Frau Wulf's Boudoir Doll Blog

Ladies' Man

2012-01-31T08:23:00.002-06:00

The caption on this photo partially reads, "'Flying Ace' Charles A. Lindbergh became a popular hero in 1927 when he flew solo across the Atlantic Ocean from New York to Paris, inspiring dolls, songs, poems and candy bars."

I wonder how many of these boudoir dolls still exist? I don't believe I've ever seen one.

Bag Lady

2012-01-28T12:35:00.006-06:00

Being I know nothing about fabric, I could be wrong, but I'm thinking that this purse was restored/repaired or replaced in the 1960's. The celluloid purse frame is old, as is the boudoir doll face. But, the trim inside the purse, as well as the silk lining, and the crushed velvet purse, itself, seems 1960's to me.......anybody know fabric that could confirm? Cool purse!

Friends

2012-01-26T18:02:00.002-06:00

This old photo shows a happy girl with her "friends."

Lucien Kahn French Boudoir Doll

2012-01-22T14:19:00.003-06:00

Sue sent me these photos of this tagged Lucien Kahn French boudoir doll with the following information, "Lucien Kahn is listed in Coleman's (Doll Encyclopedia). French doll maker from 1926-29 and later? Why she cites later ? She lists factory at Montreuil-sous-Bois and he made cloth dolls. He registered in France Moglette as a trademark in 1926 and these stuffed dolls also appeared as La Moglette. It would appear that these dolls were made for the French market, as opposed to some dolls being export only to US."

Mommy's Doll

2012-01-21T16:11:00.002-06:00

The expression on this little girl makes me wonder if she was "caught in the act." I have a feeling it's Mommy's boudoir doll.....

French Suede-Faced Flapper "Jane"

2012-01-19T15:07:00.005-06:00

This fabulous French doll has a chamois (suede) face with embroidered and painted face and silk floss hair. She wears the cutest hiking/snow boots. When I saw her photo, I thought they could have been leather, but they're pottery, painted to look like leather! The bottom of one sole is handwritten, "Jane." Her outfit feels like flannel, but I do not know what the fabric is, and she wears stockings and "socks." Her hat is knitted. She is SO CUTE!

I made a collage of Dorothy Jordan and Bessie Love. These photos reminded me so much of my doll! You can find these photos on eBay. Click the names of the actresses to access the auctions.

Here Comes Mr. Jordan - 1941 - Robert Montgomery

2012-01-17T19:03:00.002-06:00

"Here Comes Mr. Jordan" - 1941 - Starring Robert Montgomery, Claude Rains, Evelyn Keyes, and James Gleason. This film was made again in 1978, called "Heaven Can Wait." I loved the original 1941 version!

Lured - 1947 - Lucille Ball, George Sanders

2012-01-17T18:57:00.003-06:00

Snippet from the 1947 movie, "Lured," starring Lucille Ball, George Sanders, Boris Karloff, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke. This is a great whodunit, serial killer movie!

Not Your Typical German Doll Head

2012-01-16T17:50:00.002-06:00

The doll head in the middle is very unusual. You can see the difference in style. She has molded hair, and the style is very different. I've never seen one like it. Interesting.....

Lupe Velez & Friends

2012-01-12T20:27:00.002-06:00

Lupe Velez, posing with four all cloth boudoir dolls, possibly made by "American Stuffed Novelty" or "Unique Novelty Doll Company."

Petite French

2012-01-11T08:07:00.002-06:00

This is one of the earlier-made boudoir dolls. She is a petite French doll, and wears her original silk dress. As is typical with silk, it has deteriorated, yet you can still see how beautiful her dress once was. She has silk thread hair and a needle-sculpted face The face is felt with silk overlay.

Family Gathering

2012-01-10T08:13:00.002-06:00

I wonder when this photo was taken - looks like 1940/50's? The lady's boudoir doll helps to date the photo.

Happy Birthday, Kathy!

2012-01-09T08:11:00.001-06:00

Looks like Kathy got a boudoir doll for her birthday in 1951.

Where Did You Get Those Eyes?

2012-01-07T20:20:00.004-06:00

One particular trait of a French "Ring Lady" are her eyes. Notice the first three photo closeups show the eye paint is the same on all three dolls.

The eye paint on the last doll is different, yet the doll has other "Ring Lady" characteristics, such as the same type body, pearl choker necklace and ring on finger. (click on "body" to view a previous blog post)

So, is the doll with the different eye paint made by the same maker? I believe they are. Does anyone have a doll like these that is tagged?

Pierrot Half Dolls

2012-01-05T21:59:00.000-06:00

Here are more Pierrot half dolls.

