Antique Doll Collector

Antique Doll Collector
In Our April 2011 Issue...

Don’t be afraid – they won’t bite! We are talking about the early open mouth version of the fully articulated bebe by Jules Steiner, sometimes disparagingly referred to as the “shark” or “piranha” bebe. Samy Odin discusses these dolls, reminding us that during the 1870’s an open mouth was much more expensive and complex to produce than its closed mouth version. He shares with us the fine points of these early Steiner bebes – the importance of dentition, their body construction, wigs and clothing.

Chiffonnete, the delightful Huret we met in our March issue has returned, this time modeling a pèlerine, a type of cloak worn by the fashionable élégantes in Paris. A perfect complement to the capeline seen in our last issue, Sylvia Mac Neil supplies an easy to follow pattern – no seams or darts to contend with, the fit created by the over-all shape of the pattern. With this pèlerine your poupee will be ready for those cool spring evenings.

In the early years of the twentieth century, Christmas was the big season for playthings, yet toy companies had to make a living all year long. They did this by producing an array of colorful novelty dolls to suit any occasion. Ursula Mertz shows us several playthings that would be sure to catch the attention of children and adults alike.

Collectors of Tynietoy are probably familiar with the work of George LeClerc, a long time employee of the company who worked for the founders Marion Perkins and Amey Vernon. A highly skilled draftsman, he created many of the designs from which he made templates and dies used for the various components. In 1939 he struck out on his own, producing a prodigious amount of miniature furniture and roomboxes. Susan Grimshaw, a noted miniature expert, shares his life’s work and many fascinating photos from an archival collection.

Fred Olson compares china and parian dolls that bear close resemblance, and in some cases may have even been made from the same mold. It is interesting to see these comparisons and how finer details can be seen in the unglazed parian heads. Starting from the 1850’s and continuing to the turn of the 20th century, we can see how hairstyles and even the bisque changed with the passing of time.

Dolls have always served as important teaching tools. The fashion doll is a prime example with her elegant trousseau, as little girls could emulate their mothers by dressing their dolls in appropriate attire for each occasion. Jan Peterson demonstrates how “la toilette” also played an important role as evidenced by the array of miniature versions of cosmetics designed to keep the French fashion doll looking beautiful.

We also bring you highlights from Theriault’s upcoming sale of the legendary collection of Billie Nelson Tyrell, to be held April 9 & 10 in Los Angeles. Billie Nelson came to Hollywood in the 1940’s, appearing in theatre, television and films. Her interest in Hollywood led her to collect dolls in the likenesses of famous celebrities, accumulating a world-famous celebrity doll collection. But celebrity dolls were not Billie’s only passion. Her tastes also ran to lovely Lencis, German and French bisque, as well as American dolls.

Happy Collecting!

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		Don’t be afraid – they won’t bite! We are talking about the early open mouth version of the fully articulated bebe by Jules Steiner, sometimes disparagingly referred to as the “shark” or “piranha” bebe. Samy Odin discusses these dolls, reminding us that during the 1870’s an open mouth was much more expensive and complex to produce than its closed mouth version. He shares with us the fine points of these early Steiner bebes – the importance of dentition, their body construction, wigs and clothing.
	Chiffonnete, the delightful Huret we met in our March issue has returned, this time modeling a pèlerine, a type of cloak worn by the fashionable élégantes in Paris. A perfect complement to the capeline seen in our last issue, Sylvia Mac Neil supplies an easy to follow pattern – no seams or darts to contend with, the fit created by the over-all shape of the pattern. With this pèlerine your poupee will be ready for those cool spring evenings.
		In the early years of the twentieth century, Christmas was the big season for playthings, yet toy companies had to make a living all year long. They did this by producing an array of colorful novelty dolls to suit any occasion. Ursula Mertz shows us several playthings that would be sure to catch the attention of children and adults alike.
	Collectors of Tynietoy are probably familiar with the work of George LeClerc, a long time employee of the company who worked for the founders Marion Perkins and Amey Vernon. A highly skilled draftsman, he created many of the designs from which he made templates and dies used for the various components. In 1939 he struck out on his own, producing a prodigious amount of miniature furniture and roomboxes. Susan Grimshaw, a noted miniature expert, shares his life’s work and many fascinating photos from an archival collection.
		Fred Olson compares china and parian dolls that bear close resemblance, and in some cases may have even been made from the same mold. It is interesting to see these comparisons and how finer details can be seen in the unglazed parian heads. Starting from the 1850’s and continuing to the turn of the 20th century, we can see how hairstyles and even the bisque changed with the passing of time.
	Dolls have always served as important teaching tools. The fashion doll is a prime example with her elegant trousseau, as little girls could emulate their mothers by dressing their dolls in appropriate attire for each occasion. Jan Peterson demonstrates how “la toilette” also played an important role as evidenced by the array of miniature versions of cosmetics designed to keep the French fashion doll looking beautiful.
	We also bring you highlights from Theriault’s upcoming sale of the legendary collection of Billie Nelson Tyrell, to be held April 9 & 10 in Los Angeles. Billie Nelson came to Hollywood in the 1940’s, appearing in theatre, television and films. Her interest in Hollywood led her to collect dolls in the likenesses of famous celebrities, accumulating a world-famous celebrity doll collection. But celebrity dolls were not Billie’s only passion. Her tastes also ran to lovely Lencis, German and French bisque, as well as American dolls. Happy Collecting!