11 1/2" Mason Taylor Doll, Excellent!
$1,695 .
Early China in Original Military Costume
Price: $695
In the early 1870’s, there was a circle of companies who produced these detailed, sturdy and unique jointed dolls, starting with Joel Ellis, who was known first for his carriages, Henry Mason, and Luke Taylor, to name the ones that are best known. This example has the distinct details of what is called the Mason Taylor doll, made of carved and finely articulated maple wood, with lower arms and legs, hands and feet of heavy metal such as pewter. Extraordinary on this doll is the condition of her painted surfaces, namely the swivel head, shoulders and lower limbs, as usually the paint has either worn off or has been “played” off by children enjoying the great versatility of this sturdy subject.
She retains her sky blue painted eyes, richly carved curls, painted blond with some surface wear, a clean, smooth complexion, cream painted hands and stockings, with that sky vlue repeating on her metal boots. The makers promoted the advantage of not having to dress this articulated doll, however that didn’t stop an enthusiastic mother or child to make a full cotton outfit, including a two-piece plaid cotton dress, a complimentary apron and cotton undergarments. All look to be made during her early era and a so charming on her. To find one in this condition is exciting!
s s s
A bit of French military nostalgia comes to life here with this endearing wartime “water boy” (12 ¾”) wearing the original uniform he would have worn on the battlegrounds, bringing water to the troops. He even carries his wooden barrel canteen hanging from a leather strap. The whole outfit is original, including the wooden clogs and the fabric pointed cap he wears. He is an early German China, circa 1845–1850, with a short hairdo, exposed ears, and rare wisps of side hair painted on his temples—probably depicting the time of the Franco-Moroccan War of the 1840s.
Highly Decorated Parian
18"
Fancy Hairdo and Pierced Ears
$1,695
The added color on the molded shoulder plate of this 1870 Parian lady is an unexpected detail, which complements her muted plaid brown and black costume. She has white parian bisque, with blue painted eyes (eyelids highlighted in red), a pursed red mouth, an elongated nose, pierced ears, and a blond molded head full of separated curls and waves.
The colorful shoulder plate is decorated with a neat white molded blouse, a ruffled and glazed pink-trimmed collar, tied with a blue glazed bow edged in gold at the center of her neck, with the collar detail continuing on the back. Her original body is made of linen cloth with white kid leather, and her cotton-stuffed arms (one of which is split at the seams) complete her composition. She is dressed in a finely made antique brown and black plaid silk dress, which remains sturdy despite its age. She also wears lovely, layered antique undergarments and antique leather slippers.
s s s
Mason Taylor Doll
10 ½"
Wood and Pewter
$995.
round the time of the early American wooden and metal doll of Joel Ellis came this very similar doll (11 ½”) from Mason Taylor of Springfield, VT, circa 1880. She has the distinctive carved wood swivel head with different blond painted hair, wood torso, arms, and legs, and pewter hands and feet, which are in a boot shape.
Much of the blue boot paint has worn off. Her meticulously jointed limbs provide flexibility and ease of posing. On the back of her right hip is some missing wood from some time ago, as evidenced by the equally aged color exposed. It is tempting to display this doll without clothing to appreciate her unique early construction.
s s s
Early Tuck Comb
12 ½" — Grodnertal Wooden Doll in Box
Lost by USPS (Gone)
Reclining comfortably in her bent wood container, this endearing Grodnertal wooden doll appears very well-preserved. She features a yellow-painted tuck comb, black hair trimmed with spiraled wisps of bangs around her forehead, and an egg-shaped head with all her little painted features placed on the lower half of her face—typical of these early dolls. Only her nose has been restored, and there are only spots of wear to her fair complexion. She retains her blushed cheeks and pierced earrings. Her expression is unusually sweet!
Her body is entirely made of wood, jointed at the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees for full articulation. Both her lower arms and legs have finished surfaces, and she wears signature cadmium red painted slippers. Her clothing is completely original to her 1820s time of production and consists of a sheer lavender-on-white cotton print dress with highly puffed upper sleeves, a fashion detail popular at the time. In addition, her delicate muslin cotton slip and pantaloons are original, and all her clothing is in very nice condition.
More Early Dolls back to page 1
Mailing Address
119 Muirfield
Williamsburg VA 23188
Phone
(818) 738-4591