Colonial Man Doll

Wooden DollIn the 1980’s Fred Laughton carved reproductions of Queen Anne type dolls to be sold in the Williamsburg historical district. This colonial man is 12 in. with painted face and flax wig.  His legs are peg-jointed but his arms hang from a string around his neck. He is dressed in a Ken Prince outfit from Mattel. The little tricorne felt hat also came from Williamsburg.

1900 Hand-Carved Peg-Wooden Doll

Wooden DollI was happy to find this 12 in. early 1900’s hand-carved peg-wooden doll. These affordable wooden dolls were also called “penny-woodens” or “Dutch dolls” and were popular in America from early days till the 1920’s. Many were imported from Germany. This one was found in an antique shop. I recognized it from in a 1968 Hobbies magazine advertising an entire lot of old stock peg-woodens at bargain prices. Her crudely carved body is covered with undergarments I made for her.

Peg-Wooden Dolls

Wooden DollHere are three very basic peg-woodens, constructed by simply attaching arms and legs to a torso. The one in yellow (8 in.) was made by my son Allan after I suggested that he try out my miniature lathe. Using the lathe, he turned wood dowels into the five parts of the doll. I made the clothes.

 

Felicity: Peg-Wooden Doll

Wooden DollIn 1991 the Pleasant Co. made 18 in. American Girl dolls representing different eras, such as Felicity from the 18th century. They came with various accessories, some even with their own doll. Shown here is Felicity’s 5.5 in. doll, a peg-wooden with a blue silk gown just like Felicity’s. She is seated at a Petite Princess piano, part of Ideal’s Fantasy Furniture, 1964-65.

 

Shackman Dolls

Wooden Doll

Shown here are a couple of 5.5 in. peg-wooden dolls, 1980’s reproductions by Shackman of dolls that were popular in America in the 1850’s. They have the hinged joints of the originals.  Even Princess Victoria of England was interested in such dolls. At the age of 14, she and her sewing teacher were dressing these carved wooden dolls. Thirty-two of them were dressed in hand sewn outfits by Victoria herself; some of which are now in the London Museum. The dolls were 3 to 9 in. tall, jointed at knees, hips, elbows, and shoulders. Their painted faces had the addition of a little pointed nose. They were dressed like popular celebrities of the day – dancers, singers, actresses, and members of the Court.

Trying To Make A Wooden-Peg Doll

Wooden DollOnce while experimenting with polymer clay, I tried making a 6 in. peg-wooden lookalike. The clay was used to make the head, shoulders, arms, and legs, which were attached to a cotton stuffed body. I only made this one, much preferring the wooden reproductions.

Dolls of All Nations

The Duchess Doll Corp. made small composition and hard plastic dolls, 1948-1960s.Dolls of All Nations  Here is one of the dressed for display as a Brazilian dancer. Also  shown is another undressed Duchess doll with mohair wig, sleep eyes, and molded-painted shoes. These 7 in. hard plastic dolls were made with one piece bodies and legs.