March 2026

Antique DOLL Collector March 2026 Vol. 29, No. 3

• Protean Figure by Samy Odin • Ernst Reinhart • Dionne Quintuplets • Margaret Strong & Samuel Pryor

by Elizabeth Ann Coleman ...and a pattern

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LAYAW AVAILA AY BLE 13.5” Beautiful Early Bahr & Proschild 137?

6, blue treaded eyes, stiff wrist French type body, EJ style dress, sm left eye chip $945.

13” Jumeau French Fashion size 1, blue glass eyes, leather body, hands as is $995.

17” Heubach Pouty Boy #7602 6 w/ sunrise mark, blue intaglio eyes, antique sailor suit, small cheek rubs $595.

26.5” S & H K * R 402 60 w/ blue flirty eyes, original mohair wig, antique clothing $515.

23” German Princess 1, brown sl eyes, beautiful clothing, sweet face $225.

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 $495.

12” Bahr & Proschild character toddler CB & Co 620, brown sl eyes, mohair wig, sweet face $425.

5.5” Steiff mohair seated terrier w/ button & collar $79.95

16” RJW Little Bo Peep – Nursery Rhyme Series, 59/100 MIB $995.

20.5” Kestner I 129 13 w/ bl sl eyes, HH wig, pretty face $375.

20.5” Simon & Halbig CM Bergman 7, bl sl eyes, Orig mohair wig, pierced ears $295.

20.5” 1950’s Steiff Mohair Bear w/ growler & orig ribbon, great face $295.

14” AM 560A Baby in antique clothing, blue sl eyes $455.

2” Squee Pixie Resin BJD by Dream High Studio 2010 w/ Travelers Passcard, sweet & adorable to pose with lots of treasures $250.

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

American Character 1950’s w/ high facial coloring Fabulous 18.5” Toni all original in minty mint condition $175.

19” Betsy McCall blue flirty eyes all original wedding gown & veil, replaced shoes $220.

All Original 1950’s Alexander 12” Lissy in green organdy, auburn hair $1950. 12” & 8” Lissy & Alexander-kins BKW in matching outfits – checkered coat, ivory silk faille dress, high facial coloring $325. Pair

14” CM Tete Jumeau 17” on base Automation, LB key, br PW eyes, holding broken doll, works, top of rt arm repaired, redressed $2650.

17” Wendy Lawton – The Glove Marriage of Anneke Van De Lijn 127/150 on wooden body, with trunk, 3 extra gowns, glove box w/ embroidered gloves, has not been displayed, (mannequins not included) $695.

18” Kestner 220 on 5 piece toddler body, brown sleep eyes, head marked J. Made in Germany 13, JDK 220, known as Herbie, HH wig $1895. 17” Kestner 245 Hilda on toddler body, brown sl eyes, Head Marked : M Made in Germany 12, 245, JDK Jr, 1914, ©, Hilda $1450.

12” RJW Silly Goose Pales July 2006 L’Enfance de Beccassine 270/400, signed on tag by RJW, MIB $495.

15” Moppet Mae Meadow Resin BJ Doll w/ outfit, adorable face and wonderful joints $1095.

10” DyDee Baby in box w/ wrist tag, bubble pipe & booklet, extra clothes $150.

22” Heinrich Handwerch 109/12 N DEP, blue sleep eyes, pierced ears, HH wig, beautiful molding & coloring $395.

20” Sweet German 478 B & P, Bahr & Proschild, w/ blue flirty eyes, antique HH wig & clothing $375.

29.5” Madame Hendren A Mae Starr Talking doll w/ 6 Records – Now I Lay Me, One, Two, London Bridge, Old Mother Hubbard, Little Boy Blue, HH wig, paint on hands as is & legs, some crazing $395.

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 32 YEARS

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: Valerie Foley 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.

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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 ©2026 Antique DOLL Collector, all rights reserved.

17 1 ⁄ 2” Marked “Lily” Fashion Doll with Trunk and Trousseau. Mme. LavaleePerrone, owner of the Paris boutique, A La Poupee de Nuremberg, presented this elegant fashion doll in 1870, naming her “Lily”. Articulated leather over wood body with bisque arms (one hand repaired) and wood lower legs, swivel neck velvet covered deluxe trunk, with hats, accessories, and almost completely antique wardrobe.

Many more photos at www.maspinelli.com on the Fashion Doll Page. $18,750

Please view our newly improved website, 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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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

Block Letter FG - Charming petite 13” Block Letter FG with gorgeous pale bisque, large blue eyes w/ sweeping lashes, expressive rosy lips, and tinted cheeks. Rich silk wine & ecru lace costume w/ antique velvet chapeau. She has pierced ears & buckle-toe leather shoes. Wonderful condition & favorite cabinet size! $5675

Member UFDC & NADDA

17.5 inch Fashion - Simon Halbig has long remained a hallmark in the realm of Fashion Doll creation. She is a vision in her form fitting antique suit with coordinated chapeau. Her wood body is highly articulated & easy to pose. In excellent condition w/ beautiful pale bisque crowned w/a ginger colored mohair wig.

Such a gorgeous example! $7450

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16.5” Bru Juene 5 - If beauty and presence are high on your list, as well as superb function and stunning couture, w/ signed Bru shoes, this may be your dream Bébé! Chevrot body w/ bisque arms & highly functional wooden legs; she can even sit! She has the most exquisite face w/ dazzling blue eyes. Her beautiful mouth is perfectly formed showing just the tip of her tongue. Don’t let her get away! Brief layaway possible. Additional details & pics available. Please email. $22,800

Two Petite Fashion Ladies 1. 15 inch Kid on Wood Poupée with Provenance - Circa 1866.

Beautiful Fashion in Fantastic condition. Sculpted bisque hands & feet, body is easily posed. Black fur cloak over crème & black antique silk jacket. Black silk skirt and leather boots. Has provenance back to original purchase in 1866. Superb. $7995 2. 13.5 inch Kid body Fashion - Gorgeous & unique Fashion Doll with intriguing look, lovely silk dress and matching hat over antique blonde wig.

A lovely addition! $2450

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The Complete Guide to Antique, Vintage and Collectible Dolls

March 2026 Volume 29, Number 3

On the Cover LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Keep for another time what one day made us smile or weep—a biography, a history, a journal written by a thousand other hands, and yet our own.

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A 19 th Century Perspective

Dear Readers, Studying the 19th-century fascination with scrapbooking (and scrap screening) caused me to reflect on how the practice evolved in the 20th century, transitioning from collecting Victorian scraps to showcasing contemporary movie stars and public figures.

Our cover story this month highlights the Dionne Quintuplets, a popular scrapbook theme in the 1930s. Rodney Waller pays tribute to the five sisters in his article, focusing on the dolls made by Madame Alexander starting in the mid-1930s. Eventually, Rodney’s more detailed program on the Dionne sisters and Dionne dolls will be available online on UFDC’s YouTube channel.

Our continuing tribute to American dollmakers focuses on Ernst Reinhart, a German immigrant who came to the United States in 1909 and began his dollmaking business by 1913.

Samy Odin dedicates his popular column to the story of the “Protean Figure and Metamorphic Costumes.”

Elizabeth Ann Coleman returns to the pages of Antique DOLL Collector with a fascinating article on Margaret Woodbury Strong and Samuel Frazier Pryor, Jr., contemporaries (and competitors) in doll collecting during the 1960s.

Nicki Burley has designed a corselet dress pattern for Darlene Lane’s Violette, inspired by the pages of La Mode Ilustrée, 1868.

We wish each of you Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

THE DIONNE QUINTUPLETS Alexander's Miracle Babies

by Rodney Waller

MARGARET WOODBURY STRONG AND SAMUEL FRAZIER PRYOR, JR. In Competition

by Elizabeth Ann Coleman

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CELEBRATING AMERICA'S 250TH ANNIVERSARY Honoring American Dollmakers-Ernst Reinhart

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THE PROTEAN FIGURE

by Samy Odin

39 "PARIS PROMENADE" Corselet dress drawn from the pages of La Mode Ilustrée, 1868

Laurie McGill Editor-in-Chief

Featured on our cover this month is a rare, almost mint, set of Madame Alexander's Dionne Quintuplets.

The costumes are tagged "Genuine Dionne Quintuplet Dolls/All Rights Reserved/Madame Alexander NY." Their original boxes are stamped Model # 109, 1936. Courtesy Theriaults.

Departments

6 Letter from the Editor 10 Paper Doll Stories

by Samy Odin 47 Emporium 47 Auction Calendar 48 Events/Classified Ads Follow us on...

by Nicki Burley

SUBSCRIBE TO ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR, GO TO antiquedollcollector.com Subscription information: subs@antiquedollcollector.com or 631-261-4100 6

ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR

MARCH 2026

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1) 7.5” Unlisted Heubach Googly - Rare mold!

Puckish sprite, side glancing eyes, orig body, Crocheted Clothes in dainty layers! $950; 7” Tall German Candy Container - excel cond. $250 2) Lifelike 37” ‘Bebe Cosmopolite’ - 19” c Head! Bl eyes, orig. body, very pretty Antique Clothes & Shoes. Mint Doll! only $995; Magnificent Rare 18” Steiff Rooster- mint with All IDs & Hang Tag! $350

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3) Rare 6.5” Quack-aDoodle Candy Container – gl. eyes, compo feet, sgnd. Germany. $350; 12”Adorable Googly Boy in Blue Silk - large size, all mint, Factory Wig & great bisque. Special price $950 4) 11” Signed Pair Heubach ‘Cherry Pickers’ - Romance & symbolism abound in this lyrical couple! (one investment) $250 5) Factory Mint 14” Hilda - a captivating cabinet model, soft blue sl. eyes & All Orig. from Wig & pate to Booties! $895

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6) 21” Closed Mouth Steiner Bebe - ask about her special Signed Eyes & Stiff Wrist Body! Mohair wig & luxuriously fitted Couture w.

