #17

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21 21) Large & Extremely Rare 13” Heubach Ball Player - splendid & signed, this never-before-seen figure is a life like tour de force of muscular energy & brilliant color! From the arc of his spine to the look in his eyes he will amaze you! Only $1495

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22) Rare & Important Gottschalk Blue Roof ‘National Guard’ Armory an architectural delight w Original Bright Papers in & out, 4-rooms, 18-Glass Windows! 3-opening doors, 2-story staircase & detachable Clock Tower w. Flagpole. 8” x 16” x 15”-20” tall depending. $1995

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23) 6” Pristine Poured Wax- pretty color in her Luxury Presentation Case! (see #1) 24) Elegant 26” Closed Mouth Kestner Lady lovely large mint ‘Bru Arms’, turned head, creamy bisque, rich Silk Gown, jtd. body sits at 17” high. Heirloom beauty. Just $350 25) 22” 1890’s ‘Kissing’ Bru Jne. R. in Factory Couture Flawless quality, blue eyes, o.m., original Cork Pate & Wig. A pretty one kept in her proper Size ‘9’ Bru Box bottom w clean jtd. body & Pull Cord Kissing Arm. Her vivacious Factory Presentation Ensemble includes Matching Socks, Leather Shoes & Extravagant Matching Chapeau. Only $3500 26) Early Mark Brown Hair KPM Couple - 22” Heirloom Dolls with the old Matching Bodies & their wonderful old Clothing & Shoes. She has the Molded Bun & lavish Lace, Slippers, Wax Bouquet, Garters & Veil. A fresh to market prize from a private collection. Just $7500 the Pair.

(212) 787-7279

27) Very Rare & Tiny 8” Simon Halbig ‘989’ - important 1887 never seen model in an equally rare 8” palm size! Orig Stiff Wrist Schmidt Body with the early Round Face, hip length Mohair Braids plus antique Leather Shoes, Undies, Hat and her tiny tailored detailed Jacketed Frock. A rare miniature. $3800

P.O. Box 1410 NY, NY 10023

Quality Antique Dolls by Mail Return Privilege • Layaways Member UFDC & NADDA

matrixbymail@gmail.com

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Paper Doll Stories by Samy Odin

“The Doll That Has Come to Life” In our last month’s column, we finished by the mention of an album representing “Baby Tender Love,” a paper doll published under Mattel license issued in 1971. This led to the current column, devoted to the paper dolls explicitly representing three-dimensional playthings, as designed by Sheila Young for The Ladies Home Journal.

As far as I know, during the 19th century this advertising practice was non-existent; we have to wait until the early years of the 20th century to spot paper dolls aiming to advertise existing 3-dimensional (3D) dolls or being a tribute to current or past playthings.

The American illustrator who innovated in this specific field is Sheila Young. Her first plate featuring a “real” identifiable doll was published in December 1908: Lettie Lane’s grandmother brings to her grandchild a multitude of Christmas presents which include dolls and other toys that can be clearly identified, such as a Steiff’s felt policeman and mohair plush teddy-bear, a Schoenhut’s wooden clown, a German dolly face bisque headed doll with a ball jointed body, an Asian bisque headed German child doll… and so on. (Photo 1) In July 1909, another plate represents a dolly face German doll, which is very realistically designed yet not enough to allow us to attribute it to any specific manufacture. It is the oldest example I found of a 3D doll 1

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turned into a complete paper doll, represented wearing her underwear and surrounded by an extensive wardrobe that children could cut-out and use to change their paper doll’s appearance. (Photo 2) The following month brought the process a step further: more dolls belonging to Lettie Lane are featured but, this time, we can clearly identify the maker of these lady dolls as J. D. Kestner. The lady is known as the Gibson Girl, made out of mold #172 and her maid looks like a #168. (Photo 3) In September 1909, Sheila Young evidently enjoyed drawing paper dolls in the shape of a real doll and devoted this plate to Lettie Lane’s “Party of Little People Dressed in Fancy Costumes.” Twelve paper dolls are featured, together with their pieces of apparel. It is interesting to note that some of them have two pieces for their outfit, others one single extra accessory and two of them nothing at all (the maid and the child playing the piano). (Photo 4) The March 1911 paper doll started the advertising campaign to promote Daisy, Lettie Lane’s Kestner 18” #171 dolly face fully articulated doll. It was not for sale directly by the magazine, but it could be obtained as a premium by purchasing three full year subscriptions to The Ladies Home Journal + a remittance of $4.50. Patterns could also be ordered separately in order to dress Daisy following the sketches printed by the magazine. The plate designed by 2

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Sheila Young is almost photographically precise. It is very likely based on a real photograph of the 3D Daisy, while the garments are hand drawn by the artist. (Photo 5) This first advertising plate is not a proper paper doll, though, because the size of the clothing sketches do not fit the picture of the doll printed next to them. And the caption under the doll itself is wrong, for it states, “A Picture of Daisy, but She is Once Again as Large as This.” The picture is exactly 9 inches tall while the 3D Daisy is 18 inches tall…

It took the editor until October of the same year to correct this mistake by mentioning that the printed picture of Daisy is actually “Just Half the Size of Daisy.” (Photo 8) In the plate published in April 1911, things become even more confusing: Daisy is represented twice but in different scales. The dresses are in the right scale to fit the taller Daisy wearing the bride costume, except with the doll being already fully dressed, it is impossible to dress her with the other garments that surround her… Of course, the appearance of this page is that of a paper doll but the purpose of it was to advertise the 3D Daisy doll shown at the bottom, wearing her presentation chemise and not to offer an extra paper plaything to the readers of the magazine. (Photo 6) The same advertising strategy was kept in the following plates published in July, October and December 1911. Daisy is represented in a larger size wearing one of her outfits and

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surrounded by other models that children could order in a pattern format by mail. On the lower end of the same page, Daisy was represented in a smaller picture wearing her presentation chemise next to details concerning the way to order this doll through the magazine. (Photos 7, 8 and 9) The success of Daisy was spectacular. The first 5,000 dolls sold in a flash and by the time the campaign was over, 26,000 dolls had reached the readers of the magazine, which through this successful operation had gained more than 50.000 more subscribers. The first order brought Kestner #171 Daisy dolls but soon the manufacture could not provide enough dolls in such a short time, what explains that a different variation of Daisy was manufactured by Heinrich Handwerck, who sent as “Daisy” their classic “Bébé Cosmopolite” in size 1, using bisque heads provided

by Simon & Halbig. Interestingly enough, by the time the 1911 campaign was running, Kestner’s Daisy was already sold out so the young readers were actually getting a doll that was not exactly corresponding to the picture of Daisy as advertised by the magazine.

All the original plates shown here are featured in the author’s collection. Samy Odin can be reached at galeriesamyodin@gmail.com

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Book Review Reviewed by Laurie McGill WHEN WOMEN RAN FIFTH AVENUE

By Julie Satow Awarded the distinct honor of A Best Book of the Year

by The New York Times, this tome is a fascinating read on several levels.

It takes the reader back to the twentieth century American department store in its heyday—a popular place—especially for women—not only to shop but to meet for tea, plan a wedding, or simply stroll through the aisles of fashionable attire and housewares.

The book’s focus is on three successful women— Hortense Odlum of Bonwit Teller (1930s), Geraldine Stutz of Henri Bendel (1960s), and—of keen interest to doll collectors—Dorothy Shaver of Lord & Taylor (1940s), who worked her way up through the ranks to become president of the store.

Dorothy’s sister, Elsie (“…a daydreamer who wrote children’s stories and painted fanciful watercolors…”) is given significant coverage, with Dorothy purportedly urging her sister to “Make a doll! Something original, different. You design it, and I’ll promote it…”

Satow relates that “Dorothy recalled an article that she had read about Rose O’Neill, the artist who had invented the Kewpie [pages for children in women’s magazines]. She had reportedly earned $50,000 by turning her illustrations into the wildly popular Kewpie doll…”

The book is illustrated with both black and white and color photographs, and the early Little Shavers (pre-Madame Alexander) are pictured on page 18 of the hardbound edition of the book. Described as “…handmade dolls featuring hair made from yarn and soft bodies stuffed with silk moss.” Page 139 boasts a photograph of Elsie “creating one of her doll sculptures.”

