plastic doll

Plastic doll

plastic doll

 Have delighted generations of

little girls since they first appeared in the 1940s. The huge numbers produced over recent decades - first in America and then Britain - allow plenty of scope for anyone interested in

 

Plastic was the toymakers' ideal material, allowing them to produce dolls that were light, hygienic, hard- wearing, and inexpensive. Post-World War II dolls in this novel medium were snapped up by an enthusiastic public.

 By the late 1950s, the hard plastic of the early years had been replaced by a softer vinyl. With so many of these dolls still in existence, condition is vital. Desirability is also increased by a rare or appealing design, or by a well-known maker.

 

American beauties

The American doll designer Mary Hoyer began making hard plastic dolls in 1946. They were distinguished by curled hair and elaborate outfits, often homemade by their owners, using special knitting or sewing patterns.

In 1945 Beatrice Behrman - trading as Madame Alexander of the New York-based Alexander Doll Co. (established 1923) - introduced one of the earliest ranges of currently collectable plastic dolls.

 She featured characters from films, books, and cartoons, as well as celebrities. Her dolls are marked either on the back or elsewhere on the body, and some have name tags attached to their A clothes.

plastic doll

 Among her most sought-after dolls are the Little Women' series based on Louisa M. Alcott's books. Examples in mint condition with their original clothing and hairstyles can fetch anything between £30 and £500.

Dolls made by the Vogue Doll Co. in the 1950s will now generally cost £200-500. again if in good condition with their clothes and hair unchanged.

Sasha dolls were a triumph of the 1960s. These realistic-looking dolls - a boy CGregor') or a girl ('Sasha') — had dark or fair hair, brown or blue eyes, different skin colours, and everyday play clothes.

 They were designed to break down cultural stereotypes, and were made by different manufacturers in different countries.

 In Britain they were produced by Trendon Toys from 1965. Authentic clothing and a swing tag on the wrist will add value, as will the doll's general condition, especially if the long hair on the female model is uncut.

plastic doll

Pedigree chums

During the 1950s the Pedigree brand was a favourite in Britain, and its Rosebud dolls were well loved f by many young children. 

As a  result, the condition of thesedolls is often poor - check them for damage to fingers and toes, as many owners painted their baby's nails. Some types had washable hair, so make sure that it hasn't been spoiled by any washing and that it is still in its original style. Sleeping eyes should open and close and eyelashes should be intact. Missing or replaced clothes will lower the value.

Newborn babes

British National Dolls Ltd specialised in newborn baby dolls with hair that was shaped and moulded as part of the doll's head, then sometimes given a painted finish. Many dolls even had 'mama' voice boxes. 

Most are missing their original clothes, which reduces their already modest value (£-30-50 or less). Other 'newborns' include Palitoy's Tiny Tears', launched in 1965

with accessories such as a bottle, travelling kit, and bath.

plastic doll

Kewpie cuties

Cartoons and illustrations gave rise to many character dolls. One of the most popular was Kewpie, with her starfish- shaped hands, small wings' over the ears, tiny eyebrows, and appealing face.

 As a result of the variety of different types, sizes, and materials available, as well as the range of prices, Kewpie dolls make an excellent collection on their own. Licences were issued to various companies who produced inexpensive plastic Kewpies from the late 1940s and 50s; some pirate versions were also made.

plastic doll

 

The eyes have it

Googly dolls, with their large, goo- goo' eyes, were first produced in bisque by various German makers. Later plastic versions were made by a number of lesser-known manufacturers. These plastic dolls can often be found for under £100. Googly dolls with mischievous expressions are more collectable..

 

plastic doll    Top Tips

  Avoid any doll with hair that has been altered by its owner - 

cut, restyled, or damaged by washing or brushing.

• Choose dolls that are clean, with unstained plastic. But

  
  

  over-enthusiastic cleaning hasn't damaged the surface

  
  

  
  
•  of the plastic.
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•  Also make sure to Look for original accessories and packaging - especially the box - as these will enhance
•  the value.
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• Search for dolls with makers' tags still attached, as this also adds value.

  
  
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• Look for one of the following marks to indicate Madame Alexander dolls: 'Mme 

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Alexander', 'Alexander', or 'Alex'.
• Beware of unauthorised Japanese- made Kewpies without a proper label.