Composition » Vintage Doll Collector

Withington Auction has a terrific sale scheduled for Thursday and Friday of this week at the Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH. In Thursday’s catalog, they have many wonderful composition dolls, most sold in groups of two or three dolls, as well as some nice Ginnys and Muffies. Pictured below is a Fam-Lee set, a doll with interchangeable heads.

In Friday’s auction they have several lots of Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls in their original boxes, sold mostly in lots of 6 dolls, as well as other nice vintage dolls. Of course, there are many fabulous antiques on both days as well, and lots of non-pictured dolls and boxlots of extras. Check out their website if you would like to place an absentee bid – but if you live anywhere in New England, it’s worth the drive to Nashua.

At an auction today I picked up a boxlot which included several photos of Shirley Temple. Some of the photos are of her holding a doll, so I thought I would share them with you. This first photo shows her with one of the rare Shirley Temple Baby dolls issued in 1935. The Baby has a composition head and limbs and a cloth body.

In the second photo, Shirley and her doll are both wearing the polka dotted dress from the film “Stand Up and Cheer.” The dolls were sold in several different variations of this dress. The doll is made of composition with a mohair wig.

The pleated dress with glued-on daisies on the yoke was from the film “Curly Top.” There was also a version with smaller embroidered flowers.

This photo shows Shirley holding a cloth sailor doll. Shirley amassed a huge collection of dolls, many of which were gifts from friends, admirers and film industry people. At one time her collection was displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. It’s always fun to see what dolls you can spot in her movies.

The striped cotton dress is also from “Curly Top.” As with the other outfits Ideal made for the Shirley dolls, there were color variations. All of the Ideal Shirley Temple dolls were sold wearing a pin featuring a photo of Shirley.

The Ideal composition Shirley Temple dolls were the biggest selling dolls of the 1930s. The dolls were available in nine different sizes and sold in the millions. They remain very popular with collectors and command high prices if in excellent condition, or if wearing a rare outfit. Do you have a Shirley Temple doll in your collection?

James D. Julia’s doll auctions are known for high end French and German antique dolls, and his upcoming auction on May 4 and 5 is no exception. But this time around there is a good selection of 20th century items that vintage collectors will want to bid on as well. Day One of the auction includes some wonderful dolls by Lenci, Kathe Kruse and Steiff in addition to the usual Brus, Jumeaux, Steiners and Kestners. There is a nice selection of early Disney items and some Schoenhut circus and safari figures. Bear collectors will find many lots by Steiff and other early makers to choose from. Great early toys and doll houses are abundant here, too.

Day Two will bring several lots of Steiff and other cloth dolls, many more Disney items, bisque and composition character dolls. Lots of tin toys, children’s books and vintage holiday decorations include items that would display well with your vintage doll collection. Much of the day will be given over to vintage advertising collectibles which will appeal to anyone who appreciates the graphic style of the early and mid 20th century.

If you can’t get to Maine this week for the auction, you can bid online or by phone. Photos courtesy of James D. Julia, Inc., Auctioneers, Fairfield, ME. www.jamesdjulia.com

Effanbee’s composition Patsy was a real trendsetter. Debuting in the 1920′s, she was one of the first American made dolls who was truly modern. She reflected the big changes that were occurring in fashion and society – flappers, bobbed hair, short skirts for little girls. Patsy was a smash hit and Effanbee took the opportunity to put out a whole series of similar dolls in different sizes. Among them were Patsy Ann, Patsy Lou, Patsy Mae, Patsy Baby, and this little sweetheart, Patsyette. At 9″ tall, Patsyette was the perfect size for a little girl to take everywhere. This darling set in the original cardboard case holds a dressed doll and three extra outfits. Photo courtesy of Debbie’s Dolls.

The first Withington doll auction of the year is coming up in just a few weeks. It’s scheduled for Thursday and Friday, April 7 & 8 at the Holiday Inn in Nashua, NH. There will also be dealers selling out of their hotel rooms on Wednesday afternoon for a little pre-auction shopping fun.

While the auction will be weighted toward antique dolls as usual, there are a number of nice items on both days for the vintage collector, including Vogue Ginnys, Alexander hard plastic dolls, a lovely Effanbee historical replica, some Lencis and more. The boxlots at the end of the day always have some interesting finds. Here are a few of the dolls in the catalog: (Photos courtesy of Withington Auction, Inc.)

Vintage Doll Collector

Great auction this week for vintage doll lovers

Shirley Temple’s dolls

Vintage jewels at Julia auction this week

Minty Monday: Effanbee Patsyette Boxed Set

Withington Auction April 7-8