Rodney Waller’s article (“Little Shaver Dolls”) in this issue of Antique DOLL Collector goes into more detail about the absorbing story behind the Shaver sisters and their dolls.

Following the eight-and-one-half-page Prologue, When Women Ran Fifth Avenue’s text covers 242 pages and is broken out into three parts. Each part contains five chapters.

The end of chapter 15 offers Notes on Research as well as an easy-to-use Index.

This reviewer found the book highly interesting—a time capsule to a glamourous era now vanished.

When Women Ran Fifth Avenue is available from amazon.com 320 pages ISBN: 978-0-385-54875-5 Doubleday, New York, 2024

Letter to the Editor Hello, I wanted to thank you for including Nicki Burley’s pattern for a French Fashion doll in your January edition.

As the owner of an online group of over 600 members who sew for their antique and reproduction French fashion dolls, I know we all bemoan the demise of magazines that focused on sewing for our dolls. I know that cannot be the whole focus of your magazine, but the inclusion of a pattern several times a year would be very welcome to us and encourage more of our members to subscribe to your 14

magazine. In the past, your magazine included articles and patterns from some of the greatest authorities like Sylvia MacNeil and many of us collect those past issues with zeal.

Sadly, Sylvia is no longer with us, but there are still some very knowledgeable people (Nicky Burley, for instance) who do create patterns for us. It might not be evident to people who do not sew, but sewing costumes and accessories for our dolls creates a personal bond that we have with those dolls, and encourages the ongoing interest in antique dolls. So, thank you so much for including that pattern (I am using it right now), and I hope we’ll see more of that in upcoming issues.

Annick Phillips Owner, French Fashion Doll Sewing Club on IO Groups

ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR MARCH 2025

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The Ohio National Doll Show

Save the Date!!!

Special Events October 4th, Doll Show October 5th 2025

Held in the Ohio Event Center at the beautiful Cherry Valley Hotel in Newark, Ohio For Hotel Reservations: Call (740) 788-1200 Reference Ohio National 2025 Doll Show for Group Rate.

Special events held October 4th, 2025 CAROL CAMERON

VIRTUAL DOLL CONVENTION

“It All Began with Izannah Walker, The Story of American Cloth Dolls 1840’s - 1930’s”

Twilight Tales “A Dark Academia Gala Dinner Event” with Robert Tonner, Rachel Hoffman & The VDC Crew

Presents:

Presents:

UFDC Sponsored Afternoon Programs ~ Free Admission “The Kamkins Cloth Doll” presented by Donelle Denery “The Mohair Bear” presented by John Paul Port For more information go to: OhioNationalDollShow.com or contact Gail Lemmon at: (440) 396-5386 or OhioNationalDollShow@gmail.com

A Doll Show Like It Used to Be. JOY! Ohio National.March25.indd 15

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2025 Annual Doll Show & Sale Sheraton Suites Chicago O’Hare

6501 Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018 ~ 847-699-6300

May 15 & 16, 2025 “A Stroll in Hyde Park” Hosted by Alicia Carver A two-day Sewing Workshop with instructor Val Hays info at alicia@signature-dolls.com

May 18, 2025 Bus trip to a Great Gatsby Gala Hosted by Fritzi Bartelmay Martinez featuring a tour of her beautiful home and fabulous doll collection info at glemn@frontier.com

May 16 ~ 6pm to 9pm: Sales Room Preview for Attendees May 17 ~ 11am to 5pm: Sales Room Hours for Attendees

GIGI’S &DOLLS

SHERRY’S TEDDY BEARS Welcomes you to Chicagoland!

OPEN HOUSE Friday, May 16th 12pm – 4pm

Register to Win a $100 Gift Certificate 6029 N. Northwest Hwy. Chicago, IL Just 10 minutes away!

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Contact Sherry: 773-594-1540 Questions@gigisdolls.com

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Buying Collections and Dolls of Merit

Valerie Fogel’s

Beautiful Bébés Fine Dolls & Precious Playthings from our Past

www.beautifulbebes.com

Always Buying!

Trades and Consignments Considered Tel: 425.765.4010 Beautifulbebes@outlook.com

We will be set up with a fabulous collection of beautiful dolls!

Fritzi’s cell: 630-247-1144 Rick’s cell: 630-247-1219

fritzisantiquedolls@comcast.net Member NADDA and UFDC

Marion Maus

Dolls, Doll House Miniatures, Doll Houses

ALL DOLLED UP Gail Lemmon

Member UFDC, DCA & NADDA

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443-838-8565

440-396-5386 glemn@frontier.com 13100 Durkee Rd., Grafton, OH Member NADDA and UFDC

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2/6/2025 1:21:49 PM

Anne Demuth

Buying & Selling Fine Antique Dolls

New Location: 5134 Hwy NC 33 W, Tarboro, NC 27886

Only 13 miles from Greenville, 30 miles from Rocky Mount and 1 hour from Raleigh

Experience Pure Doll Joy! New Estates just in! Buy my latest treasures in a charming setting, or buy online in my eBay store: Anniepoojewels Please call or text me to make an appointment or get more information: 336.755.1400 Choose from a large selection of antique and vintage dolls, doll dresses, shoes, pantaloons, chemise, slips, bonnets, ribbons and more including doll furniture, doll kitchenware, and dollhouses.

Email: dollsbearscookies@yahoo.com

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World Doll Day Shows

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Mark Your ar!

Calend

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PLEASANTON: MAY 3rd, 2025, 10am-3pm

Pleasanton Marriott, 11950 Dublin Canyon Rd., Pleasanton, CA 94588

Dea Inqu ler i Wel ries come

“NEW SHOW” INDEPENDENCE, MO: MAY 24th, 2025, 10am-3pm Independence Masonic Temple, 120 So. Pleasant St., Independence, MO 64050

“NEW SHOW” BUENA PARK: JUNE 14th, 2025, 10am-3pm 7000 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620

CONCORD: SEPTEMBER 20th, 2025, 10am-3pm Concord Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Dr., Concord, CA 94520

SANTA CLARA: OCTOBER 18th, 2025, 10am-3pm

American Legion Post 419, 958 Homestead Dr., Santa Clara, CA 95050

ARCADIA: NOVEMBER 15th, 2025, 10am-3pm Arcadia Masonic Lodge, 50 W. Duarte Rd., Arcadia, CA 91007

Door Prizes, Raffles (Benefits local charities) Identification/ Valuation, Restringing, Food for Purchase Member of Admission - $10, Children 12 & under free UFDC Like/Follow/Share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WDDShowsEvents Sign up for updates and get on our email list at: www.worlddolldayshows.com Mary Senko: mary.senko@worlddolldayshows.com or mary.senko@comcast.net cell: 425-330-1770 Proud to be a Woman Owned Business

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Little Shaver Dolls

by Rodney Waller

There are actually two versions of Little Shaver dolls. One set of Little Shaver dolls was created by Elsie Shaver in New York City in 1919. And another set of Little Shaver dolls was created by Madame Alexander in 1942 based on the Little Shaver Victorian paintings of Elsie Shaver.

Elsie Shaver—The First Little Shaver Dolls

The Shaver Sisters share a duplex penthouse in New York’s East 50s. A clever artist, Elsie runs the Shaver household while Dorothy runs the store.” Caption and photograph courtesy of Life magazine, May 12, 1947.

Elsie (standing) and Dorothy Shaver in Elsie’s studio. Courtesy of the Encyclopedia of Arkansas.

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Elsie Shaver came to New York City in 1919 with her sister, Dorothy Shaver. New York City was filled with young men and women; all seeking jobs, if not fame or fortune in the Big Apple. Dorothy Shaver suggested to Elsie that she develop a doll and she would market it. Dorothy saw the possibility from seeing the success of Rosie O’Neill for transforming her illustrations into Kewpie doll form. Elsie then set out to design five “Little Shaver” dolls. Their names were Thomas Squeelix, Ketsy Piper, Baby Olie-ke-wob, Princess of Olie-ke-wob, and Patsay Doola. The names were originally created by their grandfather. The dolls were made from bandage cotton painted in pastel colors with silk hair.

