 |
|
Cissy, released in 1955, was the first of the modern fashion dolls. What set Cissy apart as something new and different was her mature figure with high-heeled feet. She was an expensive doll at the time, and today a dressed doll in mint condition commands an astronomical price.
Cissy was the most prominent doll in Alexander's catalog from 1955 through 1959. In 1960, however, she took a back seat to the new "Playpal" type dolls, and was missing from the catalog altogether, although she was still available and was also being advertised under other names.
Body Construction
Cissy began her life as a 20" doll, but starting in 1958 was described as being 21" tall. She is made of hard plastic with vinyl arms, and is jointed at neck, hips, waist, shoulders, elbows and knees. Some of the later dolls were issued with one-piece (non-jointed) arms. Her hair colors include blonde, ash blonde, brunette or redhead, and her hair is styled into elegantly coiffured wigs. She has blue sleep eyes with painted lashes and feathered eyebrows. Many Cissys walk, but not all
Markings
Cissy is marked "Alexander" on the back of her
head. Some dolls are also marked "Mme Alexander" on their bodies.
Clothing
Cissy was available as a basic doll, sold in underwear and mules, or as a dressed doll in a variety of evening wear, bridal gowns, afternoon and day dresses, and casual outfits. Her wardrobe was nothing short of stunning, made with the highest quality materials and the best craftsmanship available. Most of her clothes bore "Cissy" tags, but many were untagged. For a detailed list of her clothing, see the links above.
View vintage Cissy items on eBay!
Sources for this page include:
- Glamour Dolls of the 1950s and 1960s by Polly and Pam Judd
- "Madame Alexander Catalog Reprints, 1942-1962, Vol. 1" published by Barbara Jo McKeon
- Madame Alexander Collector's Dolls by Patricia Smith
Cissy is a registered trademark of The Alexander Doll Co., Inc.
Copyright 1997-2006 by Zendelle Bouchard.
| Find Dolls by Manufacturer | |||||
| Alexander | American Character | Arranbee | Cameo | Deluxe Reading | |
| Eegee | Effanbee | Hasbro | Horsman | Mary Hoyer | Ideal |
| Kenner | Knickerbocker | Mattel | Nancy Ann | Reliable | Remco |
| Uneeda | Unknown | Valentine | Vogue | Other Manufacturers | |
| Find Dolls by Material | |||||||
| Bisque | Celluloid | Cloth | Composition | Hard Plastic | Paper | Rubber | Vinyl |
| Find Dolls by Type | |||||
| Advertising | Artist | Celebrity | Character | Fashion | Sewing |
