Take a Look at
Our August 2011 Issue...

No doubt this was the first time that thirty-one dolls by noted doll maker Izannah Walker were ever assembled in one place! This important occasion was the 75th annual meeting of the Doll Collectors of America. Carol Corson took a photographic record of the Izannah "reunion" noting the significant variations in size, hairstyles, foot wear, eye color and facial features from doll to doll. This is an important study of these earliest known commercially produced American cloth dolls. It is believed that Walker was making dolls as early as the 1840's and continued for about thirty years. In 1873 she took out a patent for an improvement in the construction of the heads. Our cover photo is a very special doll by this noted doll maker. His original outfit is nearly identical to one seen in an 1848 painting in the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum.
Samy Odin writes about a doll esteemed for its perfection as a model example. Known as the "Singer" Jumeau, it comes from the estate of the late Australian doll collector Doreen Chapman whose careful notations cited the doll's link to the Singer Sewing Machine Company. It would seem the doll was sent from the U.S. to Australia to demonstrate the stitching versatility of the Singer sewing machines. The magnificent beauty of this poupee is enhanced by the fully factory original costume created by Ernestine Jumeau.
Penny Hadfield started collecting these funny folk dolls with the walnut heads around 1985. Fortunately one of them had its label still intact so she knew they were called "Loveleigh Novelties." Later through eBay, she got to know the couple who lived in "Bonnie Castle," the very home where these dolls were made. Their maker was Itura Leigh who began making her dolls around 1924. Ranging from 7 to 12 inches tall, they were sold throughout the United States and in several foreign countries. By 1930 she employed several assistants who worked with her in her home in a mini assembly line fashion. The success of the dolls and high demand convinced her to apply for a patent as "Loveleigh Novelties". Original source material, even comments from an elderly couple show worked with Itura, and of course, wonderful photographs of these delightful figures contribute to this important article.
Measuring about forty-two inches, the impressive wax doll in the Mary Merritt Doll Museum was one that Jennifer Kohn Murtha always admired. When the museum closed, it was purchased at auction by Maree Tarnowksa who displayed it at a national UFDC convention where Jennifer once again saw the lovely doll. A deal was later struck for Jennifer to paint Maree's portrait as a surprise gift for her husband in exchange for the doll. The author provides details of the portrait photography session and the doll itself, almost certainly a product of the Pierotti firm.
Ursula Mertz was doing research on Horsman when she saw an ad in a 1915 catalog for the company's "Raggedy Man," described as, "The Kind Farm Hand. Made famous by James Whitcomb Riley's poem, and loved by all children. By License from Mrs. L. P. Tucker." She learned that Mr. Riley's poem dealt with a kindly handyman who took time to play with the children of his employer and tell them stories. Horsman spared no expense in creating this seldom seen doll, an example of which finally joined Ursula's collection and which she shares with us in her article. Riley, also known as the "Hoosier Peddlar" became very famous in his lifetime.
Phoenix's Heritage Square is home to a picturesque red cottage brick, home to the Arizona Doll and Toy Museum, truly a jewel in the desert. Jennifer Craft-Hurst visits the museum with its collection of dolls and miniatures dating from 1830. You won't want to miss the delightful schoolroom with its German bisque students or the lovely Jumeau Portrait Fashion. On your next visit to this area, it is well worth your time.
We also bring you an exciting look at Alderfer's August 16 and 17 auction featuring a fine collection of German and French bisque. There's also some notable auction results, including Frasher's sale of an A. Marque, plus news, our mystery doll column, and of course, advertising from the world's foremost antique doll dealers and auction houses.
Happy Collecting!

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