Pierrot Half Doll

2012-01-04T18:37:00.003-06:00

This wonderful Pierrot half doll is marked "21183." The owner told me that this half doll is porcelain. I looked up the number in a half doll book, and it states that the number is associated with Sitzendorfer Porzellanfabrik, however, I don't know for sure if that is what the number represents. At any rate, this half doll has great looking face paint; so realistic.

The owner wished to be anonymous and requested I make the photos "Courtesy of a Frau Wulf Fan." Thank you. I'm glad you enjoy the blog. Your photos help me to keep on blogging.

Lenci Spanish Senorita

2012-01-03T17:31:00.002-06:00

This Lenci is tagged #163. She is the smiling version of another one just like her (see last photo). Both dolls remind me of Fadettes. They're the same size, and their bodies seem to be the same. Their face molds look the same to me too. Pretty dolls!

Boudoir Dolls in Film "Cabin in the Sky"

2012-01-01T12:33:00.002-06:00

There is a boudoir doll in Georgia Brown's (Lena Horne) boudoir in "Cabin in the Sky" 1943, also starring Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, Ethel Waters, John W. "Bubbles" Sublett, and Louis Armstrong. And, as suspected, Georgia is a particularly naughty lady as evidenced by her owning a boudoir doll, as well as the Devil Jr. (Rex Ingram) laying in her bed (third photo). This film is really cute and has some great musical numbers in it. See the YouTube clip, below; one of my favorite musical scenes in the film (Duke Ellington).

Happy New Year's Eve!

2011-12-31T15:18:00.002-06:00

If you're in the Nashville area tonight, this looks like fun!

But, wherever you choose to celebrate, I wish all of you a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year!

Window Shopping with Grandpa

2011-12-31T13:31:00.001-06:00

This old postcard from Argentina shows a little girl with her Grandpa in front of a shop called, "El Amanecer" (The Dawn). In the shop window is a beautiful French boudoir doll!

I Dream of Genie

2011-12-29T15:11:00.002-06:00

Check out this great boudoir doll! She has composition head and hands and a cloth body. Her costume was made by Sue. Isn't it fantastic! What I love about Sue's work is she keeps to the era, using vintage patterns or using old magazines as inspiration for her designs. This outfit was made, using a 1926 pattern. I love the colors Sue used, and check out the detail; she even made the slippers.

The Party Begins

2011-12-28T16:37:00.003-06:00

Bing Crosby, Bebe Daniels, Douglas Fairbanks Sr in "Reaching for the Moon" 1931. The song is "When the Folks High Up Do the Mean Low Down"

Man of Mystery

2011-12-27T14:02:00.002-06:00

This is a very interesting figure. Margie told me his construction reminds her of the pair I blogged about yesterday. I wonder if they're made by the same maker? He still has his original coat and slippers. Was he a Sultan? Perhaps, he's a Genie? Or, maybe, he's a spiritual leader....

At any rate, he's had some misfortune; he lost the lower half of his right arm. He's marked with a number on the back of his neck "488."

From Rags to Riches - A Royal Affair

2011-12-26T20:06:00.007-06:00

Here are photos of a pair of half-doll type dolls in partially restored costumes, made by the ever-so-talented Margie Herrera. These dolls belong to Carol Willman who had Margie restore their costumes and allowed Margie to share her photos on this blog. Thanks! Below are more photos taken before their transformation. You will notice that most of their original costumes remain and that Margie replaced the badly shredded silk. One thing that can't be replaced, however, is the lady's nose up in the air! She's not having any part of "Prince Charming"'s attentions.

See the tag, below, last photo. These dolls are German/Austrian.

The lady's gown has a tag, "Wiener Kunstgewerbe-Atelier - Berlin, SW68 Ritterstrasse 49 (Viennese Arts and Crafts Studio, Berlin SW 68, Knight Street 49)

Clara Bow Sings!

2011-12-26T08:36:00.002-06:00

Clara Bow performs, "True to the Navy Now" 1930 from the film True to the Navy

All I Want To Do Is Dance - Marilyn Miller - 1929

2011-12-24T22:46:00.002-06:00

Marilyn Miller performing "All I Want to do is Dance." 1929 Film "Sally"

Christmas Greetings!

2011-12-22T16:40:00.004-06:00

This photo was taken Christmas 1968. Notice the black fishnet stockings, shocking pink double-knit tent-style mini dress with mandarin collar, and my Patty Boyd-wannabe hairdo. Also, in the background is our German "Blaupunkt" radio/phonograph console.

German Cowgirl

2011-12-21T18:55:00.002-06:00

I believe this all cloth doll is German-made. She is missing her boots and has red paint that splattered onto her face, but she is still a great doll and wears her original outfit!

Hey Buddy, Gotta Light?

