The Joy of Antique Dolls

By: Kim Novak

In Greek, the word doll comes from eidolon, which means idol. Dolls were made for religious purposes in ancient societies. In following years, Christians routinely used them for Christmas. Naples became widely celebrated for miniature recreations of the birth of Christ. Dolls were considered religious artifacts until about 1440. To the delight of many children, dolls became playthings. Early dolls lacked refinement and were created from stone, bone, wood or clay.

By the middle 1700s dolls became more common. During the next century doll making became big business shifting from their original cottage craft beginnings to large scale factory production in Germany, England and France. Many materials, including porcelain, wood, cloth and wax were utilized in their creation.

The Creation of the Pull Doll - now a highly sought after Antique Doll

During the 1840s, the first pull doll was created. This doll featured eyes that opened and closed by pulling on a wire beneath her clothing. Methods followed using weights which attached to the backs of her eyes.

The making of dolls became so important that several countries began to exhibit the creations at the first world's fair. In the late 1800's, Dressel and Schilling from Germany, were the most highly regarded for dolls with beautiful and delicate heads made of porcelain. The French firm Jumeau created mechanical dolls that could speak. English doll maker Augusta Montana manufactured little dolls resembling Queen Victoria's children.

In the United States, dolls created prior to the Civil War were far less sophisticated than those from European countries. The American doll makers were less educated in doll making and used rustic materials such as wood, rags and clothespins. Dolls from this era are prime examples of Antique American Folk Art.

The Rubber Doll

Soon, the United States caught up with the European doll makers. Benjamin Lee of New York, created the first rubber doll in 1855. These dolls reflected the lavish Victorian lifestyles. Now, considered precious antique dolls, the first rubber dolls had real hair and beautiful costumes with full skirts, bustles and bodices of silk, satin and lace.

The original Ideal Toy Company introduced - the teddy bear in the early 1900s. Of course, this teddy bear was named after President Theodore Roosevelt and has attained legendary status. Antique doll teddy bears from this original period are incredibly valuable and difficult to find.

Until 1900, most dolls were portrayed as young ladies or girls. Around World War I, in the United States, a revolutionary doll appeared. Her name was Bye-lo Baby and was modeled after a real life baby said to be only three days old. This doll was a mega hit and remains very strong for antique doll collectors today.

In the early 20th century, plastic entered the world of doll manufacturing. Dydee was a very early plastic model. She could drink a bottle and wet her diapers. This doll was followed by Tiny Tears which also became immensely popular.

The Debut of Barbie in 1958

For many devotees of doll collecting, the highlight was the debut of Barbie from Mattel Toys. This followed with the creation of the Ken doll for a touch of romance.

For collectors of Antique Dolls, marks, most often found on the back of the head, back or neck, help identify the age and the maker. We recommend the guide Warman's Antiques and Collectibles Price Guide for full values and complete information.

You may wonder about the passion collectors seem to have for antique dolls and their homes. It seems to boil down to one word "passion". Sentimental memories of days gone by are brought back to life with the beauty of an Antique Doll.

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Kim Novak is a writer and collector of antique dolls and other antique collectibles. Kim has written several pieces of both the collecting and valuation of antique pieces. Visit us at Trusted Antiques.