Madame Alexander is shown with Elsie Shaver beside Madame’s interpretation of Elsie’s Victorian Children painting done in cloth dolls in 1942. The dolls on the table were probably one-of-a-kind dolls given to Elsie since the size of the dolls are larger than the dolls actually produced. Courtesy of the Alexander Doll Company, Bob Gantz photographer.

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An introduction to Elsie Shaver’s Five Little Shavers appeared in Art & Decoration magazine, December 1919.

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Patents for Elsie’s Five Little Shavers, March 23, 1920.

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An article in Art & Decoration magazine in December 1919 shows a picture of the five dolls from “The Land of Oli-ke-wob, The Land That Never Wuz?” The article states, “This tale has to do with rags—one bit upon another until hand molded “Little Shaver” comes to be. Then it’s only a matter of a daub of paint and a bit of sunshine glory for hair and here we are.” The five dolls were patented on March 23, 1920 under patent numbers 54,774; 54,775; 54,776; 54,777 and 54,778.

The Shaver sisters, Dorothy and Elsie, were born in Center Point, Arkansas (population 300) in 1893 and 1985, respectively. They were the daughters of James David Shaver and Sarah Hunter Borden Shaver. In 1898, the family with five children relocated to Mena, Arkansas which was a more prospectively growing town since the railroad ran through it but had bypassed Center Point.

Their father came from a family of lawyers, and he subsequently became a state chancery judge in Polk County. Her maternal grandfather, Benjamin Borden, was the editor of the Arkansas Gazette.

Dorothy Shaver had gone to the University of Arkansas for two years and obtained her teaching certificate. She returned to Mena as a seventh grade teacher in 1912.

Her teaching career was abruptly ended in May 1914, when the school board refused to renew her contract, along with three other single female teachers, who had attended a dance unchaperoned.

Dorothy was not discouraged.

In the winter of 1917, Elsie was scheduled to go to the University of Chicago, but her college companion was unable to go. Her parents urged Dorothy to go instead. So, the Shaver sisters left Arkansas for the University of Chicago. Dorothy initially pursued a degree in English literature, and Elsie studied painting

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Elsie Shaver painting. Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

Elsie Shaver painting. Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

Elsie Shaver in her penthouse apartment. Photo courtesy of Doubleday.

Elsie Shaver painting. Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

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and fine arts. But Dorothy wanted to build something. Elsie had managed to sell $600 of commercial art to Chicago’s Marshall Field’s department store for use in a catalog. Elsie wanted to go to New York to expand her possibilities. They soon decided to relocate to New York City and try their hand in the bustling metropolis using the money that Elsie had earned on her commercial art sales. Dorothy left Chicago in support of Elsie’s ambitions and had no thought of a career for herself.

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Vogue magazine March 15, 1942. Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

was president of the Lord & Taylor department store at the time. (Mr. Reyburn was a Little Rock banker who was put in charge of the liquidation of the H. B. Claflin Company of New York. Its failure was one of the biggest crashes of dry goods history at the time. Lord & Taylor was a holding of the company.) After coming to tea one day to check on the Shaver sisters for their mother, the sisters showed their creations to Mr. Reyburn. He loved the idea. He sent four men from the store to help the sisters set up a rented loft and begin production. Elsie was in charge of production and Dorothy was in charge of sales.

The Little Shaver dolls became a fad of the day and were a big success for four years. As shown in a retailing newspaper article, Lord & Taylor had a window display that sold 110 dolls on its first day without any outside advertising. Shaver said she felt the dolls were successful because they were whimsical, fun, eccentric and designed to “attract the attention of the little folk” and to “introduce a humorous element into the nursery.”

With the Shaver sisters working with the Lord & Taylor department store, Dorothy was hired as a comparison shopper in1921. This began Dorothy’s meteoric rise within Lord & Taylor to ultimately being named president in 1945.

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Elsie Shaver china design for Castleton China exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art 1942. Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

A news clipping indicating 110 Shaver dolls were sold in a Lord & Taylor display.

Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

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The Duchess of Windsor created by Elsie Shaver for Valentine’s Day 1942 in the Lord & Taylor display windows. Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

She was given a salary of $110,000.

This was the highest salary on record for an American woman at the time. And it was commensurate with what Lord & Taylor paid their other top male executives. In the May 12, 1947, edition, Life magazine called Dorothy Shaver the “No. 1 American Career Woman.” She was managing a $40 million business. In 1932, Shaver created the “American Look” program to promote American fashion designers through Lord & Taylor.

With all the success that Dorothy was having, Elsie along with two maids, maintained their duplex penthouse residence in New York’s East 50s. Having become bored with the dolls, Elsie continued her artistic pursuits, primarily in painting. In January 1942, Elsie created a series of paintings for the “Bundles For Britain” campaign

All Dressed Up in their Sunday Best created by Elsie Shaver for Valentine’s Day 1942 in the Lord & Taylor display windows. Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

Two Dressed Shaver Dolls created by Elsie Shaver for Valentine’s Day 1942 in the Lord & Taylor display windows. Courtesy of the Dorothy Shaver Papers, Archives Center, National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

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at the Wildenstein Galleries to benefit the Bombed Children’s Hospitals in Britain. The exhibit was entitled, “The Little Shavers and Some That Are Grown Up.” Elsie’s paintings featured Victorian children with large eyes which she named “Little Shavers.” The paintings were hailed by art critics.

Madame Alexander – The Second Little Shaver Dolls

Left, a 10-inch cloth Little Shaver Doll 1942 by Madame Alexander. Dress is tagged “Little Shaver / Madame Alexander New York.” Right, a 7-inch rare size cloth Little Shaver Doll 1942 by Madame Alexander. Dress is tagged “Little Shaver / Madame Alexander New York.” Courtesy of Theriaults “The Rodney Waller Collection – Part One,” 2019.

10-inch cloth Little Shaver Doll 1942 by Madame Alexander. Dress is tagged “Little Shaver / Madame Alexander New York.” Doll has original box with bow ribbon motif which has “Copyright 1940 Louis Schulman Co. NY.” Courtesy of Theriaults “The Rodney Waller Collection – Part One,” 2019.

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According to a November 1942 article in Playthings magazine, among the visitors to the private exhibition was Madame Alexander. Madame immediately saw their potential as a doll and set out to work on the project. Soon after, Madame Alexander’s ad in Playthings magazine introduced the Little Shaver doll inspired

by Elsie Shaver’s paintings.

And the second series of Little Shaver dolls were created.

They were proclaimed as first line sellers at F.A.O. Schwarz, Wanamaker, Neiman Marcus and other luxury stores.

In Madame Alexander’s interpretation of the Victorian Children’s paintings by Elsie Shaver, the Little Shaver dolls came in five sizes and many colors. These cloth dolls were reminiscent of the many cloth dolls that Madame Alexander had created during the World War I years 1914-1918 when she first began producing cloth dolls.

Little Shaver dolls were manufactured in 1942-1943. Since these cloth dolls were produced during the World War II (19391945) years, cloth was easier to source than the composition doll parts for other dolls.

Interestingly, Madame Alexander was also a force in the fashion industry in the 1950s with her Cissy doll and the fashions created for that hard plastic 21-inch doll just like Dorothy Shaver did in creating “The American Look” in 1932. Dorothy Shaver continued to promote American fashion designers up until her early death in 1959 from a stroke.

The Alexander Doll Company brought back the Little Shaver dolls in 2000-2001.

During Dorothy’s lifetime, Elsie kept detailed files on her sister’s public life accumulating a rich archive of newspaper

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10-inch and 12-inch cloth Little Shaver Dolls 1942 by Madame Alexander. Dresses are tagged “Little Shaver / Madame Alexander New York.” Courtesy of Theriaults “The Rodney Waller Collection – Part One,” 2019.

clippings, speeches and photographs. Those archives are now housed in the National Museum of American History as the “Dorothy Shaver Papers.”

