$9,000
Sold
sold
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Description
18" (46 cm.) Cloth doll with pressed and oil-painted facial features and hair with wispy side curls, stitched ears, painted brown eyes with dark iris rims, black eyeliner, lightly-stroked brows, closed mouth with hint of gentle smile, stitch-jointed fabric body with oil-painted stiffened hands, defined applied thumbs, painted shoes, antique costume may be original. Condition: original finish to face and hair albeit extensive rubs (especially nose and boots) and craquelure. Comments: circa 1865, Izannah Walker, the Pawtucket, Rhode Island doll creator, who obtained a patent for her dolls in 1873 which described her aim to create a doll that is "easily kept clean and not apt to injure a young child which may fall upon it". Value Points: rare and sought-after American doll, a keynote of any collection, whose well-worn life lends an endearing charm.