Chapeau & fancy Antique Leather Bootines. Mint. Not $4500 just $3200

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7) Rare 5.5” Pair Mint Steiff Lamby’s - Black & White w Paper Tag, Bell & Bow $395; choice White One complete with Bell all IDs plus FAO Schwarz red wooden Hang Tag. $295; Mint 3” Lying Steiff Rabbit - Gl. Eyes, Bow & all IDs. $190

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

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

matrixbymail@gmail.com

9) 14” Alexander ‘Tommy Bangs’- rare Little Men series, All Orig., clear eyes, Hat & Tag! $375; All Orig. ‘Amy’ w Floss Hair & clear eyes too. $175 10) 14” Alexander Rare Maggie Face ’Stuffy’- All Orig., Label & Cap. $375; All Orig. Margaret Face ‘Amy’ unusual dress w. Label & clear eyes too! $250 11) Scarce 24” Pintel et Godchaux Bebe - big blue PWs, creamy bisque, Shaded Lids, orig. body, pretty drop waist Framboise Chemise, hidden invisible flaw and a special price! Just $895

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8) 13” Cabinet Lori ‘232’ Baby Tender blue sleep eyes, mint body, sweet period layers.

Innocent, elegant & mild! $350

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12) Rare 15” ‘Flock Face’ Lenci Mama Doll in an Italian Boutique Box - truly rare Lenci Composition in organdy Factory Clothes & Shoes! Wow! $550 13) 22” Authentic 1955 ‘Eloise’ - The Little Girl at the Plaza - All Orig. & mint w. Hang Tag! not $495 just $350; Precious 10” ‘Little Shaver’ - early clean 1942 fabric Mme Alexander w Label & Purse. $145 14) 12” Factory Perfect ‘Jo-Jo’ Mint in Box - w tissue & Hang Tag & early tin litho sl. eyes plus Horsman Label $250; Yellow Chick Candy Container - 5” tall, zany & pebbled! $75

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15) Unusual Mint & Vintage Raggedys - 17” lively pair, Yellow Hair for a change plus unusual Printed Limbs, Stitched Eyes & only Lower Lashes. $250

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16) Special 12” Herm Steiner Character Infant w.

Living Eyes - mint prize w. Orig. Body & Clothes, Inquire about the unique Eye Mechanism. $350

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17) Early 16.5” Wide Hip Kathe Kruse- Has it all sgnd. Feet, Separate Thumb, Orig. paint & brush marks, sweet Period Clothes and Factory Shoes. A good one! $1500.

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18) 17” Furnished Early Converse House Bliss compatible size & styling, cut-out windows, second floor Balcony, open/clo door, Printed 2-Floor Interior! Excellent & Clean. $750 (dolls NFS) 19) A Happy 18” Orsini Toddler - All mint, gl. eyes, 2-rows of smiling teeth, 5-layers of fussy Organdy Clothes. A rare 1930’s delight. $595

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20) Important & Precious 10” Bisque Head ’Skippy’ - by Hertal Schwab, shoe button gl. eyes, iconic Patsy Pursed Lips, a palm size treasure. $575; Miniature 4” German Rabbit Container - tiniest size & top quality too! $250 21) 32” Sumptuous French Trade Halbig with Jumeau Brows -16” lustrous mint head! Chunky body in luxurious seamstress styling w Austrian pleats & her antique under-layers. Only $495; Lanky 18” Steiff Lulac - clean & unplayed. $60

22) Stunning 24” Lenci Teen - near perfect from head to toe in oodles of Ruffled Pink Organdy w. heart shaped face framed by soft mohair curls. $1495 23) Adorable Kewpie Baby in her Egg - perfect 9” character on jointed body tucked into her cozy German egg! $850 20

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24) Vintage AM 329 in her Egg choice 15” example w delightful delicate bisque, baby blue eyes & pretty floral dress. A dear one $260 25) 14” Rare Mme. Alexander ‘Fairy Queen’ - ca:1942 ‘Wendy Face’, Factory Complete w Tiara, Wand, Wings & Label. $395 26) Rare Lenci - see #12 27) All Original 16” Celluloid Toddler - so pretty & mint in her springtime layers incl Shoes. Just $115; 13” Very Rare Mint Brown Patsy - All Orig. incl Hat, Bracelet & sl. eyes too! $750

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

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

matrixbymail@gmail.com 28) Mint 18” Baby Stuart by Heubach w.

Decorated Bonnet - no chips on this elegant child wearing his Silken & Lace Edwardian Nursery Ensemble. Such a distinguished version of this Heubach favorite! $1495

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29) Miniature & Adorable 10” K*R 122 in Egg - blond & blue w satin bisque, deep dimples, sweet orig. pastel clothes, sleeps in her very own lidded egg! $375 30) ‘Miss Violette’ - An Elusive 18” W.D. Bebe by Wilhem Dehler - Closed Mouth Portrait Type, bl PWs, Orig. Wig/Pate, Stiff Wrists, Prettiest Original Clothes w violet floral pattern & matching be-flowered Chapeau & Leather shoes. Plus, her own matching Closed Mouth Doll! $3250 31) Splendid 15” Pre-1900 Topsy-Turvey Fashion - A fine quality upscale early Americana gem in vibrant Blue/Pink Silks in trunk-kept condition! $895

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32) Iconic Pull Toy ‘Doll Riding Lamb’ - indulgent Factory Original Etrenne on the early iron wheels, crisp/mint Little Girl riding atop her clean and fuzzy pet! What frivolity for your bebes. $1595 33) Scarce 27” French Composition Glass Eyed ‘Pauline’ w Closed Mouth practically mint, perfect complexion, Orig. Wig, Fabric Body, Underlayers & Bonnet.

Serene elegance. $950

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34) 14” Rare Factory Original Heubach Indian - most intricate of all Heubachs in mint condition, Uncut Wig, & orig. Headdress &Moccasins. $1350 35) John Bunny- The Celebrity Doll- Factory Original Clothes and he still has his Label! Truly unique find & UFDC Blue Ribbon winner! $750 36) 7” Cabinet Size Rare ‘Betty Bunny’ - German celluloid Finger Toy Googly (inquire) contained in her Orig Lidded Egg still w the hay. Signed & Dated. Quite novel! $250

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Paper Doll Stories by Samy Odin

The Protean Figure

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mong the iconic paper dolls of all time, “The Protean Figure and Metamorphic Costumes” is a classic that well reflects the skills of S. & J. Fuller, the wellknown London based publishers who created a series of books illustrated by cut-out paper figures and their costumes between 1810 and 1816. Among their best known titles were: The History of Little Fanny, 1810; The History and Adventures of Little Henry, 1810; The History of Little Ellen, the Naughty Girl Reclaimed, 1811; Frank Feignwell’s Attempts to Amuse His Friends, 1811; Young Albert, the Roscius, 1811; Phoebe, The Cottage Maid, 1812; Cinderella, the little glass slipper, 1814, etc. All of these paper treasures were offered for sale at the “Temple of Fancy,” 34 Rathbone Place, to the upper class, willing to pay five-to-eight shillings for each of them, the equivalent of two-to-three day wages for a qualified worker.

Most of these moralistic books depicted child characters, but “The Protean Figure,” published in April 1811, represents a man, which can be placed standing in front of a landscape, printed on a separate folded paper sheet (Photo 1). It came with twelve different already cut-out costumes, each contained in a grey paper folded slipper, bearing a printed inscription with the name of the outfit: walking dress, mourning suit, Turkish costume, Quaker’s habit, officer’s uniform (land forces), full dress in the year 1700, monk’s habit, naval uniform, German hussar, knight in full armor, gentlemen’s evening costume and French uniform (Imperial guard) (Photo 2).

On the cover, an engraving represents Protheus, the Greek Mythological sea god, well known for his morphic 10

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All the paper dolls shown here are featured in the author’s collection.

Samy Odin can be reached at galeriesamyodin@gmail.com

ability and prophetic wisdom (Photo 3). The content of the set, aside from the cover engraving, does not refer to Protheus himself but rather to his capability of assuming a variety of forms, here as shown in this dozen costumes referring to diverse eras, cultures and social levels.

Interestingly, the same elements which made the force of the XVII century Jeu de Métamorphoses, with the exception of the gender play, are repeated by “The Protean Figure.” Here, each masculine costume shows the social possibilities that were offered to a well-born man, based on the three orders of the Ancien Régime: the clergy, the nobility, and the Third Estate. A single sheet, glued onto the frontispiece, gives directions to display the figurine and the costumes. The way this text is written shows that it was intended for an adult audience, while the majority of the other paper dolls

by Fuller were meant for children (Photo 4).

The quality of the paper, of the printing and of the watercolor technique is amazing and explains why advanced collectors so revere this set. The complete set includes eighty-six pieces of apparel (a few are, alas, missing in the set shown here) and are intended to be worn by the figure following the same procedure a real man would follow to dress.

Education, even when aimed at adult audiences, appears to be a central concern for Fuller. Throughout the nineteenth century, publishers of paper dolls remained committed to offering materials that not only amused their clientele but also educated them. Such dedication contributed to the emergence of a distinct market, engaging individuals across all social strata by the beginning of the twentieth century.

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1/31/2026 7:40:42 PM

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary Honoring American Dollmakers

Ernst Reinhart Right: Reinhardt’s character baby mold bears the incised markings: U. S. A. // Augusta // Perth Amboy N. J. // 7 G. (Coleman Collection).

Reinhardt dolls of differing molds and manufacturing locations have other marks which can be seen in the Coleman’s Encyclopedia of Dolls. Vol. I and II.

Left:This doll was made during the Perth Amboy phase of Reinhardt’s doll making career in America and is marked USA // Augusta // Perth Amboy // and size numbers. Coleman Collection.

kilns became limited as it was needed for other wartime uses. That combined with growing anti-German sentiment (even though Reinhardt had become an American citizen in 1913) caused Reinhardt to give up that factory and move to New Jersey.