On Valentine’s Day 1942, Elsie Shaver decorated the Lord & Taylor department stores display windows with 20 Shaver figures at the direction of her sister. Several photographs survive of her display windows. One is entitled “All Dressed up in their Sunday Best.” And the second one is a cotton caricature of the Duchess of Windsor.

In 1942 the Museum of Modern Art created a display of the first translucent China dinnerware to be produced in the United States. The dinnerware was

designed by Eva Zeisel and produced by Castleton China. In 1942, the firm commissioned 15 contemporary artists including Elsie Shaver, Salvador Dali and others to create painted designs on the Castleton China. The China was displayed in New York stores where orders could be placed for future delivery at B. Altman, John Wanamaker, Black Star & Gorham Inc. and George Jensen, Inc. Elsie Shaver died in 1981 at the age of 86 in New York. Madame Alexander, Bertha Alexander Birnbaum, died in 1990 at the age of 95. It is interesting that these three entrepreneurial women were all brought together with a simple cloth Little Shaver doll.

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The Story of

Nun Dolls

by Father François Sainte-Marie

Nun dolls?

Yes, nun dolls. atholic nuns and sisters have been dressing dolls in their distinctive garb (called “habits”) for many, many years.

But why?

There are a few basic reasons: as a model of the habit for all the sisters in a given order or congregation, as a souvenir for the families of young women entering cloistered (enclosed) convents, and as a means of fundraising for the schools, hospitals and missions run by the nuns and sisters.

Before the days of inexpensive photography, dolls were used to model the distinctive garb that all the sisters

of a given order or congregation were to wear. Often, even before the recognition of a new congregation was granted by the authorities of the Catholic Church, a doll was dressed in the proposed habit and submitted with the other documents concerning the new foundation.

Many of these dolls are lovingly conserved in the sister’s archives.

At times it became necessary to modify a habit. The seamstress at the Motherhouse would dress dolls in the modified habit and send them to all of the houses of the congregation so that the local seamstresses could use them as models.

L’Enfant à la poupée (Child with a Doll) by Anne-Genevieve Greuze, 18th century. Courtesy Musee du Louvre, Grand Palais.

Girl with Doll Dressed as a Nun after a painting by Jean Baptiste Simeon Chardin, Pierre Louis Surugue, print maker

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In my research I came across the story of a small French-Canadian congregation that asked to join a larger congregation based in France.

The seamstress at the Motherhouse in France dressed a doll in the habit of the congregation and entrusted it to a young priest who was travelling to Quebec. During the long boat ride, the young priest took the doll out and played with it a bit. Months later when the French Mother Superior was finally able to visit the new sisters in Canada she was appalled to see that they were wearing a headpiece that was completely different from that of the sisters in France. The priest, in playing with the doll, had accidently taken the headpiece off and unknowingly handed the doll over to the Canadian sisters with the “coiffe” on backwards.

In May of 1996 a fine and rare 17th century wooden doll known as The Swarbrick Nun came up for auction at Sotheby’s in London.

The Swarbrick Nun was auctioned again at Bonhams in 2009. She is an English wooden doll, circa 1680. Courtesy Sotheby’s and Bonhams.

RIGHT: A rare Choir Sister nun doll, probably 18th century. Sold by Reeman Dansie Auctioneers.

Courtesy Reeman Dansie Auctioneers.

BELOW: A Lay Sister or Novice nun doll, probably 18th century, sold by direction of the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre. Courtesy Reeman Dansie Auctioneers.

ABOVE: A George III wooden doll dressed as a nun, English circa 1780, sold at Bonhams. Courtesy Bonhams.

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In 1965, the Catholic Church asked all nuns and sisters to modernize their habits. Of course, by that time it was easier to take photographs than to dress dolls but these modifications did cause many congregations to dress dolls and place them on display in order to demonstrate the progression of their religious habit. The modern habits were much less distinctive than the foundation habits, so the sisters pretty much quit dressing dolls at this time.

It should be noted that in the 1950s and 1960s there were toy companies that mass produced nun dolls. They were dressed in black or white taffeta habits and they

Two Marianites of the Holy Cross sisters proudly displaying a doll that they dressed in their former habit for their own archives.

Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary with her “mini-me.”

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did not represent any order or congregation in particular.

They were, however, a popular Christmas or birthday gift for little Catholic girls.

There is a very strong tradition of dressing nun dolls among the contemplative or cloistered orders. These are convents of nuns that are enclosed and who dedicate themselves solely to prayer. When a young woman entered one of these convents, she was essentially saying goodbye to her family forever. Aside from a short annual visit, she would have little or no contact with her parents and siblings from that moment on. As a postulant or novice, the young women would dress a doll in the habit that she would wear for the rest of her life and then gift it to her family on or before the day of her entry into the novitiate.

In my personal collection I have several of these dolls but one stands out in my memory. I was working in Lourdes, France, when I received a letter from an elderly couple whom I did not know. The letter said that they had a nun doll that had been dressed by the woman’s older sister when she left to join a strict cloistered monastery. The couple had only one son who was not at all interested in the doll, and they did not want to sell it, so they asked me if I would like to have it. I wrote back and told them that I would be honored. A couple of weeks later the package arrived. It was a beautiful doll, skillfully dressed, that came with a letter that brought tears to my eyes. In it, the big sister says that, although she would not be there to see her little sister grow up, she would love her and pray for her for the rest of her life.

Carmelite of the Sacred Heart with the nun who dressed her.

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ABOVE and LEFT: Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (dressed by the author).

RIGHT: Patty Playpal dressed as a Sister of St Anne.

Sometimes the young woman preparing to enter a cloistered convent would create a diorama of her “cell” to help her loved ones imagine what her life would be like in the convent. These dioramas are like windows into what the Church has always called “the hidden life” and were handed down from generation to generation in the families of the nuns until their memory was lost. I have had the privilege of finding several such treasures.

By far the most popular reason for dressing nun dolls was in order to raise money. Anyone who is close to active sisters knows that they are always in need of money for their good works. This also explains why there are more nun dolls in the United States than in any other country in the world. When the Irish, Italian and German immigrants came to the United States seeking a better life, they brought their Catholic sisters with them.

These religious women had to open schools and clinics and hospitals and fund them with little or no help. One of the ways that they did this was by dressing dolls in their habits and selling them. Not all the sisters did this, but those who ran schools almost all did. It was also a way of fostering vocations to the religious life among their students.

Two Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth with a doll dressed for a fundraiser.

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Two School sisters of Notre Dame, in the original habit and the modified habit.

Then came what I like to call “the nostalgia period,” a period in which people other than the sisters began to dress nun dolls commercially. I would place this period in the 1980s to early 1990s. There was a former Franciscan friar named Bryan Reynolds who founded a company called “Ecclesiastical Dolls” about that time. He then partnered with a Polish-American family by the name of Choleva and continued making nun dolls under the name of Genuine Nun Dolls, Inc. Later the Choleva family founded another company called Blessing Nun Dolls which ceased production around 2010. Despite the advertising, none of these dolls were historically accurate. They did however vaguely resemble the habits worn by the sisters and the baby boomers liked them because they reminded them of the religious women that they had known and loved.

Aside from these companies, there was also a former Dominican nun named Tanya Williams who founded a cottage industry with her husband Noel under the name of Our Mutual Friends. He made the porcelain dolls from antique molds and she dressed them in the different habits. Tanya’s work was much more historically accurate, probably because she had been a nun herself. Lastly, I would like to mention another artist, Josie Lemming, who dressed Barbie dolls in religious garb. Despite the very small scale, her dolls are incredibly detailed. Sadly, none of these talented people are dressing dolls today.

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ABOVE: Armand Marseille doll dressed as a Spanish Carmelite.

BELOW: Daughter of St. Vincent de Paul.

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Two sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament, one fully professed sister (black veil) and one novice (white veil).

Adoration Sister of the Holy Spirit.

Norbertine friar.

ABOVE: Poor Clare nun in her “cell” sewing priestly vestments.

