$1,800
Sold
sold
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Description
24" (61 cm.) Softly stuffed stockinette doll with stitch-shaped definition of eye sockets, nose and mouth, center chin seam, painted facial features, brown eyes, all-around lashes, defined nostrils, philtrum and lips, blonde yarn stitched-on tight curls, very plump body with stitch jointing at shoulders, hips and knees, defined fingers and toes, antique baby gown and bonnet (likely original). Condition: generally excellent, some minor wear to outer layer of stockinette at fingers and toes. Comments: attributed to Julia Beecher, of Elmira, New York, circa 1890, sister-in-law of Harriet Beecher Stowe, who authored Uncle Tom's Cabin, and of Henry Ward Beecher, the famed abolitionist. Stockinette dolls were made in the sewing circle of the Elmira, New York, Congregational Church 1893 to 1910, with proceeds donated to missionary groups, thus earning the dolls the name of Missionary Rag Babies. Value Points: the very rare early cloth doll, with intriguing historical connections and charity origins, is wonderfully created and preserved.