Once in New Jersey he began making dolls again with a partner but then moved to Perth Amboy, New Jersey where he story of American made dolls mirrors the story he made his own bisque headed dolls. His company made of America itself, land of opportunity giving new socket and shoulder-head styles which had wigs or molded futures to those who came to its shores. One such hair. immigrant was Ernst Reinhardt, born in Hilberhausen, Ernst made his own molds Germany in 1875. Ernst brought with him and was very interested in eyes his skills and experience of working in the and eye mechanisms as well, Sonneberg doll making industry. He went on having taken some patents to work for Armand Marseille and eventually related to them while still in started a small dollmaking business of his Germany. In New Jersey he own. designed special molds for In 1909, desiring a better life for his making porcelain eyes and ears children Ernst chose to move his family for his dolls. to America. They arrived in New York in By 1922 Ernst’s doll making 1909 and eventually settled in Philadelphia, business came to an end.

Pennsylvania. His friends the Schoenhuts Although brief in the history encouraged him to start a business making of American doll making this bisque doll heads. By 1913 he had established business is an important part the Philadelphia Dressed Doll Company of the story of American-made selling dolls with both his own doll heads and dolls, illustrating both the those sourced from Germany. opportunity afforded to new In 1916 he moved his family to East Americans and the beginning Liverpool, Ohio, which was an active of America’s burgeoning doll area for pottery businesses due to the making industry that occurred abundance of local clay. There he established to fill the void of war time a new company called the Bisc Novelty shortages. Ernst Reinhardt, Manufacturing Co. Once the United States entered World War On September 19, 1914, Reinhardt was granted US America’s first commercial maker of bisque doll heads. patent 1,112,032 for an eye manufacturing design.

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Come to the NADDA Annual Doll Show & Sale in Alexandria, VA! Enjoy a delightful spring weekend of doll shopping, learning, friends and fun! Alexandria is known for its cobblestone streets, charming boutiques and wonderful restaurants on the Potomac River.

Visit Mount Vernon, home of George Washington, to experience special exhibits celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

Schedule of Events Friday, May 15th

CALL TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM FOR THE GROUP RATE - SPACE IS LIMITED 1-888-236-2427 (MARRIOTT RESERVATIONS); TELL THEM YOU ARE PART OF THE NADDA MAY 2026 GROUP.

6 – 9 pm Sales rooms are open enjoy a glass of wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts while you shop!

Saturday, May 16th

Programs 9 - 10 am As Seen on TV: Dolls from the 50s and 60s Advertised on TV or Inspired by Our Favorite Shows Presented by Ron and Robyn Martin, Straw Bear Antiques We’ve got a surprise for you! Dolls through the mid-sixties are now considered antique, so that includes many you may recognize … or perhaps even had yourself!

10 – 11 am The Fabulous Frieda: A Rare Schoenhut Prototype Portrait Doll Presented by Beth Nance, Director & Cofounder of NC Museum of Dolls, Toys & Miniatures (ncmdtm.org) The remarkable story of one of the rarest Schoenhut dolls ever discovered. Never released for public production, Frieda remains an extraordinary glimpse into the artistry, experimentation, and family legacy behind the Schoenhut company. With only two known examples of this prototype doll in existence, Frieda stands as a captivating treasure in the history of American toy making.

Shopping 11 am - 5 pm Salesrooms are open – explore fabulous treasures dealers have brought from across the country. *** Doll repairs on site *** Admission on both Friday and Saturday is free

Sunday May 17th

Mount Vernon Trip (optional) 10am - 3pm Travel to Mt. Vernon, George Washington’s home overlooking the Potomac.

See the unique anniversary exhibits, tour the mansion and enjoy the beautiful grounds.

Lunch and shopping opportunities are available.

Contact NADDAdolls@gmail.com for more information about the Mount Vernon trip.

NADDA is a non-profit organization founded in 1986 to establish trust between dealers and collectors. Shop with confidence. Members follow a code of ethics and stand behind their dolls.

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Straw Bear Antiques Ron & Robyn Martin

Bridgeville, Delaware strawbearantiques@gmail.com 302-956-0626 Member of NADDA and UFDC

Come See us at NADDA in Alexandria, VA! Mary Ann Spinelli

All Dolled Up

Burbank, CA Tel: 818-562-7839 Cell: 818-738-4591 nellingdolls@gmail.com www.maspinelli.com

Gail Lemmon

440-396-5386 glemn@frontier.com 13100 Durkee Rd. Grafton, OH

Jackie Allington

Nancy McCray Cell: 319-651-6440 Tel: 319-363-3936 nancylmccray@gmail.com Member of NADDA and UFDC

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Always looking to buy dolls, dollhouses, and miniatures Ellicott City, MD 443-838-8565 mmausantiques@gmail.com

Margaret Kincaid 646-709-4340 margaretkincaid@gmail.com Bradford, NH Member UFDC, DCA, and NADDA

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Anne Demuth

Buying & Selling Fine Antique Dolls New Location: 5134 Hwy NC 33 W, Tarboro, NC 27886

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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.

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The Dionne Quintuplets Alexander’s Miracle Babies

By Rodney Waller

The newborn Dionne quintuplets in bed with their mother, Elzire Dionne, in their farmhouse in Callander, Ontario on May 28, 1934. Photograph The Canadian Press.

The five babies were taken from their parents under the pretense of “protection from exploitation” and put on display in Quintland, a compound where millions of people watched them through a one-way glass.

T

he Dionne Quintuplets—Annette, Cécile, Émilie, Marie, and Yvonne— were born on May 28, 1934, in Corbeil, Ontario, Canada. They were the first known identical quintuplets to survive infancy. Not long after their birth, the Ontario government removed them from their parents’ home and made them wards of the Crown, housing them in “Quintland,” a compound where millions watched the girls through a oneway glass. Despite claims of protection from exploitation, the Sisters, as they preferred to be called, became a multi-million-dollar asset through tourism and product endorsements.

Madame Alexander’s dolls captured their spirit and became instantly popular.

The Race for the Dionne License

With the Dionnes’ birth in May 1934 and the publicity generated from daily newspaper accounts, manufacturers were initially hesitant to invest in product tie-ins due to the babies’ fragile condition. As their health improved, the first Guardianship was created in July 1934, and contracts began in earnest.

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Following the births, George Borgfeldt was the first to offer a set of quintuplet dolls. Pictured are five composition Bye-Lo babies sold by FAO Schwarz in 1934.

George Borgfeldt & Company was the first to offer a set of Dionne Quintuplet dolls in November 1934. Borgfeldt grouped five composition Bye-Lo Baby dolls and, according to the New York World Telegram, sent a set to the Dionnes. Shirley Temple received a set as well and appeared in a publicity photo alongside the dolls. Effanbee quickly issued a set of Quints using their Baby Tinyette composition dolls for Christmas 1934. Several other manufacturers—including Superior Company of Canada, Freundlich

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A publicity photo showing child star Shirley Temple with a set of the Borgfeldt ByeLo quintuplet dolls.

Novelty Dolls, Minerva Toy Company, and Nancy Ann Dressed Dolls—also produced Dionne dolls in 1935, along with numerous imported knockoffs.

Madame Alexander Secures the Exclusive License

The Alexander Doll Company secured an exclusive contract to make Dionne Quintuplet dolls effective March 25, 1935, agreeing to pay a five percent royalty on wholesale sales to the Guardian Trust. Alexander announced their exclusive rights in the April 1935 Playthings magazine advertisement “by Exclusive Permission of their Canadian Guardians.”

Madame Alexander moved quickly, enlisting the premier doll sculptor, Bernard Lipfert, to develop the doll heads and bodies.

Lipfert sculpted straight hair painted heads for the 1935 dolls in four sizes (five in 1936). In 1937, he revised the molds to curly painted hair and bald heads for easier wig attachment. Brown human hair wigs were introduced in 1936. The dolls came with straight legs or curved legs.

The initial batch of 7 ½-inch dolls is believed to have come with gold, octagonal wrist tags displaying their names. They were housed in Best Built boxes with a yellow label. Each doll had a white organdie dress and bonnet with her appropriately colored bib. They had straight painted hair and curved legs.

In 1935, the 17 ½-inch and 23-inch Dionne Babies featured cloth bodies designed to hold voice boxes. They could either “cry” or say “Mama.” As a result, the doll has a composition shoulder mount sewn to the cloth body. The cloth bodies are made to “sit,” allowing their curved legs to appear straight. The 17 ½-inch baby doll had a closed mouth, while the 23-inch doll had an open mouth revealing its teeth and tongue. Both the 17 ½-inch and 23-

Shirley Temple and the Dionnes were consistently in the news during the 1930s. The April 1937 issue of Modern Screen magazine featured a cover picturing Shirley surrounded by the Quints. A popular pastime in the 1930s was creating scrapbooks with photographs of Shirley and the Quints.

April 1935 Playthings magazine ran Alexander’s announcement that the company had obtained exclusive rights to make Dionne Quintuplet dolls. An actual photograph of the Dionne sisters was used.

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Considered to be the first example of Quintuplets by Alexander, the dolls had gold octagonal wrist tags and name bibs. These 7 ½-inch dolls are pictured with their original boxes.

The 17 ½-inch and 23-inch Dionne dolls had cloth bodies designed to hold voice boxes.

inch dolls came with rubber pants and cotton moccasins, while the smaller baby dolls wore cotton diapers. The 13 ½-inch Nurse was also offered in 1935.

The March 1936 20th Century Fox film “Country Doctor,” featuring the Quints, offered free publicity for Alexander’s Dionne dolls. Alexander prepared extensively for Toy Fair 1936, developing a comprehensive catalog and a new product line. The 1936 catalog introduced “Toddler Straight Legs” for composition body dolls, Dr. Dafoe, Human Hair Wigs, and Cloth Dionne Quints with Human Hair Wigs. Madame Alexander An Important Notice appeared in Playthings in July also introduced the name pin 1935 stating that Alexander Doll Company had exclusive rights to make Dionne Quintuplet dolls, and any In 1935, Alexander offered a 13 ½-inch Nurse, pictured she called a “Fobette,” also attempt to make or sell dolls in sets of five would be an here with the Quintuplets, reinforcing the company’s actionable infringement of Alexander’s rights. available as a necklace.

Infringement Notice. October 1935 Playthings.