RIGHT: Mary Hoyer as a Poor Clare. Workshop at the 2024 UFDC convention.

Catholics do not have an exclusivity when it comes to dressing dolls of faith. There are the beautiful Door of Hope dolls, the Presbyterian cloth dolls, the stunning Japanese dolls that often have religious connotations, the Amish and Mennonite dolls and others. There are avid collectors of these beautiful dolls who would speak more knowledgeably about them than I ever could.

Today there is a resurgence in the interest in nun dolls.

I remember a conversation with an antique doll vendor in which she told me that she used to buy antique nun dolls and redress them because “no one wanted a nun doll.”

Cringe! It is not so today. Dolls dressed in religious garb have become rare and collectors are asking for them again.

The other day I sat down and did the math. The sisters who wore the former habit before the changes brought about in 1965 are now retired, and the seamstresses who sewed the habits have almost all gone to their eternal reward.

Is this the end of nun dolls? Perhaps not. There are new congregations emerging in the Church today and they almost all wear a distinctive habit. Some of them have even started dressing dolls…

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LIBERTY OF LONDON DOLLS: A Stitch of History

By Elizabeth Bentley Hamilton Photography by Eugene Frye

T

hat moment of anticipation when you hear the voice of a trusted dealer on the other end of the telephone—one who knows exactly what you are looking for—is almost as exciting as learning what the newest addition to your collection will be. When Terry Mahoney of Kathy’s and Terry’s Dolls, Ruby Lane, called to say she had not only a rare Queen Guinevere but also a hard-to-find William “The Conqueror” Liberty of London doll, I was delighted.

It has been more than a year since I became a collector of vintage Liberty of London hand sewn dolls, starting with those created for the 1937 Coronation of King George VI and for the 1953 Coronation of his daughter, Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. As a large number had been made, those popular dolls were not too difficult to find, often appearing amongst the inventories of fine auction houses such as Theriaults. It is not unusual however, for a few months to pass without availability of

All made for the Coronation of King George VI, the Dean of Westminster, the Archbishop of York, Lord John and Lady Alice, enjoy the occasion.

The Archbishop of Canterbury stands by an original Official Program for the Queen’s Coronation in 1953, which was a special gift from Beatrice, my daughter-in-law.

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a single desired, more obscure Liberty.

Thus there was reason to celebrate when Tudor Royals King Henry VIII, Queen Anne Boleyn and the elusive Queen Elizabeth I surfaced and were offered for sale. They and other Libertys are pictured in my article published in the September 2023 issue of Antique DOLL Collector magazine, which describes the construction and tells a brief history of these dolls. Since that time, a number of Libertys have been added to my collection, starting with one from my wish list. The Archbishop of Canterbury, made for the Coronation in 1937 and replicated again in 1953, is wearing his gold silk brocade vestments, hand embroidered cope and crystal bead Pectoral Cross. He is a lovely gift from my daughter Catherine. Next came a second King Henry VIII, lavishly dressed in a gold chain Livery Collar and “diamond” medallion. The Liberty dolls of King Henry VIII were all fashioned after his portrait by Hans Holbein “the younger,” but differ in the rich fabrics used. The “Bristow Hat” preserved in Hampton Court Palace is said to be an original. All Liberty Henrys wear his signature hat.

Two beautiful versions of the young Queen Victoria were made to commemorate her Coronation in 1838.

The first, in which she is garbed in the billowing gold peau-de-soie Robe Royal, delicate Stole Royal and heavy Crown of Saint Edward, represents the Coronation ceremony itself. This splendid doll is one of several Libertys given to me by my daughter Elizabeth and her husband.

The second version, wearing a blue sash, jewelry and Imperial State Crown, is modeled after the portrait of her as the newly Coronated Queen and Empress of India, painted by Sir George Heytar.

A third version was made of Queen Victoria, depicting her in her later years as a grumpy looking widow, attired in black to mourn the loss of her beloved husband, Prince Albert.

Present at both coronations, the High Lord Chamberlain, the Lord Chief Justice in his red robes and the Speaker of the House, gather to gossip.

King George V was loved by the people for seeing England through “the Great War” World War I. His wife, Queen Mary of Tec, wears her rarely seen white gown. The version of her in yellow, is expected.

This Liberty is an extremely fine likeness of Queen Victoria’s son, King Edward VII. With his marvelously huge cloak and polished wood walking stick, he is off to the theater.

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Two charming versions of Queen Victoria were made in remembrance of her Coronation Day in 1838, and a third doll recalls her widowed years mourning her dearest love, Prince Albert.

King Charles II bravely battled the Great Fire of London in 1666. Holding his Stick of Office is a rare Officer in His Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honorable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms.

A vision of power and wealth, King Henry VIII stands by his first wife, the admirable Queen Catherine of Aragon. The quilted silk of her underskirt appears only on Henry’s wives.

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Liberty of London dolls can be an inspiration for historic research, and those interested in genealogy may appreciate that five generations of British Rulers with direct line decent from parent to child, are accurately represented as Liberty dolls fashioned after well-known portraits. A sixthgeneration doll was actually made in the likeness of the current King of England, Charles III, as a child at his mother’s Coronation. He and his little sister Anne, the Princess Royal, are exceedingly hard to find and remain on my list. As Liberty of London dolls were discontinued in 1959, due to the difficulty in filling orders without raising prices, the child Prince ends the series of British Royals.

Ordinary fabrics such as cotton, wool and felt were used to clothe the numerous non-Royal dolls made

by Liberty of London. Three sets of village couples are nice examples of these authentically costumed dolls.

The Welsh couple measures the usual height of Libertys, between nine to eleven inches. The much earliermade Irish and Scottish couples are proportionally smaller and are quite scarce. As with the Royals, the attention to detail is ever present.

The Irish lad thoughtfully holds his shillelagh, the Welsh man proudly wears his tall hat, and the Scottish couple sport the Tartan plaid of the Thomson-camel (yellow) clan.

Designed in pairs, these dolls could also be purchased individually.

Although a visionary, when Arthur Lasenby Liberty obtained a loan and opened his London store featuring luxurious materials in 1875, he could not foresee that its success and expanse would become so great that playwright Oscar Wilde would term the department store “the chosen resort of the artistic shopper,” or that in Italy, the Art Nouveau movement would be called “Stile Liberty.” He

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could not have anticipated that in 1913 he would be knighted, and as Sir Arthur Liberty, have his stately portrait painted by Arthur Hacker that same year. Yet what might surprise and amuse him most, would be to learn that in the twentyfirst century, dolls fashioned from remnants of his fabrics would be eagerly sought-after by collectors, and that a commemorative book simply titled “Liberty; A History” would be published.

Similarly, seamstress sisters Kathleen and Ada Peat witnessed the success of their creative workmanship as large consignments of their hand sewn, hand sculpted cloth over armature Liberty dolls were sent to America (Collectors will be pleased to see the sepia-toned photograph of the Peat sisters as young ladies, published in a June 2020 article in Antique DOLL Collector magazine on Libertys made in the likeness of the elderly Queen Victoria, by doll expert Elizabeth Ann Coleman).

The Norman King William I, the Conqueror of England, hero of the Bayeaux Tapestry, builder of the Tower of London, originator of the Domesday Book, as made by Liberty after an early engraving.

In simple yet appropriate attire, Camelot’s fabled Queen Guinevere with her enigmatic expression, brings the legendary Arthurian tales to life.

She is elegant, and rare.

Four unrelated historic figures: William Shakespeare with scroll and quill pen; Captain John Smith, befriended by Pocahontas; Lord Horatio Nelson, heroic British Naval Officer; Abraham Lincoln, one of only two American Presidents made by Liberty.

Three sets of village couples were made: an early Irish pair with shillelagh; a later made Welsh couple; an early Scottish lad and lassie wearing the authentic Thomson-camel tartan.

