Posted 8 years ago
Bluey4246
(9 items)
This doll is 13 inches long and has washer joints on arms and legs. There is a mark on back of head but I can't find a maker. Any idea what this is and is it rare?
antique composition and straw doll | ||
| Composition Dolls71 of 244 |  |  |
Well---no doubt it is OLD!! Look at photo two---all that creepy skin. I wouldn't have a hard time deciding to let go of it. What on earth is it made of! Someone here will help you, I don't collect dolls. We were doing scarey dolls here for a bit, and this would have fit right in. Actually remembering that, people DO COLLECT SCAREY DOLLS--so you may have a keeper here after all.
The legs look like quality burlap? The skin, as Collector notes, looked to be a hardened ruberised coating that cracked with time. Shirts with those colourful hard graphics put on them do the same thing. Once we figure out what it is, it would be best for you to go to the store (look in the shoe care department) to find something to condition the coating so it does not flake off.
He is made of composition which is sawdust mixed with a glue and poured into a mold when it hardens it is painted and sealed , These dolls did not stand up well to dampness causing crazing and paint peeling . He is likely from around 1920-very early 30's and USA made . His clothes do not appear to be original but maybe Mom made . I would like to see his face sitting up . He is NOT scary and the composition on hands seems pretty bad would have to be sanded down ,repainted and sealed . I have repaired many compo dolls . The material used for his legs is so fragile because of age I would get him some long socks to cover them and save any more damage occurring . He looks a lot like a Horseman doll but I can't see the whole mark some if which maybe under shirt .
I believe he was made by Trion Toy Co. maybe as early as 1915
Trion Toy Co dolls 1911-1921 USA company managed by Adolph Cohen, made composition character dolls, some dolls dressed and sold by Averill
Here is one of their dolls that sold
https://www.rubylane.com/item/1112566-PMDOLL20/Early-17x22-Composition-Straw-Ex78celsior-stuffed
I'm so bummed apparently part of right eye fell off when i.put back in closet. Do you have any recommendations to get it restored? Or is it not worth effort?
It is expensive to do a restore that needs this much work . It would out cost the value of doll . It is a lot of work and then whole face needs to be repainted and it has to look professional like it was originally so not a do it your self job. Doll will continue to deteriorate unfortunately. Is the chip of blue paint there you could add a dab of glue and put it back ? Or if you can paint use acrylic paint from a hobby store and paint it back . You will also need white to lighten it as it is 2 colors . I think it says Trion Toy Co under cloth .
Thanks...I got doll for a few dollars.
I would glue the chipped eye piece back and in and put long stockings on him and enjoy him :-)