In 1936, Madame The Novelties transformed her So-Lite Baby doll line into Dionne So-Lite Alexander developed a line of Novelties to go with the Babies by replacing the wigs with Brown Human Hair Wigs, Quint dolls. In 1935, the company offered a highchair, crib, adding fobettes (embroidered name bibs), and changing the lowboy chair, playpen, and tricycle. ribbon colors to match each doll. These Human Hair Cloth One of the first Novelty items issued in 1935 was the Dionnes were made only in 1936, as all cloth dolls switched 7 ½-inch Dionnes in a white wooden bed, with the dolls to yarn-tufted hair in 1937.

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The 15-inch Dr. DaFoe was introduced in 1936. He originally came wearing glasses.

Alexander Doll Company’s 1936 catalog introduced Toddler Straight Legs.

Their tags read: “Genuine Dionne Quintuplet Dolls/All Rights Reserved/ Madame Alexander NY.” Courtesy Theriaults.

in diapers and T-shirts. They had their multi-colored bibs with their appropriate names and colors. The Dionnes’ names were not on the foot of the bed in decals. The bed came with a variety of pink pillows and blankets. Sometimes the dolls came with robes.

In 1936, the name decals were added. Later, in the 1936 Sears catalog, the bed was offered with the Dionnes in multi-colored rompers and bonnets. The bed would be further changed in late 1936 or 1937 with a decal of the heads of the Dionne sisters added to the bed with the names.

The 1936 line included Novelty items like the Quint-obile, Swan Rocker, play yard set, lawn swing, and merry-go-round.

Each Novelty featured a decal with the name of each Dionne.

Larger composition dolls came in three dress styles, and dolls were available with or without wigs. Hamper baskets contained individual Dionnes with extra clothing or all five dolls with assorted clothes.

The dolls offered with the Novelties usually had curved legs since they sat more easily in the Novelty.

Above: Madame Alexander transformed her So-Lite Baby doll line into Dionne So-Lite Babies. The first cloth Quints had human hair wigs and gold-toned pins (fobettes) with their names. Marsha Hunter Collection.

Left: A line of Novelties for the Quintuplet dolls was offered in 1935.

Pictured with the Nurse and the Quints are a highchair, a lowboy chair, a bed, a playpen, and a tricycle.

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Pictured is the 1936 bed with the name decals. Courtesy Theriaults.

The 1936 Novelties included a Swan Rocker. Courtesy Theriaults.

Identifying Dionne Dolls

Wrist tags evolved from gold octagonal tags with names (1935) to booklet tags designed to encourage the purchase of all five dolls. The first booklet hang tag pictured the actual Dionne dolls. It is the rarest of the booklet hang tags. Later, the booklet tags used NEA (Newspaper Enterprise Association) photographs picturing the real sisters. Madame Alexander used leftover tags, so dating is not foolproof. She consistently misspelled Émilie as “Emelie” in later tags.

There is a wide variety of clothing tags. The So-Lite cloth Dionnes produced in 1936 are generally tagged with simply “Madame Alexander / New York.” Tags referencing “Exclusive Licensee” indicate that it is an earlier version of the clothing tag. The most common clothing tag is a blue-ink tag: “Genuine / Dionne Quintuplet Dolls / All Rights Reserved / Madame Alexander – N.Y.” This tag is also found in red ink.

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Also in 1936 a Merry-Go-Round was offered. Courtesy Theriaults.

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movement and voice boxes; larger dolls said “Mama,” smaller ones “cried.”

Each mold came in closed-mouth and open-mouth versions, except 7 ½-inch dolls, which were always closed-mouth.

The Business Impact

Alexander Doll Company made Dionne dolls from 1935 to 1939, with some produced as late as 1941, and a 75th Anniversary Set of hard plastic with vinyl heads in 1998.

The Dionne dolls revolutionized the Madame Alexander Doll Company during the Great Depression. In 1936, Alexander paid $25,828 in royalties (5 percent of wholesale), which is roughly $11.5 million today. Fortune magazine reported that sales of quintuplet dolls and their clothing reached $500,000 in 1937 alone, equivalent to over $11 million now. By January 1937, more than a million young girls owned at least one Dionne doll.

The Ideal Toy Company dominated the market in 1934-1935 with the Shirley Temple doll, ruthlessly protecting its exclusive rights. Having missed out on Shirley Temple, Madame jumped on the Dionne exclusive as “celebrity” dolls became market leaders. She maximized publicity from daily newspaper coverage and contracted nurse Yvonne Leroux for a United States marketing tour in late 1937.

The exclusive Dionne line prompted department stores to stock other Alexander dolls to acquire Dionnes, expanding Alexander’s reach and establishing it as the leading U.S. doll manufacturer. While Ideal showcased Shirley Temple and Effanbee offered Patsy, Alexander used higher-quality fabrics and designs at higher prices.

New lines thrived because Dionnes increased merchandising: Tiny Betty (1935-1942), Snow White (1937-1941), Jane Withers (1936-1937), and Princess Elizabeth (1937-1944) Alexander’s financial success kept the business afloat during the

A more deluxe version of the Quints came in a hamper that included a change of clothing. Courtesy Theriaults.

The Dionne Sisters are pictured with Alexander Doll Company’s Quintuplet toddler dolls in 1939. Photograph The Canadian Press.

Depression and funded new innovations. The company produced composition Portrait dolls selling for $75 in 1938, drawing attention from high-end department stores with eye-catching displays. This success allowed for the creation of other celebrity-exclusive dolls like Sonja Henie (1939-1943) and Scarlett O’Hara (1939).

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The first booklet-style wrist tags pictured the dolls.

The dolls initially came with gold octagonal wrist tags (1935).

Alexander Doll Company used a variety of clothing tags.

Heads molds were initially marked “Dionne Alexander.” Courtesy Greg Center

as a leader in developing hard plastic dolls in 1946-1947, leading a three-company joint venture to build a factory in White Plains to compete with larger manufacturers.

The Dionne Sisters’ Legacy

Later the mark was simplified to “Alexander.” Courtesy Greg Center

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Émilie died first in 1954, then Marie in 1970, and Yvonne in 2001. Cécile died in July 2025, and the final surviving quintuplet, Annette, died on December 24, 2025. The Dionne’s story remains a cautionary tale about the exploitation of children in the public eye, reminding us of the profound cost of fame when childhood becomes spectacle and family bonds are sacrificed to commercial interests—yet the charming souvenirs and dolls that survive offer collectors and historians a fascinating glimpse into 1930s popular culture and the innocent joy these five sisters brought to a Depression-era world.

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Margaret Woodbury Strong and Samuel Frazier Pryor, Jr In Competition

By Elizabeth Ann Coleman

Margaret Woodbury Strong. Courtesy The Strong.

Samuel Fraizer Pryor, Jr. Coleman Collection.

I

t should come as no surprise to doll collectors that there were two very competitive American individuals active in the 1960s who were vying for a spot in the Guiness Book of World Records[1] for having the world’s largest collection of dolls. Nor should today’s collectors be surprised that the surnames of these two individuals almost predicted their inevitable match-up. One was a woman of unwavering determination and commitment to dolls as tools for pleasure through play: Margaret Woodbury Strong (1897 -1969)[2]. The other was Samuel Frazier Pryor, Jr. (1898-1986) who believed, like books, every doll had a story to tell and whose surname is traceable back to the ancient world with a meaning of superiority.

Both, though at different stages in life and through different modes of transportation had explored the world bringing home doll souvenirs; Strong began as a child, Pryor as a grown man. Although she died first the Strong name is still to this day associated with doll collecting through its current iteration as The Strong National Museum of Play[3], while, like so many once important collections, the Pryor assemblage was released through auctions back into the hands of collectors.[4] I had the pleasure of knowing and working with both these icons as the Colemans worked to prepare their first major publication, The Collectors’ Encyclopedia of Dolls, first published in 1968 with 23 editions to come.

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Strong’s thirty room home purchased in 1937, “Tuckaway” Farm estate on Allen’s Creek Road, Pittsford, New York, with the addition designated as the Museum of Fascination added in the late 1960s. Courtesy The Strong.

Doll display/storage in the basement of “Tuckaway” Farm, early 1960s. Courtesy The Strong.

I first met Mrs. Strong as a college student and still remember her number one question on every subsequent visit. It was not about any doll or dolls she had, but did I know of anyone who had a larger collection. A few years later the then three Colemans[5] would be invited to the more publicly publicized collection being assembled by Samuel Pryor. He popped the same question: Was his collection of dolls not the largest we had ever seen. We could honestly answer no and Pryor took the challenge on the spot. His aim was to have the largest collection. Mrs. Strong’s dolls filled a goodly portion of her commodious home’s basement; his filled large areas of a two storied large historic converted barn[6]. Her collecting was more frequent and in smaller portions—clusters of shopping bags, anywhere from one or two to enough to hold a day’s haul of the contents of a doll dealer’s booth. He regularly bought whole collections, perhaps because the foundation of his collection had been a bequeathed collection. He shopped internationally in flea and thieves’ markets as well as international auction house sale’s rooms. She was fond of dealers bringing goods to her home.

Reflecting their personalities and connections Pryor’s collection was more widely publicized during his lifetime resulting in the fact that his collection was better known to the general public than Mrs. Strong ‘s whose collection was on the radar of many doll dealers and collectors but not the public at large. Their approximately five-year contest ended with Strong’s death in 1969 with no designated champion. To my limited knowledge no individual has since stepped forward to claim having the world largest collection of mixed type and age of dolls. Claimants recently have specialized collections such as Barbie ™, trolls, and “haunted” dolls.

Margaret Woodbury was born in 1897 to a Rochester, New York family whose initial money had been made on that now long forgotten instrument, horse whips used in buggy riding. The family was, at the turn of the twentieth century, one of the first to invest in the creations of a local lad, George Eastman whose then popular Kodak camera products now seem as quaint as buggy whips, but were equally profitable, leaving Margaret Woodbury Strong one of the richest women in the United States at the time of her death[7]. An only child, Margaret’s childhood was one of privilege.