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While it is typical for Liberty of London dolls to have white cloth labels sewn under the hems of gowns and capes, and paper hang-tags affixed to their arms, it is of interest to note that four recently acquired dolls arrived with white identification cards, numbered and dated museum style, with no explanation. One of the four also has a larger than usual hang-tag attached, stating the name and address of Liberty doll promoter Elsie Clark Krug’s importing business. Surpassing the Kimport Doll Company of Missouri in quantity of Libertys ordered, her home business became the largest purveyor of Liberty of

London dolls this side of the Atlantic. It was her insistent request for “more” that we have to thank for the volume of Libertys we have in this country. They are a continued joy to discover and collect.

REFERENCES: “Liberty of London Royal Dolls: A Collector’s Tale” by Elizabeth Bentley Hamilton (Antique DOLL Collector, September 2023) “Queen Victoria As A Widow” by Elizabeth Ann Coleman (Antique DOLL Collector, June 2020)

These numbered white identification cards, prepared in museum format, are dated in the year 1970. Each is pictured placed by the named Liberty of London doll.

This is the only card with an attached hangtag of unusually large size. It is descriptive front and back, and printed with the name and address of Elsie Clark Krug’s home business.

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Cody Thompson, Dollmaker An Interview with the Artist

by Laurie Baker

A

re you drawn to the historic, wooden Queen Anne dolls of 18th century England? If so, you are not alone.

My fascination with replica Queen Anne wooden dolls shows no sign of fading. There are quite a few doll artisans working today whose dolls are exemplary. I discovered Cody Thompson when I found his tiny 5 ½-inch doll on eBay. Though new to me, Cody is not new to many of you, I am sure. Once again, I am late to the party, but better late, than never. I purchased Cody Thompson with his dolls the little doll, beautifully dressed in silk, with fourteen pieces of tiny clothing. I named her Mathilde. She piqued my curiosity. How can anyone make itsy patterns and sew such small clothing, let alone carve those little, tiny fingers, forearms, legs, and torso? I contacted the artist, who agreed to this interview, and generously shared his photographs. This article is the result of that inquiry.

When you were a little boy, did you have a lot of stuffed animals, dolls, or action figures?

I have an early memory of my older brother saying I could be an architect when I grew up, when we were playing with blocks one day, and I’ve always kind of been known as the “creative” one in the family. My mom was usually crafting, as was my dad, in his own way, so it does run in the family. Also, there was an older English woman down the street who made, collected, and did repairs on dolls, so I was lucky to be raised in an environment like that.

I think my inspiration was mostly from the toys of my childhood and the things I learned from my mom, like sewing and needlework. Working with the fur would probably be inspired by Jim Henson’s Muppets and Fraggles, which my whole family seemed to like. Sewing synthetic fur can be difficult.

The real hard part is cutting the base fabric without cutting the nap, and the mess it makes.

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Cody’s smallest doll, 5 ½-inch Mathilde

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Did you take a lot of art classes in high school/college?

Not that many art classes, mainly due to ditching a lot in high school and not graduating, and only dabbling in community college. Art was certainly where I excelled in school, though.

You started making English wooden dolls in 2018. What inspired you to go in that direction. Which is your smallest doll, and the largest?

In about 2005, after a few years of mostly making plush or stuffed animals, I started dabbling in other things, like sequin embroideries and carving wood for the first time. At that time, I was interested in kachinas and santos and made a few of those for myself. At some point, after I discovered the Queen Anne/English wooden-type dolls on the internet, I really wanted to own one. I also discovered how much those original dolls from the 18th century sell for, so I knew that if I wanted one, I had to make it myself. I knew I could sew and carve wood, so I decided to give it a try and surprised myself, a little, with the result. The smallest, so far, is 5 ½ inches tall, and the largest, 24 inches.

About long does it take to make a wooden doll?

I have been asked that before, and it’s a hard question to answer. So far, the way I do it is I make a set of finished naked dolls, and then dress those, one at a time, until they are all dressed. Then I start carving more. The whole cycle can take up to a year or more, depending on how many dolls I carve and what else I am doing at the time.

Cody’s first wooden doll

What other types of dolls have you created?

The stuffed ones, the kachinas and santos, and the English woodens. I have made outfits before, for some of the vintage fashion dolls I have collected.

Did woodcarving come naturally to you?

I think it’s more of a thing where if I set my mind to it, then I will be able to do it. Also, the kachinas, santos, and the English wooden dolls all can have varying “folkartiness” to them, where proportions aren’t perfect, and so one doesn’t have to be a precise woodcarver to make them.

How do you go about making the dolls?

I buy basswood carving blanks from eBay and I have templates I’ve made from antique dolls from the internet.

I trace those onto the blocks to get a rough shape which I usually cut by hand. I finish carving them with a knife and small files and sandpaper. I make the eyes with glass enamel powder and copper in a small kiln (been trying to perfect the bulging pupil). After setting the eyes into the wood I cover the head and upper torso (sometimes the hands and lower arms or entire doll) in gesso I make from

Step One, carving

scratch using an old recipe. After the gesso layers dry, I smooth it out and carve out the eyes. At this point that are ready to paint. I usually use regular artist oil paint but I have made my own milk paint before; it was fun and I highly recommend people make their own milk paint and paint something. After the paint is dry, I’ll make the upper arms of linen and attach them with the lower arms to the ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR

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dolls and nail on a wig-cap. After that I’ll fit them for wire stands, I bend out of steel wire (they are easier to dress when they can stand on their own.) I’ll often hand tie human hair on to silk wefts for the wigs if I don’t have any good antique wefts on hand. After all that I make the shoes and clothes by hand and dress the doll, usually “antiquing” the doll and clothes as I go.

Who taught you to sew? Do you sew mainly by hand or do you use a machine on occasion?

I learned to sew from watching my mom and getting into her sewing supplies. I sew strictly by hand for the 18th century-style dolls I make. I use a machine for everything else, usually.

Do you collect dolls, or have any other collections? Did anyone in your primary family have a collection of things, not necessarily dolls?

I do collect other dolls, mostly 60s-70s dolls, with vintage Barbie, Sasha Morgenthaler, and other European dolls being among my favorites. My parents were big collectors in general, my dad specialized in Militaria.

Is art your primary vocation?

Art and crafts have been more of a hobby in the past. I spent a few years, mostly taking care of my elderly parents, who both passed late last year. Now I do plan on focusing more on making dolls.

Have you ever made a Higgs-style wooden doll?

I have not yet made one of those earlier-type dolls. I do like, especially, the very different bodies they have, as compared to the later ones. The Higgs-type dolls have very distinct faces that I haven’t tried to carve yet, perhaps because it seems more difficult to me. I’m sure I’ll give it a try someday, as I would definitely like to dress a doll in earlier-type clothing. I especially want to make one of those crazy early caps with the towering lace and wire at the front, like Lady Clapham has.

(Readers may access a copyrighted photo of Lady Clapham online, courtesy of the Victoria and Albert Museum.)

Undressed doll, fully articulated

Would you share an anecdote or two about your craft? Something amazing, funny, unexpected?

Years ago, while living in Rhode Island, I was making a few plush dolls for a music-video director who lived in Los Angeles. I shipped the three finished dolls to him, and they were intercepted at the post office in Los Angeles by the S.W.A.T. team. Guns in hand, the S.W.A.T team, wearing bullet-proof vests and helmets, took the package to my client and made him open the package at his home, in front of them.

I assume they were expecting something illegal. They all got a good laugh when out came the anatomically-correct, yellow felt puppets!

My client was pretty freaked out, at first. Still, we don’t know why that happened that day.

Where do you see your doll-making headed, in the future?

Gosh, who knows? Definitely, more woodens. Maybe a Higgstype or two. There’s a charming doll at the Victoria & Albert Museum named “Sophie,” a later 18th century doll I’d like to emulate in a doll 44

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Three woodens carved by Cody Thompson.

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of my own. (Readers may access the V&A’s copyrighted photo of Sophie online.) One of my favorite things to do is learn about fashions and tailoring of the 18th century, and apply that to the dolls, so definitely, more of that.

