19th Century Paper Dolls

 
 
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Here's a site with some downloadable/ printable vintage paper dolls. While most of these can be dated post-1900, some of them closer to the turn of the century might be of some interest, including the one I have shared here.

This one (click the picture to enlarge) includes a variety of fun costumes including a Santa Claus outfit and a fireman uniform (complete with hat). it was mostly for the fireman outfit that I wanted to share this. I also like the football uniform (it's amazing what people used to wear while playing football, though I guess it wasn't quite as violent a contact sport back then as it is now ~ violent, but the men playing it were a lot smaller and less likely to do as serious damage at these days).

it is very hopeful that I will work on some original paper dolls this weekend. In the meantime, visit the link above to enjoy more examples of turn-of-the-century dolls!
 
 
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I've been gone a long time, busy with countless other projects and occasionally fretting about this seemingly abandoned blog. But I'm hoping to get back to making dolls very soon and finally have the time to do it. I don't really have any good excuses ~ my priorities have just been elsewhere.

In the meantime, I offer some 1850s children's fashions I found while browsing this morning. Came across a site with a Regency & Victorian Paper Dolls CD for sale. It's a bit pricey, but an interesting collection of reproductions of early 19th century ephemera that you can print. Not much by way of samples shown, but it does provide a list of the contents, so I thought I would share the link at least.
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Another gem from Morphy's Auctions. This is "The School of Fashion" circa 1830s-1840s (that's what the website says ~ it looks 30s to me). The description reads: "The Lovely French 'L'Ecole Des Modes' boxed set contains a reinforced front/back 5.7-inch [doll?]. She has six flawless gowns, seven headdresses/hats, and a wooden stand. The accompanying box is embossed with gold trim and a beautiful centerpiece featuring elaborately gowned ladies of the period.

The estimated selling price for this lovely set? $1,200-$1,500!

This was the largest image I could get of the set, so click on it if you want to see it a little closer, but it's too bad we can't see more of the details on the dresses, etc.

 
 

Today's doll is another from Morphy's Auction. This one is called "American Lady With Something To Wear" and is dated 1857. The description reads: "Hand colored from wood engravings, this set has five lovely, detailed gowns, one shawl and four headdresses. Only the front of the envelope remains. The set is in wonderful condition with the average age and wear."  It is estimated to fetch $300-$400!

There wasn't an image with better resolution, unfortunately. But It's a very nice-looking doll overall, and the outfits are nicely colored. I especially like the one presented on the doll itself below with the red ribbons.

 
Morphy Auctions 05/02/2009
 

This month, Morphy Auctions is auctioning off a ton of vintage/antique paper dolls (thank God I have no money to bid!). I had never considered buying actual 19th century dolls until I saw some of these.

Throughout the month of May, I'll share some of the lots with you as fun examples. I have polished a few of these from the catalog so that you can print them if you like (the resolution isn't that good, but they might still be fun!). Many of the dolls are not identified very in depth. I'll provide whatever information the catalog contains and some comments of my own.

First up is Grace Lee (Lot 486). The site says: "'Grace Lee' has five outfits [only four are shown] and a hat with an envelope from the period indicating the set may have been a gift. " The actual doll is 5 inches, comes with a second doll with  more clothing (not shown), and the two are expected to fetch anywhere between $200 and $250 dollars. This is one of many sets of dolls printed by McLoughlin.

From the style of the clothing, Grace Lee looks like she was produced in the late 1850s or early 1860s.  I love the ermine-tail trim on the lavender coat and the Flemish-styled overskirt on the fourth dress. It looks like this is a very nice set and well-cared for.

Click on the doll and the clothes below for a larger image from which to print.

Finally, I am working on Henry Fleming this weekend, so I hope to update my progress by Sunday so you can see how he's coming along.