Her parents indulged her with extensive global travel and she noted: “I was allowed to carry a small bag to put my dolls and toys in, and to add anything I acquired on trips. Consequently, my fondness for small things grew.”[8] Bags with dolls in them were to become her trademark in later life. After all, collecting ran in the family; an aunt collected bookplates, her father coins and family memorabilia and her mother then fashionable Japanese objects d’art. She even married in 1921 a book collector, Homer Strong, whose model train engines in silver would at one time cover the walls of their dining room. Their Tuckaway Farm estate was in suburban Rochester on Allen’s Creek Road in Pittsford, New York where Margaret could enjoy her social, sporting and garden related activities, 30

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Pryor’s eighteenth-century cow barn moved from neighbor’s farm to his “Pryory” estate. Coleman Collection.

Entertainment and display area of Pryor’s renovated cow barn.

Margaret Woodbury as a toddler, 1899, with two cloth doll playmates. Courtesy The Strong.

all of which she excelled at even to the point of consistently bringing home tangible awards and trophies.[9] But buried in her guest book for July 1948 there is a prophetic award, Margaret’s collection is hailed as “What a museum!” A decade later, almost to the day, another visitor remarks “Thank you for your generosity. God bless you for your plans for a museum one day.”[10] As so often happens when something bad happens the end result is good. In 1953 Margaret fell and as a part of her recuperation was able to pick up a favorite childhood activity: furnishing dolls’ houses. She gathered not just the houses but furnishings, and articles that might be adapted with imagination to act as furnishings for a dolls’ house. In 1957 she acknowledged having Rochester’s tiniest suburb.[11] Following Homer’s death in 1958 she dove headlong into collecting small toys, specifically dolls and continued with dolls’ houses and their related accessories. And before there was a home shopping network on television Margaret had her own. Dealers in dolls and miniatures would line up outside her back entry way to the house which was approached by a horseshoe shaped drive lined with empty specially constructed doll size houses.[12] One by one into the house they would trundle with their merchandise. The lucky ones would leave with the promise of a check rather than the bags and boxes they had come with. Payment from Margaret could be a tortuous process; favorite dealers were paid promptly; others were less fortunate. Margaret Strong bought what she liked. No one was going to tell her what to do. When I first met Margaret, I came with early doll book author Clara Hallard Fawcett.

We were being hosted by a local collector/ dealer/soon to be author on the topic of dolls, Genevieve Angione, another woman of strong character. As we approached the Strong home, we wanted to clarify that Genevieve was coming in with us. In a word: NO. They had recently had a parting of the ways. By the time we left town the ice was melting and Genevieve would in time become one of Margaret’s fiercest protectors. Yes Margaret bought what she liked but she often did not ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR

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Invitation to first public viewing of the Strong dollhouse collection, 1958. Courtesy The Strong.

Margaret Woodbury with her favorite doll, Mabel, 1902. Courtesy The Strong.

buy wisely or with good reason and sadly a number of dealers of the day tried to take advantage of this often childlike woman with very, very, deep pockets whose claim to fame at that time was going to be that she had the largest collection of dolls in the world.

Margaret’s most avid doll collecting years were between 1960 and her death when her collection of just doll and doll related materials are said to have grown from 600 to over 22,000 items.[13] She is believed to have only added 5,000 dolls over the final five years of her life. Right as the 1960s moved on Margaret began to think about the future of the collections surrounding her. Afterall the walls of her 30-room home were not elastic. The collections co-existed both loosely or more formally, and shortly after the death of her husband she had hired Anne Hotra to attempt cataloguing the rapidly expanding collections, especially the dolls that basically inhabited rows of cabinets in the basement while most of the indoor furnished dolls’ houses called the covered basement swimming pool home. Anne would also become Margaret’s confidant and another protector. Margaret’s collections now included not only inherited family collections to which she made contributions but her selection of miniature items outside of the realm of dolls’ houses, books, buttons, apparel, paintings and other works of art, shells, the list goes on and of course dolls. And these were the things that busloads of children and others, 32

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Arial view of 1982 newly built Strong Museum. Courtesy The Strong.

came to see. Wings were added to the house but the artifacts continued to come in bulk. First, she was inspired to have a private Museum of Fascination constructed on her property featuring favorite doll related artifacts and other materials.[14] That was accomplished (1968) shortly before her death but she was already looking forward to the next step. While not necessarily thought of as a great philanthropist during her lifetime Margaret’s will changed all that.

Transformative bequests were made to local social service not-for-profit organizations like the university hospital, now recognized as the Strong Memorial Hospital. And Margaret’s dream of a museum for her hometown would become reality. Because zoning

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Study storage of Izannah Walker dolls in the 1982 Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum building. Courtesy The Strong.

regulations would not allow commercial usage of her estate grounds a new museum would be constructed in downtown Rochester. But the focus would be not as she had dreamed. The administrators of the new museum chose to focus on early mass-produced products, mainly Victoriana, which was already widely available in the area. The fall of 1982[15] saw the new Margaret Woodbury Strong Museum open. Most of Margaret’s collections, not specifically designated for other sources, fit the mandate of the new museum and were at first popular with the public. They were what Margaret’s personal secretary, Anne Hotra, recalled as being Margaret’s favorite words: “fun and fascination. The collecting of dolls was fun and the people she met were fascinating.”

At the time of her death in 1969, it was estimated that Mrs. Strong’s play related collections numbered about thirty-five thousand items out of materials adding up to a total of just shy of half a million artifacts.[16] Over the coming decades this would be winnowed down by specific bequests like the bookplate collection going to the Pierpont Morgan Museum in New York City.

Respected doll dealer, Margaret Whitton, was hired to handle, as Curator, the dolls and doll houses. Many items, approximately one fifth of the dolls, would head to auction but additions would be made to fill in noticeable gaps. But refining the collection and its broad selection of objects of mass production mandate was not strong enough to sustain the new museum whose real assets were breakthroughs in museology with features such as study storage, an opportunity sadly not understood by

visitors to review nearly every item in the collection that was not on official display.

Consultants for the reassessment finally got the message: the bulk of Margaret’s collection had links to play and imagination and were simply fascinating. Like a phoenix a new iteration[17] would evolve: The Strong National Museum of Play which just last year launched a groundbreaking gallery dedicated to computer gaming. Margaret would have loved the fascination these devices roused.

I have walked and talked my way through this playful landmark structure and pretended to be a fly on the wall with Margaret on my shoulder. I was always fascinated by Margaret—how she sucked in dolls like a vacuum cleaner, how she only was interested in knowing if her collection of dolls was the largest, how she, one of the richest women in the country, might want to be remembered for serving a half portion of a frozen chicken pot pie to her guests at dinner. In all my visits to her home she never ever asked me for information about her dolls. She let me draw my own conclusions which was fun for me but she denied herself knowledge which might have added fun and fascination to her own enjoyment of her dolls.

In the baby birth race Margaret Woodbury, born 1897, beat by a year Samuel Fraizer Pryor, Jr. born 1898. Born in Missouri, young Sam would soon follow his family to Greenwich, Connecticut when his father became the well-paid general manager of the gun producing firm Remington Arms. The senior Pryor built a new home,

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The Strong National Museum of Play, 2024. Courtesy The Strong.

“The Pryory,” in Greenwich for his family which was inherited by his namesake son who would later sell the property, moving only next door to a property which later would feature an eighteenth century cow barn, just right for housing his growing collections. According to the New York Times, 1972,[18] the collection welcomed ten thousand visitors annually, many on school expeditions.

Sam junior had begun to collect in the mid-1920s starting with toy banks. An outgoing, peripatetic personality Pryor also collected an impressive resume featuring overt and covert federal government associations and friends with lifelong connections, notably starting with aviator Charles Lindberg who he helped to launch on his newsworthy trans-Atlantic flight. Pryor is even buried next to Lindberg in their chosen Hawaiian retirement community. Then he himself took flight in partnership with a college classmate who had founded Pan American Airways, eventually becoming Vice President and Assistant to the President of the company. Aside from aviation Pryor dabbled in politics with top rung candidates including Presidents, and with showmen like Robert “Believe it or Not” Ripley, playwrights such as Clair Booth Luce, actresses such as Helen Hayes, and with notable names from the world 34

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of sports, especially the light weight boxing champion Gene Tunney who actively supported Pryor in his doll collecting. Sports Illustrated [19]even documented their 1966 joint doll buying sprees in Barcelona, Paris and Berlin. During his globetrotting career, many was the time when he would startle a foreign official at the close of a business meeting by suggesting: “Well, now that our business is done, let’s go dig up some dolls.” In 1953 Pryor found himself heir to a collection of over four hundred dolls[20] assembled by and for a colleague at Pan Am, Ann M. Archibald.[21] Archibald, over years, had been the recipient of dolls purchased and gifted by the peripatetic Pryor, even seemingly jokingly hinting that one day he would be willed her collection.[22] Ever curious, outgoing, and willing to take on a challenge Pryor saw an opportunity, not a burden, with the bequest. He loved the international opportunities his association with Pan American Airway[23] opened for him and he realized the dolls would do the same for him. Before he finished, he would have a collection of approximately eight to ten thousand dolls in a collection known as the International Doll Library Foundation[24] with representations from over eighty countries. There are limited records of the dolls

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A SFJB Soldier, early twentieth century, that has been a part of many notable doll collections beginning with Laura Starr, then Frances Delmar who sold Starr’s collection to Pryor with the doll currently being part of the Coleman collection. Coleman Collection.