I am grateful for Cody’s sharing his story with us. Now, let’s get up close and personal with little Mathilde. Her personality is much larger than her stature. She has to be fearless, displayed in a cabinet with dolls so much larger than she. She has inset glass eyes, and eyebrows delineated with tiny dots. She is fully articulated, with delicately-carved fingers with opposable thumbs.

Her fourteen articles of clothing include: a white cotton chemise; matching petticoat; silk petticoat; pair of panniers; boned corset; striped silk skirt; silk bodice with back panels; antique lace pinafore; knee socks; shoes; straw hat, and a lace cap. That’s quite a wardrobe for such a little lady.

Though small enough to hide inside an antique, miniature English cupboard, she is just the right size for her spinning wheel.

I am grateful she arrived with her own little stand. There are none small enough that would do the job.

Mathilde has a small trunk, filled with accessories, and a glass Nature Dome display, with tiny quail and flora.

For perspective, compare her with a 20-inch Old Pretenders doll. She is small enough to be the larger doll’s toy, and might get stepped on, if she is not careful.

She is shown here with doll artist Marina Savchuk’s 12-inch wooden doll.

Mathilde stands on an antique miniature Windsor chair, which dwarfs her.

Discovering Cody’s dolls has been a grand adventure for me.

Each face is unique, with an aged complexion and a demure smile. Mathilde looks as though she were about to tell me a carefullyguarded secret. As Cody said, having an antique Queen Anne doll is beyond most budgets. But having one of his dolls is not only possible, but probable. Now that he has begun to focus primarily on making English wooden dolls, we look forward to seeing his ladies (and gentlemen) in various sizes, dressed in elegant costumes in the style of the day. As for my future, do I see another Cody Thompson doll on the horizon? You bet!

Perhaps you do, as well.

Cody makes the dolls’ shoes and clothes by hand.

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Auction Calendar Theriault’s Kathy Libraty’s Antique Dolls

Paula Claydon 914-939-8982

Eyelash27@aol.com Member NADDA & UFDC

www.evelynphillipsdolls.com

Fri., Mar. 14, 2025 50 Forward: Barbie and Friends Sat.-Sun., Mar. 29-30, 2025 Marquis: Marquis Antique Doll Auction Weekend Sun., May 18, 2025 Marquis: Barbie Doll Auction Location: Marriott Raleigh Durham Research Triangle Park Sat.-Sun., Jun. 7-8, 2025 Marquis: Antique Doll Auction Sat., Jun. 21, 2025 Marquis: Japanese Doll Auction Theriaults Gallery | 410.224.3655 info@theriaults.com | www.theriaults.com

SAS (Special Auction Services) 1) Fabulous 18” Tete Jumeau in Frilly White Outfit......$2,300 2) Heart Warming Antique 16.5” Kestner 171 in Antique Nurse Costume................................................................... $1,650 3) Gorgeous 17.5” Closed-Mouth Tete Jumeau in Stunning Antique Rose Print Frock.......................................... $5,350 ~Layaway Always Available~ Call us at: 718.859.0901 Or email: KathyLibratysDolls@gmail.com www.rubylane.com/shop/kathylibratysantiques

SARA BERNSTEIN DOLLS

FRIZELLBURG ANTIQUE STORE Quality Antiques in a Country Store Setting

View Quality Dolls at affordable prices. 100’s of pictures and prices at my Ruby Lane Shop...

1909 Old Taneytown Rd. Westminster, MD 21158

www.sarabernsteindolls.rubylane.com

OPEN Thur - Sun 11-5

santiqbebe@aol.com • 732-536-4101

Do you have a doll or small collection you want to sell in the Emporium?

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For More Info, Contact: Louann at (872) 216-8842 or email louannw@antiquedollcollector.com 46

18” Jumeau Simonne Fashion. Circa 1863-1878. Kid over wood upper arms, lower bisque arms and hands. Gusseted kid leather body. Deep purple Antique walking suit with matching chapeau, undies and boots......$5900.00

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410-848-0664

Need to complete your collection?

Tue., Mar. 11, 2025 The David Finn Collection of Toys from Thüringia and Erzgebirge Tue., Apr. 15, 2025 Popular Dolls & Teddy Bears Auction Newbury, UK | +44 (0) 1635 580 595 mail@specialauctionservices.com | specialauctionservices.com

Withington Auction

Mid-Mar., exact date TBD Doll Auction DoubleTree by Hilton, 2 Somerset Pkwy, Nashua, NH 603.478.3232 | withington@conknet.com www.withingtonauction.com

Alderfer Auction

Tue., Mar. 25, 2025 10:00 AM ET Online Auction Catalog of Antique and Other Fine Dolls 501 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, PA 19440 215.393.3000 | www.alderferauction.com

Ladenburger Spielzeugauktion Fri.-Sat., Apr. 4-5, 2025 Spring Auction Fri.-Sat., Jun. 20-21, 2025 Summer Auction Sat., Jun. 28, 2025 Steiff Special Auction in Giengen Fri.-Sat., Oct. 10-11, 2025 Autumn Auction Sat., Nov. 8, 2025 Steiff Special Auction 0049 (0) 6203 13014 | mail@spielzeugauktion.de www.spielzeugauktion.de

Sweetbriar Auction

Sat., Apr. 5, 2025 Doll & Toy Auction Crescent Shrine, 700 Highland Drive, Westampton, NJ 410.275.2213 | sweetbriar@live.com | sweetbriarauctions.com

DOTTA Auction

Check out Back Issues at antiquedollcollector.com and find the right one!

Sat., Apr. 19, 2025, 10 AM ET, Doors open 8:30 AM Special Previews: TBD April 2025 Antique Doll Auction Nazareth Auction Center 330 W. Moorestown Road (Rt. 512), Nazareth, PA www.dottaauction.com | info@dottaauction.com

Morphy Auctions

Wed.-Thu., May 21-22, 2025 Toys & General Collectibles 2000 North Reading Road, Denver, PA 17517 877-968-8880 | Fax: 717-336-7115 | morphyauctions.com

MARCH 2025

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Calendar of Events Send in your Free Calendar Listing to: Antique DOLL Collector, c/o Calendar, P.O. Box 349, Herndon, Virginia 20172 or events@antiquedollcollector.com If you plan on attending a show, please call the number to verify the date and location as they may change. Auctions in Blue.

Some events have additional information online. Check antiquedollcollector.com > events.

LONG TERM Until Mar 3, 2025 ~ Kansas City, MO. “Portrait of Childhood: Black Dolls from the Collection of Deborah Neff” runs through at the National Museum of Toys and Miniatures. Located at University of Missouri-Kansas City. 5235 Oak St. 816-235-8000.

MARCH 2025

1 ~ Escondido, CA. Cameo Doll Club Show & Sale. 10 AM - 2:30 PM. New Location: Escondido Elks Club. 2430 S. Escondido Blvd.

Info: Nancy Verdugo. 760 546-5023.

1 ~ Phoenix, AZ. “Celebrating the World of Dolls” Doll, Bear, Miniature Show & Sale.World Doll Day Shows & Events. 10 AM - 3 PM. Shrine Auditorium, 552 N. 40th St. Door Prizes, Raffles/Helpers (Benefits Local Charities). Admission: $10, Children 12 & under free. Mary Senko. 425-330-1770. mary.senko@worlddolldayshows.com or mary.senko@comcast.net. WorldDollDayShows.com.

1 ~ Fletcher (Asheville), NC. Asheville Doll, Toy & Miniature Show. 9:30 AM - 3 PM (ET).

Southeastern Doll Shows. WNC Agricultural/Boone Bldg, 761 Boylston Hwy. Jackie Stone. 828-505-2287. jackiestone@charter.net. SoutheasternDollShows.com 2 ~ Buena Park, CA. Sherri’s Doll Show And Sale Featuring Barbie Dolls. Sun. 9 AM - 2:30 PM. Double Tree, 7000 Beach Blvd. Sherri Gore.

424-394-7612. sherribean7@aol.com.

7-9 ~ Rock Island, IL. Antique Spectacular Vintage Market. Fri. 4 - 8 PM; Sat. 10 AM - 6 PM; Sun. 10 AM - 4 PM. QCCA Expo Center, 2621 4th Ave. $10/FREE Parking. Kimberly Schilling, Melting Pot Productions, Inc. 712-326-9964.

