Rare American 19th Century Doll by Goodyear

Live Auction

20" (51 cm.) Molded rubber (gutta percha) shoulder head with very plump cheeks and chin,sculpted short black curly hair,painted facial features,blue eyes,red and black upper eyeliner,single-stroke brows,closed mouth,muslin stitch-jointed body with sewn-on stockings,and black leather boots,wearing original simple muslin gown,undergarments. Condition: generally excellent,early repaint. Marks: Goodyear's Pat. May 3,1851,Ext 1865 (incised on back shoulderplate). Comments: the Charles Goodyear patent of rubber/gutta- percha was first registered in 1851 and continued in 1865,this model from the latter era. Value Points: very rare to find well-maintained example of this American doll,its unusual use of rubber/gutta percha material appearing simultaneously with its French cousin,the gutta- percha-bodied Huret poupee.