Reprint of National Geographic article by Samuel Pryor, Jr., December 1959. Coleman Collection.

doing international travels. Perhaps the best known was an outing to Japan, ca. 1966, a country that recognizes the importance of dolls on many levels. Having selected a small number of dolls Pryor invited the Empress Michiko to view his dolls. The night before the visit Pryor asked to review his selection only to realize that as prominent as they were in his collection, he had failed to include an example from Japan. Off went an assistant who returned with a small Japanese doll. The Imperial couple arrived and the first question the Emperess asked was where the representative of Japan was, to which Pryor responded by holding up a tiny but approved of example.[25] Over the decades Pryor lent dolls for exhibitions[26] all over the United States, many in department stores for seasonal displays and there was extensive coverage of the collection in such respected publications as National Geographic[27] and Reader’s Digest.[28] But first Pryor and his helpmate wife, Mary Tay (née Mary Taylor Allderdice), had to make accommodations to their Greenwich home as crate after crate arrived from Washington, DC packed to the gills with representatives from the nations of the world. The dolls first took up residence in the recreation room of The Pryory before moving on, with newly arrived additions, to larger accommodations in the relocated, refurbished, and newly reconfigured cow barn of the adjacent Zophar Mead farm.[29] ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR

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In an unsourced clipping, possibly from the Pan Am house publication, The Clipper, there is a brief write-up referencing a unique kaleidoscopic employee, Sam Pryor. The scene has a telephone repairman working on wiring in a lobby area, the question is why is he there, could it be he is on a wire-tapping mission for the F.B.I.? Approaching is an executive, attaché case in hand. What could the case hold? Top secret memos? Equally possible, the repairman has learned, Mr. Pryor’s case could be holding dolls. Asked what his favorite dolls were and Pryor would reply cloth dolls.

Much of Archibald’s collection had grown in appreciation of her many kindnesses to service people during World War II. On receiving this unusual bequest for a man, and a former Marine, a unique assemblage of dolls, Pryor “expressed the hope that they might be symbolic of the future of the world; a world of all nations and peoples living side by side in one world of peace and security.”[30] It immediately became Pryor’s intention to make his windfall available to the public. Also, apparently to make it larger as

Photograph of dolls representing farm workers from the Netherlands given to the Pryor collection by Princess Beatrix, 1962. Coleman Collection.

Samuel Pryor, Jr., with two young visitors to his international doll collection. Coleman Collection.

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French carton doll with wooden limbs, about 1800, from the Lila Singsen collection.

Photograph Coleman Collection.

Samuel Pryor, Jr., in the balcony of the cow barn with a selection of his collection. Coleman Collection.

he was soon to acquire the then legendary collection of earlier international dolls assembled by the late Laura B. Starr whose 1908 ground breaking book, The Doll Book, had already inspired two generations of doll collectors, including Mr. Pryor.[31] The dolls were on their way to claiming space in the barn: the smaller sized dolls took over the balcony and were soon joined by a variety of dolls from the collections of another landmark author, Janet Pagter Johl (Mrs. Max Johl)[32]and her collecting friend Lila Singsen. Pryor had made a commitment to keep the collections he was acquiring together.[33] A downstairs room housed an ever-growing selection of Asian dolls particularly Japanese dolls. And in the main entertaining area of the barn larger scale and mechanical dolls would vie for attention.

By the mid-1960s Pryor and his wife, Mary, could no longer single handedly manage the requests to see what had become a very active collection. They hired a curator, June Anderson Douglass, who took on oversight of the collection and trained Junior League volunteer guides. For about fifteen years the Foundation thrived but energies were flagging and so in 1978 the doors were closed, and preparations were begun for the sale of the collection. Aside from the two Sotheby sales there was a smaller sale by a local auctioneer[34], all three sales catalogued under the professional eye of Pamela Brown Sherer.

Throughout this article a sense of the breadth of the Pryor collection has been missing. Chronologically Pryor’s ranged from a clay Egyptian figure to a made-yesterday Raggedy Ann which was always a favorite with young visitors. Those interested in global apparel could get a glimpse of how quickly that changes, just like western high fashion. For guests curious about what dolls could be created from were greeted by dolls of straw, clay, wood, stockings, beeswax, dried apples, nuts, tobacco leaves, shells, and that is just to name a few popular materials. After all there were dolls of whale’s teeth carved by sailors on calm sea journeys and left over bird wishbones.

A man of boundless energy—even after retirement—Pryor managed to clock an average of over 2000 miles a week of travel— and distribute goodwill towards his fellow humans—recognizing the multi-layered value to be found in a single doll. Perhaps by the time Sam Pryor closed the doors to his Doll Library in 1978 he had achieved his goal of having the largest collection of dolls in the world. In researching this article near the end of a pile of usually repetitive papers I came upon what to me was a significant surprise, one that I suspect is truly a unique mention of dolls. The United States Senate’s portion of the Congressional Record for August 3, 1965, carries a detailed salute to Mary and ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR

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Sam Pryor who detailed their thoughts on the value of their collection. “It is our hope that these dolls will inspire this generation, and others to come, with a new tolerance and understanding of peoples everywhere. We hope, too, that the dolls will inspire all of us to imagine a world without tensions, a world without frontiers, a world of peace and good will towards men.” Sadly, sixty years and two generations on and we have failed to reach their goal. That goal meant a lot to both husband and wife and what really impressed Sam about his mostly silent partners was their ability to silently communicate that there were universal values and needs to be found in all humanity.

What is indisputable is that he powerfully shared the world through dolls dating from ancient Egypt to contemporary times.

As for the challenge of who might have had the world’s largest collection of dolls the Strong name is still in the “largest” pool. Today it takes pride of place as part of the world’s largest museum collection of toys. In numbers there is truly enduring strength.

Image of three antique dolls from the Pryor collection with their original boxes.

Coleman Collection.

[1] Official title until 1999.

[2] For a detailed biography of Margaret W. Strong see “Lifelong Fascinations: A Portrait of Margaret Woodbury Strong”, by Julia Novakovic, Rochester History, vol 78, no 1 Sept. 2018, pp1-32 [3] Located in Rochester, New York [4] Pryor dolls were auctioned in two Sotheby Carrousel sales in October 1982 and June 1983 and a local auction in 1986. Many items once in the Strong collection have also been released back into public circulation, many through Withington auctions in New Hampshire.

[5] My mother, Dorothy, and sister, Evelyn Jane [6] Located next door to “The Pryory” it was the Zophar Mead Farm featuring among other farm buildings a cow barn that was to be transformed into the Doll Library, [7] Margaret followed the family tradition of only adding to Kodak stock, never selling.

[8] New York Heritage Digital Collection, Margaret Woodbury Strong Papers. 18971969, Rochester Regional Library Council.

[9] A daughter, Barbara, died in 1946.

[10] A year before local doll dealer Candace J. Doelman had written Margaret that a client had asked about a doll Margaret had recently purchased and was told she was likely to see it in a planned for museum.

[11] As quoted in Novakovic, Julia, Lifelong Fascinations: A portrait of Margaret Woodbury Strong, Rochester History, vol 78, no 1 p. 14 [12] Margaret liked to line pieces of her properties, her cottages in Kennebunkport, Maine were set off by bathtubs filled with 38

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summer flowers.

[13] Estimates vary widely the top estimate being 27,000 dolls.

[14] Neither Margaret nor her plans for the Museum of Fascination or the subsequent Museum of Play ever received public access permission for the Allen’s Creek property making a physical move mandatory if her wishes were to be carried out.

[15] October 12, 1982 [16] As estimated by estate appraisers, Sotheby’s.

[17] Following discussions concluded in 2003 it was decided to return to Margaret’s original intent for a museum focusing on fun and fascination through play.

[18] Reif, Rita, “Doll Devotees Make History Come Alive”, New York Times, Dec. 11, 1972, p.56 [19] Archival Vault, Sports Illustrated, Jan 26, 1966 [20] Like all references to collection numbers the Archibald and Pryor numbers vary by hundreds or thousands over the years.

[21] On return from international travels Pryor had frequently contributed to the Archibald collection whose number varies between 300 and 500 dolls. Mrs. Archibald was an assistant Vice President at Pan Am. [22] New Haven Registrar Sunday Pictorial, “The Man with 8,000 Dolls”, by William J. Pendergast, pp. 3-5.

[23] Later Pan American World Airways, known familiarly as Pan Am. [24] The Foundation was founded about 1960.

[25] The Daily Item, “Just One Happy Guy with 8,000 Dolls”, Port Chester, NY, February 18, 1967, p. 5

[26] There was even an aborted plan to have an exhibit of Pryor dolls at the 1964-5 New York World’s Fair and a successful exhibit of 100 dolls at the Museum of Early American Folk Art in 1966.

[27] National Geographic, “The World in Dolls”,

by Samuel Pryor, December 1959, pp.816831. There was an accompanying exhibition at the Society’s headquarters.

[28] Reader’s Digest. “The Magic World of Dolls”

by Robert O’Brien, December 1964 pp. 145, 147-153.

[29] Purchased 1958, restored and opened 1960.

[30] “Over 400 Dolls in Archibald Collection”, The Clipper, August 1953, p. 3 [31] Acquired from Starr heirs around 1956-7.

Newark Evening News, Every Corner of the World on View In Airline VP’s Fairyland of Dolls.

[32] The Johl collection, numbering about 1200 items, including dolls, was purchased by Pryor in the fall of 1960. Greenwich Time, “Famous Pryor Collection Expanded with Acquisition of Noted Johl Figures”, November 5, 1960. According to an unidentified newspaper clipping from late October 1960 the collection had been packed in 30 large carton and been transported from Groton to Greenwich via the Connecticut Turnpike, the same 95-mile route Pryor had flown to purchase the collection.

[33] The collections within the collection were broken up in the auctions of the Pryor collection [34] The Katonah Gallery, November 18, 1986

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“Paris Promenade”

A corselet dress drawn from the pages of La Mode Ilustrée, 1868

By Nicki Burley

J

oin Violette as she steps out for an early spring stroll to the shops. She presents a charming study in chic apparel, with fresh pink for sweetness and dramatic black for style! In the late 1860s, skirts were pulled towards the back, creating an elliptical shape, rather than round. Gored, or pieced, skirts were also an exciting innovation, allowing far less material to be gathered into small waists. This reduced the considerable bulk and weight from nearly 10 yards of fabric in the earlier skirts. Violette’s corselet dress, worn over a gored silk skirt and square necked chemisette, showcases several distinct features of the late 1860s: a high waistline, looped up skirt pulled back to suggest a bustle, and large bows to create back interest. Smaller silk satin bows are scattered over the bodice, and the exquisite ribbon trim is surprisingly simple to make. In another issue, instructions will be offered for the pink checked skirt and a delightful new bonnet.

