Antique Doll Collector

Antique Doll Collector
In Our June 2011 Issue...

All too often collectors get stuck using terminology to describe dolls that modern research has proven inaccurate. A prime example is the solid dome heads that collectors call Beltons. Andy Ourant discusses the complexities of the Sonneberg toy and doll industry and the difficulty in assigning manufacturers to these extraordinary dolls that compare favorably to their French counterparts and at a fraction of the price. Along with his well-researched article, he shares a collection of Sonneberg beauties that will deepen your appreciation for these lovely dolls.

Kathy Embry writes about the collaboration of two important individuals in the doll world: Emile Jumeau and Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. Sometime between 1872 and 1878 Emile asked the well-known sculptor to create a unique bebe, the Bebe Jumeau, which was introduced in 1879. Carrier-Belleuse, one of the most prolific and successful sculptors of the century and the foresight and business acumen of the Emile Jumeau came together to produce the doll which collectors commonly refer to as the “Triste” model.

In March of 1896 New York City’s patronesses gathered at the Sherry Netherland hotel to view a fashion show in miniature – some sixty wax dolls wearing the latest in stylish gowns and hats produced by the country’s finest dressmakers. Rhonda King shares this extraordinary and little known event with our readers. A series of professionally produced cabinet photographs offers us a glimpse of this doll show now lost to history. The dolls, each thirty-six inches tall, offer a look at exquisite doll artistry in wax. The question remains, where are these dolls today?

Ursula Mertz shares the fun with her swivel dolls, all composition dolls with swivel joints at the hips that allow them to be easily posed without doll stands. The variety and novelty of these early American made dolls is seemingly endless!

Myra Fay Graubard knew she had scored big when she stumbled on an all felt Lenci-type doll depicting Josephine Baker, complete to the infamous banana skirt. The life and times of this popular star who made France her adopted country is discussed in detail.

Considering the popularity of German bisque “coquette” dolls, it is not surprising that American manufacturers copied them in composition. Dolls with coy smiles and side glancing eyes, the author’s interest began with an unusual black coquette doll. Several different examples are shown, each with the same characteristics, including a molded headband. It is a fascinating study!

Our June issue offers a preview of Morphy’s June 11 fine doll auction which features the collection of Helen Burton of Arlington, VA, and an outstanding array of all bisque dolls, some with jointed elbows and knees. Fashions, bebes, German character bisque, an Izannah Walker and an Alabama Baby are among the selections.

Happy Collecting!

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		All too often collectors get stuck using terminology to describe dolls that modern research has proven inaccurate. A prime example is the solid dome heads that collectors call Beltons. Andy Ourant discusses the complexities of the Sonneberg toy and doll industry and the difficulty in assigning manufacturers to these extraordinary dolls that compare favorably to their French counterparts and at a fraction of the price. Along with his well-researched article, he shares a collection of Sonneberg beauties that will deepen your appreciation for these lovely dolls.
	Kathy Embry writes about the collaboration of two important individuals in the doll world: Emile Jumeau and Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse. Sometime between 1872 and 1878 Emile asked the well-known sculptor to create a unique bebe, the Bebe Jumeau, which was introduced in 1879. Carrier-Belleuse, one of the most prolific and successful sculptors of the century and the foresight and business acumen of the Emile Jumeau came together to produce the doll which collectors commonly refer to as the “Triste” model.
		In March of 1896 New York City’s patronesses gathered at the Sherry Netherland hotel to view a fashion show in miniature – some sixty wax dolls wearing the latest in stylish gowns and hats produced by the country’s finest dressmakers. Rhonda King shares this extraordinary and little known event with our readers. A series of professionally produced cabinet photographs offers us a glimpse of this doll show now lost to history. The dolls, each thirty-six inches tall, offer a look at exquisite doll artistry in wax. The question remains, where are these dolls today?
	Ursula Mertz shares the fun with her swivel dolls, all composition dolls with swivel joints at the hips that allow them to be easily posed without doll stands. The variety and novelty of these early American made dolls is seemingly endless!
		Myra Fay Graubard knew she had scored big when she stumbled on an all felt Lenci-type doll depicting Josephine Baker, complete to the infamous banana skirt. The life and times of this popular star who made France her adopted country is discussed in detail.
	Considering the popularity of German bisque “coquette” dolls, it is not surprising that American manufacturers copied them in composition. Dolls with coy smiles and side glancing eyes, the author’s interest began with an unusual black coquette doll. Several different examples are shown, each with the same characteristics, including a molded headband. It is a fascinating study!
		Our June issue offers a preview of Morphy’s June 11 fine doll auction which features the collection of Helen Burton of Arlington, VA, and an outstanding array of all bisque dolls, some with jointed elbows and knees. Fashions, bebes, German character bisque, an Izannah Walker and an Alabama Baby are among the selections. Happy Collecting!