I had time before an appointment to walk through an antique mall. I find some dolls there and if the price is right I buy one. I found this little doll with trunk for just $18 and that is MY price range.
She is made like the old time composition dolls but her limbs and head are hard plastic. With the help of friends she was identified as Kathy by Madame Alexander. Made around 1950 to 1954. So she is about as old as I am. The doll was later made in bigger sizes and out of softer vinyl and with a solid vinyl body. Mine has a cloth cotton stuffed body.
the trunk alone is worth the $18. I love trunks and will buy them when I can. I plan to freshen the paint and inside of this. These dolls sometimes came dressed in Christening gowns. She is 12" long or close to that. She has Alexander on the back of her neck. This one had been someone's teething ring as she has chew marks on her feet and hands. The body is dry rotted so I will make a new one using the old for my pattern. I used the old cotton. But first I put it in a bag and washed it.I am also waiting on a new voice box. She has one of those "mama" criers but it is old and doesn't work.
Progress so far... taken apart, body emptied ready to make a pattern for the new one. Scrubbed the parts and painted them and did a clear coat.
the voice box arrived so now she is back together. Washed and Oxied her clothes she came in, to wear while I sew her new outfits. After getting the trunk all done I had vinyls cut to label it so that there would be no trouble knowing who she is in the future.
Kathy is restored.