MATERIALS Corselet Dress:

¼ yd black cotton sateen ⅛ yd black lawn for bodice lining ⅜ yd pink check silk taffeta (includes fabric for matching underskirt) Small piece of solid pink silk 4 hooks 1 ¼ yds white Venice lace trim, ⅜” wide 3 yds pink silk satin ribbon, ⅜” wide 12” twill tape: ⅛” wide

Mitts:

6” piece of black lace, 1 ¼” wide

Violette (by Darlene Lane) in her 1868 Paris Promenade costume. Stockings and snood

by Patti Ulrich; shoes by Pat Hauser; purse and chemisette by Nicki Burley.

SUPPLIES

Matching threads Frixion marking pen & chalk pencil Hemostats Tissue paper ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR

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Notes

1. Violette is a reproduction Huret made by artist Darlene Lane: dddolls@q.com. She has the Dollspart resin body and is 14.5” tall.

2. *The outfit is meant to be worn over a chemise slip, pantalets, and a hoop skirt. Your doll will also need a chemisette blouse with short or long sleeves.

3. *All seams are ¼” unless otherwise stated.

4. *Fabrics shown are vintage items. Chemisette is from A French Fashion Doll’s Wardrobe by Louise Hedrick; pattern reduced to 85%.

5. Join the RoseWren’s Nest group on Facebook for a coordinating paletot pattern, plus information about Violette’s snood and stockings, made by Patti Ulrich. Her pink shoes are by Pat Hauser.

CORSELET DRESS Preparing The Fabric

1. Cut pattern pieces and a 7” x ¾” placket from black sateen. Cut bodice lining from black lawn.

2. Cut waistband belt 9” x 1” from pink striped silk.

3. Prepare 2 bows–cut pieces as follows: Large Pink Checked Silk Bow: Trace both streamer pattern pieces on the fold; do not cut out.

Cut 1 piece 3 ½” x 5” for the loops and a 1 ¼” square for the center.

Small Solid Pink Silk Bow: Trace streamer pattern piece on the fold; do not cut out. Cut 1 piece 2 ¼” x 5” for the loops and a 1” square for the center.

Bows

To make bows, fold loop piece in half lengthwise, then sew ¼” from raw edge, leaving short ends open.

Turn and press with the seam at the middle rather than along an edge. Turn open ends to the back and overlap each other about 3/8”, creating loops, then gather tightly with 2 rows of stitching in the center.

Secure thread and leave a long tail. Fold bow center in thirds, then pinch to pleat ends and use the long thread tail to sew tightly around the bow loops. Trim away extra fabric if needed. Sew streamers on traced line, leaving an opening for turning (there are 2 streamers for the large bow). Trim corners, turn, and press, carefully poking out the corners. Ladder stitch the opening. Cut streamers in half, stack them for the larger bow, pinch to pleat, and attach to the back of the bow. Set aside for placement later. Repeat for 2nd bow.

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Tightly gather the bow loops.

Layer the bow streamers and pleat.

Assembled large bow.

Bodice

Keeping lining and sateen separate, sew side back pieces to center backs. Clip the center back curve to ease it onto the side back piece as you sew. Press sateen seams toward center back and lining seams toward side seams.

Sew shoulder seams; press open. Sew a line of stay stitches around each armscye.

With lining and sateen right sides together, sew up the center back edges and around the neckline. Trim corners and seams, then turn right side out and press.

Staystitch the lining and exterior armscyes.

After pressing on stitch line, sew armscyes together with a ladder stitch.

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Mark and sew darts through all layers. Press toward side seams.

Make small clips in the armscye curves, then turn the edges to the inside, following the line of staystitches. Ladder stitch the lining and sateen together.

Sew side seams together, through all layers. Trim, overcast, and press seams toward the back. Trim will be added after bodice is attached to the skirt.

Pin center back opening to the placket.

Pin bodice to skirt, beginning with marked centers and working outwards. Pin center and pleated sides flat to the bodice, then pull up gathers evenly and pin in place. Sew securely. Trim uneven edges, overcast seam, and press up toward bodice.

Sew a gathering stitch ¼” from the lower edge of the skirt. Pull slightly on the gathering thread as you turn the lower edge to the wrong side ¼”, then press. Make hem by turning a second fold, ½” up. Pull on the gathering thread at curved areas so the hem lays flat. Press, then hem stitch in place. 13. Turn dress inside out to make the tucks and loops which will create a bustled effect. Begin by marking and sewing the ¼” long thread loops, using black thread. There is one loop at the center back, 2 ½” above the hem. Sew one additional loop 2 ½” to the left and another 2 ½” to the right of the center back. These are marked on the pattern with a capital letter “I.” Sew one shallow tuck at the center back, as marked on the pattern. To make tucks, bring the lower “X” to the upper “X” and tack together. Sew additional deep tucks at the side back seams. Cut the 12” twill tape in half, then sew each half just above the tuck on each side back seam. Leave twill tapes hanging for now.

Trim

Make 2 pleats on each side panel.

Skirt

Bring dots together and tack to make skirt tucks.

Cut the center back opening and make a continuous lap placket: press one long edge of the placket strip ¼” to the wrong side. Pin skirt to the placket strip with right sides together. Pull the skirt opening apart so that it forms a straight line. The center will dip a little below the edge of the placket. Sew down the skirt and placket with ¼” seam, just catching the “V” at the center. Trim away any extra placket material at the top of the skirt.

Turn the folded edge of the placket to the inside. On the true right, turn it fully inside and hem in place. On the left, wrap the folded edge around the seam allowance and hem to the seam line. Press.

Sew skirt center front to sides; overcast and press seams toward back. Sew skirt sides to back; overcast and press seams toward back.

Sew 2 rows of gathering stitches ⅛” & ¼” from the top edge of the skirt back, on each side of the opening. Make 2 pleats on each skirt side piece, facing toward the back.

Make the belt: Turn in short ends of 1” wide pink striped silk piece. Press, then fold in half lengthwise and press. Open the band and fold long edges in to meet at the center fold. Press, then refold entire waistband and press again. Mark the center of the waistband and center of the bodice.

Ladderstitch the folded edges together.

Tack one end inside the bodice. Match centers at marked spots, then whip to the lower edge of the bodice.

Try dress on doll (over a chemisette) and mark position for hook closures. Sew 3 hooks and thread loops to the bodice. Sew 1 hook and thread loop to the placket opening.

Sew white Venice lace ½” from the lower edge of the skirt. Overlap lace slightly at the back, then tack together.

Sew Venice lace around the bodice, ¼” from the inside edge. Tack the ends inside the bodice.

Make loopy ribbon trim: Cut a 28” piece of ribbon for the bodice trim. Anchor your thread in one woven edge, ½” from the cut end. Sew a gathering stitch diagonally across the ribbon to the opposite edge, then loop your thread over the edge. Sew a gathering stitch diagonally back across the ribbon to the edge, again looping your thread over the edge. The stitch pattern looks like ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR

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Sew diagonally back and forth across ribbon to make loopy trim.

Arrangement of loops and ties inside the skirt.

Lace Mitts

Dress bodice with waistband, Venice lace, and ribbon trim applied.

triangles, and each base is about the same size as the ribbon’s width (⅜”). Every 3 or 4 triangles, pull up your thread to create serpentine loops. Adjust the loops as you work so they are evenly shaped. When finished, do not anchor thread.

Tack the ribbon trim over the Venice lace edge around the bodice, tucking the end of the ribbon under the loops where you begin. When you reach the end, pull up the trim gathering thread to adjust the fit of the trim, then anchor and cut the thread. Tack the remaining trim to the bodice, again tucking the end under the loops to end.

Follow the same process to make the skirt trim, using 60” of ribbon.

Tack the smaller pink bow just under the center back tuck. Tack the larger bow to the true right side of the bodice, over the belt.

Cut remaining ribbon in 3 pieces, each 6” long. Tie 3 bows, about 1” wide. Cut streamers short with forked ends. Tack one to the center front and one on each shoulder, over the Venice lace.

Thread the twill tape through the skirt loops– when you dress your doll, tie these tapes together to pull the looped skirt back, creating an elliptical silhouette.

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Lay 6” length of lace flat, then mark it at 2 ½” and 3 ¼”. Fold the left end of the lace to the 2 ½” mark. Pin in place. Fold the right end to the 3 ¼” mark. Pin. Pin lace to tissue paper, then sew a narrow zigzag ¼” from each raw edge of lace. Cut apart, leaving ⅛” seam allowance. Turn each mitt right side out and press flat. **If sewing by hand, cut 2 pieces of lace, each 2 ¾” long. Fold with right sides together, then whip stitch a seam ⅛” from the raw edge.** Tack the straight edges together ¼” away from the seam allowance, to create a thumb hole. The mitts slide onto the hand, with the seam on the inside and scalloped edge facing up the arm.

Lace mitt, sewn from overdyed lace.

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Paris Promenade Corselet Dress Bodice Back Cut 2 Lining and 2 Fabric

Cut 2 Lining and 2 Fabric

Fold

Bodice Side Back

Large Streamers 1

CB

Leave Open

1”

Bodice Front

CF Fold

Cut 1 Lining and 1 Fabric

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Small Streamers

Fold

Leave Open

Leave Open

CF

Fold

Fold

Cut 1 Fabric on Fold

Large Streamers 2

Skirt Front

1”

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1”

Pleats

Front

Back

Skirt Front

Cut 1 Fabric on Fold

X

X

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Cut Opening

Skirt Back

Fold

Side

Cut 1 Fabric on Fold

X

CB

X

1”

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Frizellburg Antique Store’s Annual INDOOR Yard Sale!

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Visit our website and shop online: www.catspawonline.com Catalog price is $8.95 post paid

Accessorize Your Dolls!

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15” Early CM Kestner. Exquisite powder pale bisque, 8 ball body, incised “10” on back of head, Beautifully painted features, so serene.

