Early American Wooden Dolls and Paint-Decorated Miniature Chairs

Live Auction

12 1/2" (32 cm.) Ellis doll. Two carved wooden dolls, each with painted detail of hair and face over gesso, one with black sculpted hair and painted large brown eyes and the other with blonde sculpted short hair with outlined dark eyes and swivel head, each with dowel-jointed shoulders, elbows, hips and knees with variation of construction on each doll, metal hands and feet, painted blue or black ankle boots. Condition: very good, possible retouch on face, and chips on hair of black-haired model. Comments: American, circa 1875, Joel Ellis and Mason and Taylor dolls. Value Points: the two iconic dolls are seated on early wooden doll chairs with original painted finish and stenciled decorations (one with two replaced legs). Value Points: wonderful array of early American wooden play objects.