Help Identifying a Doll.

Is there anyone out there that can help me with this doll. You can view it at: http://www.infinet.com/~lawson/Olddoll.html

I just aquired him/her? and haven't a clue what it might be. There are no markings anywhere on it, but the head seems to be in very good condition. The body is made of cloth except for the arms and hands. It seems to be stuffed with some kind of sawdust.

Thank you for your time.

We need a few more clues:

1. The head looks like it's made of composition (wood pulp, glue, and glycerine pressed into a mold then painted). Is that true? (Clue

Yes, I think this is made of composition.

No, nothing anywhere on this doll. It's about 25+ inches long

OPEN AND SHUT

A few more notes. It seems to have something in the back of it. Like a round metal bell or something just inside the fabric on it's back. I have no idea what it's suppose to do.

The legs are very browned. I tried to wash it with a cloth and mild soap and they turned even browner. This must be very old. It almost looks like it was handmade. Could it be and would that matter on value?

Thank you for all your help and time. I really appreciate it.

That would be a crier, which makes it officially a 'Mama' doll. Some just said 'Mama' some were said to say 'Mama' one way and 'Papa' the other way, but they all just sound sort of squealy to me.

It's quite rare to find one with a working crier.

Collectors pay the most money for dolls that were assembled in the factory, but the fact is that most compo dolls of this type were sold as heads in catalogues, and loving mothers made the bodies for their kids. So the homemade legs certainly don't have the negative effect on value that there would be if you replaced a 50's or 80's doll's body. There were many variations on the basic Mama doll through the years, but I'll use the shape of the arms to hazard a guess of manufacture 1915-1930.

You're welcome. In that good big size, and with what appears to be very good condition (despite the stained legs

Patrica,

Thank you so much for all your help. Are you an official doll appraiser? I love learning new things about antiques, whether it's about dolls, books, pottery, etc. There are so many things to learn about antiques and it's so nice for people like you to quench my thirst for knowledge.

Again, thank you for your time. Linda

You're welcome, Linda. Nope, nothing whatever official about me, (although I did just get elected vice-president of my doll club). Just a collector who is fascinated at what doll forms reveal about historical attitudes toward childhood. Ever notice how current baby dolls are either hyper-realistic or have almost square faces, BIG eyes, and preternaturally ample hair? It's like they all are trying to be Dolly Parton. Pun made unintentionally, but left intentionally.

Whether it's your first, or one of many, hope you enjoy it.