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Auction Calendar Sweetbriar Auction

DUE TO WEATHER-Feb. 14 will be changed to Mar. 21 Sat.,May 16, 2026 Doll & Toy Auction Crescent Shrine, 700 Highland Drive, Westampton, NJ 410.275.2213 | sweetbriar@live.com | sweetbriarauctions.com

Theriault’s

Sat., Mar. 7, 2026, Preview 10 AM, Auction 11 AM ET Marquis: R. John Wright Personal Preserve Collection Sat., Apr. 11, 2026, Preview 9 AM, Auction 11 AM ET Marquis: “A Private Grace” The Doll Collection of Marilyn Dornbush Sat.-Sun., Jun. 6-7, 2026, Times TBD Marquis: Antique Doll Auction Sun., Jul. 26, 2026, Times TBD, Location TBD Marquis: Antique Doll Auction Theriaults Gallery | 410.224.3655 info@theriaults.com | www.theriaults.com

Alderfer Auction

Tue.-Wed., Mar. 31-Apr. 1, 2026 10 AM ET Online Auction Catalog of Antique and Other Fine Dolls 501 Fairgrounds Road, Hatfield, PA 19440 215.393.3000 | www.alderferauction.com

DOTTA Auction

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

1) Sweet 13” Closed-Mouth Belton-Type Antique Doll ca. 1885... $1,750 2) Gorgeous 22” French Rabery & Delphieu Bebe.......................$4,300 3) Adorable 15” Kestner 237 Hilda Toddler.................................. $3,500 ~Layaway Always Available~ Call us at: 718.859.0901 Or email: KathyLibratysDolls@gmail.com www.rubylane.com/shop/kathylibratysantiques

SAS (Special Auction Services) Tue., Apr. 28, 2026, 10 AM GMT Popular Dolls & Teddy Bears Auction Newbury, UK | +44 (0) 1635 580 595 mail@specialauctionservices.com | specialauctionservices.com

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

ADVERTISE IN THE EMPORIUM Send us a photo or a digital photo of your 1-3 doll(s) or accessories with a description and your check or credit card information. We do the rest!! Take advantage of this special forum; the cost is only $95 for a 2.4”w x 2.9”h ad space.

For More Info, Contact:

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Send in your Free Calendar Listing to: Antique DOLL Collector, c/o Calendar, P.O. Box 349, Herndon, VA 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.

Many events have additional information online. Check antiquedollcollector.com > events. members. 10 AM: Public preview. Registration teddy bears, ball-jointed and artist dolls.

LONG TERM Please check online for Long Term listings.

MARCH 2026 1 ~ Buena Park, CA. Sherri’s Doll Show Featuring Barbie Dolls. 9 AM - 2:30 PM. Early Bird: 8:30 AM. Double Tree Hotel, 7000 Beach Blvd. Admission at the Door: Early bird 8:30 AM: $15; Adults: $7; Children: $3; Free Parking. Sherri Gore, call/text 424-394-7612, sherribean7@aol.com.

6-8 ~ Pleasanton, CA. Doll Conference.

Independent Spirits Doll Club “Dolly’s Getaway.” Fri. 3 PM - Sun. 3 PM. Marriott Pleasanton, 11950 Dublin Canyon Rd. Dolly’s Getaway is a 3 day event hosted by the Independent Spirits Doll Club from the San Francisco Bay Area. Featured Friday and Saturday activities are: a Meet and Greet Reception, workshops, programs, ticketed luncheons, Peoples’ Choice Exhibit, helper room, a Saturday Gala banquet and Sunday, a Doll Show. Includes a Tote Bag. Raffles/ Helpers, Competition, Discussion, Display/ Exhibit, Program, Workshop. Handicap Accessible, Food Concessions. Conference $175 - Registration Required. Sales Room - Sunday, 10 AM - 3 PM. Admission at the Door (Cash): $6; 12 & under: FREE. Kind Reminder ~ Many Sellers only accept cash or check and do not accept credit/debit cards. Please plan accordingly. Anthony Bennett, call/text 707-687 6321, abennett.ufdc.rd2n@gmail.com.

7~ Escondido, CA. Cameo Doll Club Show and Sale. 10 AM- 2:30 PM. Escondido Elks Club, 2430 S. Escondido. Show info: Mandy Hicks, 760-500-3087. Dealer info- Patti Morley, 760443-679.9 14 ~ Phoenix, AZ. Doll, Bear, Miniature Show & Sale. World Doll Day Shows. Celebrating the World of Dolls. Shrine Auditorium, 552 N. 40th St. Special rate ~ Hilton Garden Inn, 3838 E. Van Buren St., 85008. Featuring Vintage, Collectible, Modern, Antique Dolls, Bears, Toys & Miniatures. Door Prizes, Raffles/Helpers (Benefits Local Charities), Identification/ Valuation, Restringing, Handicap Accessible, Food Concessions. Kind Reminder ~ Many Sellers only accept cash or check and do not accept credit/debit cards. Please plan accordingly. Admission at the door: General (13 and up): $10; Parking: FREE. Mary Senko, call/text 425-330-1770, mary.senko@comcast. net. WorldDollDayShows.com.

14 ~ Spencer, NC. Annual Live Auction. 9 AM 4 PM. The First Community Center of Spencer, 215 5th St. Boxed lots, individual dolls, toys, and more. 9 AM: Sneak preview for museum 48

ANTIQUE DOLL COLLECTOR

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required. In-person bidding only. ncmdtm.org/ event/annual-auction-2026/.

15 ~ Maquoketa, IA. Fourth All Iowa Doll Show. Americinn 1910 Nairn Dr. Holiday Items & Teddy Bears will be appraised by Scott Tagliapietra as seen on Antiques Roadshow. Nancy McCray. nancylmccray@ gmail.com. 319-651-6440.

21 ~ Sarasota, FL. Venice Doll Club - FX Doll & Toy Show & Sale. 9 AM - 2 PM. VFW Sunshine Post 3233, 124 South Tuttle Ave. Over 70 tables of amazing Dolls & Toys and more. Dealers have been saving their best items all year for this event! Antique Vintage Dolls Toys Bisque Barbie Tin Toys Plus much much More! Door Prizes, Raffles, Charity. Identification/ Valuation, Restringing, Repair. Handicap Accessible, ATM. Kind Reminder ~ Many Sellers only accept cash or check and do not accept credit/debit cards. Please plan accordingly. Admission at the door: Early Bird: 8 AM: $10; After 9 AM: FREE; Parking: FREE. Bruce Zalkin, call/text 941-302-0572, fxtoyshows@gmail.com. fxtoyshows.com.

Special guest Bill Greening, iconic Barbie Designer, will be meeting fans and signing dolls. Admission is cash at door: Adults $10, kids under 12 $5. Parking is free. Joe Koury. joe@queensofthedollaisle.com. 650-303-4140.

APRIL 2026

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MAR 15 ~ MAQUOKETA, IA. Fourth All Iowa Doll Show. Americinn 1910 Nairn Dr. Holiday Items & Teddy Bears will be appraised by Scott Tagliapietra as seen on Antiques Roadshow. Nancy McCray. nancylmccray@gmail.com. 319-651-6440.

28 ~ Jonesborough, TN. Doll Show & Sale. The Dollhouse. Jonesborough Visitor Center, 117 Boone St. FREE Admission. Donations taken for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Free Parking; Handicap Accessible. Ellen Stafford, call or text 423-753-0022, ellen@ jonesdollhouse.com. Jonesdollhouse.com.

NEW LOCATION! 29 ~ Jackson, MI. Lansing Antique & Collectible Doll Show & Sale. 10 AM - 3 PM. American 1 Credit Union Event Center, 128 W Ganson St. Come join in the fun and camaraderie! Find that special treasure you have been looking for. Dealers from four states displaying a wide variety of Antique, Vintage, Modern, Art Dolls, Bears, Dollhouse & Miniatures of all types and ages, along with other doll-related items such as clothing, shoes, wigs, parts, jewelry & accessories. All for your viewing (and buying) pleasure! Door Prizes Identification/Valuation, Restringing, Dealers looking to buy. Handicap Accessible.

Kind Reminder ~ Many Sellers only accept cash or check and do not accept credit/debit cards. Please plan accordingly. Admission at the Door: Adults: $5; Children under 12: $1.

Free Parking. Sandy Johnson Barts. 269-5991511. SJBbetsys@comcast.net. Lansing Doll Show.com.

29 ~ Portland, OR. Portland Doll & Bear Show.

Queens of the Doll Aisle. Hours: 11 AM - 4 PM. Embassy Suites - Portland Airport. 7900 NE 82nd Avenue. Show and sale featuring Antique and Vintage dolls, Barbie (all eras),

SARA BERNSTEIN’S DOLLS

Ph. 732‑536‑4101 Email: santiqbebe@aol.com www.rubylane.com/shops/sarabernsteindolls

FEBRUARY 2026

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La Poupée Modèle DOLL TOUR “Learn and Shop Doll Tours” 2026 FRANCE November 30 - December 6 Samy and Vanessa are ready again to escort you in Europe for a series of Doll Tours for dedicated English speaking collectors.

Treat yourself to a full week of doll fun by visiting private collections, enjoying shopping opportunities while learning more about the exciting world of antique dolls.

The highlights of this tour will be: • A private visit of the personal collection of Marguerite Courtois, doll collector and miniaturist • A seminar about the fabulous dolls distributed by the French magazine La Poupée Modèle, featuring the private collections of Samy Odin and Margaret Kincaid • The discovery of the picturesque medieval city of Dinan, light up for Christmas and filled with antique shops, including Galerie Samy Odin.

A stroll in Saint-Malo and Dinard typical Breton cities • Attendance to a prestige antique doll auction by renowned Galerie de Chartres • Early bird entrance at the “Chartres en Poupées” antique doll show, organized

by Véronique Derez and Vanessa Brunel • And a few more surprises…

You will stay in the  le d’Avaugour hotel in Dinan and in  Grand Monarque hotel in Chartres, you will savor delicate French cuisine, and you will get to your destinations by private bus.

This half-board trip is based on double occupancy for a limited number of participants for 3250€ per person and 3950€ for single occupancy.

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Sign-up now! galeriesamyodin@gmail.com

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