Kim.aspectacular@gmail.com. AntiqueSpectacular.com.

8 ~ Lakeland, FL. Tropical Doll Study Club Doll and Bear Show and Sale. 10 AM - 3 PM. Lake Mirror Auditorium, 121 South Lake Ave. $5 for Adults, $1 for children up to 15. Nancy Nunn.

863-646-9409. GSMOM527@aol.com or Diane Milla, milladiane@gmail.com. 863-644-1144. www.tropicaldollstudyclub.com.

9 ~ DeWitt (Lansing), MI. Lansing Antique & Collectible Doll Show & Sale. 9:30 AM - 3 PM. Banquet & Conf Ctr of DeWitt, 1120 Commerce Park Dr. (off I-69). Adults: $5; Children under 12: $1. Sandy Johnson Barts. 269-599-1511. SJBbetsys@comcast.net.

Lansing Doll Show.com.

9 ~ Maquoketa, IA. 2nd All Iowa Doll Show, 9 AM - 3 PM, , AmericInn, 1910 Nairn Dr., $5

admission, early bird 8 AM $10 admission. Kim S., All.Iowa.Doll.Show@gmail.com. 319-939-7539.

9 ~ Pleasant Hill, CA. 2025 Spring Doll Show.

Independent Spirits Doll Club. 10 AM - 3 PM (PT). Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Ln, Admission at the door: $6.00 ($1 off with UFDC Membership card or flier/ad); Parking FREE. Jeff Doung. call/text 510-531-8972. bayareadollcluborg@gmail.com.

12 ~ Garden Grove, CA. Tri-County Doll Council Meeting. Wed 10 AM - 2 PM. First Presbyterian Church 11832 Euclid St. Info: Michele Wise-Simpson. 949-351-0512. edstvimi@hotmail.com.

Pacific Hwy W. Admission at the door: Early Bird: $10 (9 AM - 10 AM) Adults: $7; Children under 10: FREE. Verni Knight, c/t 541-979-2097. wagonwheeldollers@gmail.com.

25 ~ Online. Catalog of Antique and Other Fine Dolls. 10 AM (ET). Aldefer Auction. Online Auction at alderferauction.com. 215-393-3000.

29-30 ~ Anaheim, CA. 2025 Sherryl Shirran Family Estate, Doll And Toy Sale. Sat., 8 AM -4 PM & Sun., 9 AM -3 PM. 1304 S. Westchester Dr. Info: Mary Ann Spinelli 818-738-4591. nellingdolls@gmail.com.

Calendar continued on page 48

14-16 ~ Online. Online Sales Event.

BearHugs4u.com. info@bearhugs4u.com. www.bearhugs4u.com.

15 ~ Sarasota, FL. Venice Doll Club - FX Doll & Toy Show & Sale. VFW Sunshine Post 3233 124 South Tuttle Ave. Admission at the door: Early Bird: 8 AM - 9 AM $10. After 9 AM FREE. Parking: FREE. Bruce Zalkin, call/text 941-302-0572. fxtoyshows@gmail.com. www.fxtoyshows.com.

19 ~ San Diego, CA. Potpourri Day 2023. Wed., 8 AM -3 PM. Handlery Hotel, 950 Hotel Circle North. Info: Gloria Osborn. 619-298-2447. globob31@gmail.com.

22 ~ Raleigh-Durham, NC. Triangle Doll, Toy & Miniature Show. 9:30 AM - 3 PM (ET).

Southeastern Doll Shows. Amran Shriners Temple, 11101 Creedmoor Rd. Jackie Stone.

828-505-2287. jackiestone@charter.net. www.SoutheasternDollShows.com.

22 ~ Rickreall (Salem), OR. Wagon Wheel Dollers Show & Sale. Wagon Wheel Dollers Doll Club. Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S March 30 ~ Portland, OR. Portland Doll & Bear Show. 11 AM - 4 PM. Admission $10. Free Parking.Embassy Suites - Portland Airport, 7900 NE 82nd Ave. Joe Koury. 650-303-4140. joe@queensofthedollaisle.com. www.queensofthedollaisle.com.

April 26 ~ Nashville, TN. Dixie Doll-ers Doll Show and Sale. 9 AM- 3 PM. Woodmont Baptist Church, 2100 Woodmont Blvd. Free Parking, Admission $5.00. Susan Pennisi, rikkiap@comcast.net.

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MARCH 2025 CONT’D FROM PAGE 47 29 ~ Flat Rock (Hendersonville/Asheville), NC. Luncheon. Land O’Sky Doll Club. Kenmure Country Club, 100 Clubhouse Dr. Linda Campbell, c/t 828-899-0762. landoskydollclub@gmail.com.

LandoSkyDollClub.com.

29 ~ Jonesborough, TN. Doll Show & Sale. The Dollhouse. 9:30 AM - 3 PM. Jonesborough Visitor Center, 117 Boone St. FREE Admission. Ellen Stafford, c/t 423-753-0022, ellen@jonesdollhouse.com.

29 ~ Lodi, CA. Miniature Show & Sale. 9 AM - 6 PM (PT). Miniatures in the Wine Country. Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E Lockeford St. Admission at the door: Adults: $7; Children under 10: FREE. Parking: FREE. Debbie Heard. c/t 209-640-4762. fjdebbie@aol.com. miniaturesinthewinecountry.com.

29 ~ Waldorf, MD. The Third Annual Best Little Doll Show in Southern Maryland. 10 AM - 3 PM. Black-eyed Susan Doll Club. Old Waldorf School, 3074 Crain Hwy. Admission at the Door:

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Adults: $5; Children 12 and under: FREE. Parking: FREE. Pat Magruder, 301-843-0541. p.l.magruder@verizon.net.

30 ~ Hempstead (Long Island) NY. 42nd Annual Doll & Teddy Bear Show. 10 AM - 4 PM (ET). Doll Study Club of Long Island. Hofstra University, Sondra & David S. Mack Student Center (North Campus), 1000 Hempstead Turnpike. Admission at the door (Cash only): Adults: $7; Children 12 & under: $1. Kathy V. call only 516-799-3915, chaticath2@aol.com.

5 ~ Alexander, NY. Alexander Doll Show & Sale.

9:30 AM - 2:30 PM (ET). Alexander Firemen’s Recreation Hall, 10708 Route 98. Admission (Cash Only): Adults: $5; Children under 12: FREE. Parking: FREE. Linda V. 585-482-0835 - Lin C. sukeylin@yahoo.com.

5 ~ Brookline, NH. Rainbowbaz Bazaar Doll + Bear + Toy Show & Sale. Brookline Event Center 32 Proctor Hill Rd. Admission $3.50 Children 12 under free. Cindy Amburgey.

Rainbowbaz@aol.com. 978-857-9576.

5 ~ Fairhope AL. Doll Show & Sale. 10 AM - 3 PM (CT). Early bird: 9:30 AM. Eastern Shore Doll Study Club of Alabama. Fairhope Civic Center, 161 N. Section St. Admission at door (Cash Only): Early Bird (9:30 AM): $10; General: $5; Children: $1; Parking: FREE. Elizabeth Moore. c/t 251-401-1253. wmoore8062@gmail. com. Text 251-401-1253 for reg info.

5 ~ Hebron, KY. Triple Crown Doll Club Show & Sale. 10 AM -3 PM. Hebron Lutheran Church, 3140 Limaburg Rd., 2 miles from Cincinnati airport.

Deanna Parobeck. Parobeck.d@twc.com.

5 ~ Madison, WI. Madison Area Doll Club “Dreams Do Come True” 53rd Annual Doll Show and Sale. 9 AM - 3 PM, Early Bird at 8 AM. Exhibition Hall, Alliant Energy Center. 1919 Alliant Energy Way. Admission $10; 12 and under FREE. Parking $8.

Vicki. vickijkutz@gmail.com. 608-279-5298.

More doll events & info at

antiquedollcollector.com > Events

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