2011-12-16T17:03:00.003-06:00

This old photo of Anna Held, Jr is dated November 28, 1924. The news caption reads, "New York....Theatrical folk of a generation ago well remember Anna Held, who reigned as a leader in the musical comedy world for several years. When her daughter, Anna Held, Jr, came upon the stage to follow the career of her mother, she received a hearty welcome and attained much personal popularity. But now Anna Held, Jr has forsaken the footlights and has opened a novelty shop in Greenwich Village where she not only has on sale a great many interesting articles of various design, but where she also makes many things herself."

Additionally, the photo has the following caption, "Photo shows Anna Held with two French Apache dolls designed by Poiret of Paris. She is getting a light from the Apache cigarette."

From what I've found in photos and magazines, it appears that there were a lot of boudoir dolls designed by famous fashion designers. I love this photo!

Christmas Greetings from The Sleepy Time Gals

2011-12-14T22:37:00.001-06:00

The all-girl band, The Sleepy Time Gals with their "Turnhead" boudoir dolls. The dolls' heads tilt and can be posed. These boudoir dolls are not a common find.

Bare Necessities

2011-12-12T20:15:00.002-06:00

This is a page from an unknown magazine. It's hard to tell in the photo whether the boudoir doll is cloth or composition, however, it looks like part of the doll's costume is made of Raffia.

French Christmas Postcards

2011-12-11T20:41:00.005-06:00

Two French Christmas Postcards with boudoir dolls.

Bebe Daniels - Picture Show Magazine 1920

2011-12-10T22:23:00.003-06:00

Down through the chimney with lots of toys, all for the little ones, Christmas joys!
Bebe Daniels on the front cover of 1920 Picture Show magazine. (This magazine is for sale in my shop on Ruby Lane. Click the photo for more photos of this magazine.)

I Am Your Baby Now - Bebe Daniels - 1930

2011-12-09T20:30:00.003-06:00

Bebe Daniels sings "I Am Your Baby Now" in the film "Dixiana" 1930.

Christmas Past

2011-12-08T07:46:00.002-06:00

Here are two old photos, showing a girl with her bear and Keeneye boudoir doll.

Janet Gaynor Sings

2011-12-06T10:54:00.001-06:00

Super cute lullaby sung by Janet Gaynor - 1931 "Somebody from Somewhere."

Cozy Christmas

2011-12-04T21:48:00.002-06:00

These photos are a bit fuzzy, but what is clear is that boudoir doll decided to cozy up to the ventriloquist dummy under the Christmas tree!

The Cowboy and the Lady

2011-12-03T20:47:00.001-06:00

The Cowboy and the Lady - 1938 - Merle Oberon and Gary Cooper. This is a cute movie!

Boudoir Dolls & the Casino de Paris - Le Perroquet l'Arlequin

2011-11-28T19:34:00.005-06:00

The doll on the left still wears her original outfit - and it's tagged! The tag is barely legible and is incomplete, however, what is left gave me enough information to search the Internet. What I've been able to figure out is the tag reads, "Le Perroquet l'Arlequin" (The Harlequin Parrot). And, the word "Paris." This was a cabaret within the Casino de Paris that was graced by many performers, including The Dolly Sisters. Click all the links to access information. Apparently, the Casino de Paris and Le Perroquet still exist, although it appears that Le Perroquet is now a restaurant.

Based on this information, these dolls were "cabaret souvenirs."

Someone a long time ago attempted to "restore" the doll on the right, however, they replaced the body with an Anita-type body (with compo hands), making her a few inches shorter than her original "sister." Her costume was once like the one on the left. The doll on the left is tagged.

The tag reads, "Le Perroquet l'Arlequin" "Paris"

Are They These Dolls?

2011-11-28T19:23:00.002-06:00

These boudoir dolls are so much like the ones in this 1926 photo of Rene Hubert (click this link to see the whole photo), I can't help believing they're the same dolls. What do you think?

Dolly Sisters Boudoir Dolls

2011-11-28T19:14:00.003-06:00

I've done some Internet surfing, trying to get some information about The Dolly Sisters and these dolls. Here is a link to Netlex News containing more information on The Dolly Sisters. Don't you think these dolls look like them?

The Dolly Sisters - Gary Chapman's Web Site

2011-11-28T19:01:00.008-06:00

Click Gary Chapman to access the web page on The Dolly Sisters. He wrote a biography about them, called "The Delectable Dollies - Icons of the Jazz Age" in 2006. Also, click this link to view another web page from his site.

You will notice in the upper left-hand corner of the photo, I've inserted a black and white comparison photo of boudoir dolls I just acquired.

The Dolly Sisters - Babes in the Wood

2011-11-27T21:36:00.003-06:00

A PEEP AT "BABES IN THE WOOD"

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I found this film on the British Pathe' web site. It features The Dolly Sisters. More on the Dolly Sisters in the coming days, including boudoir dolls I've recently acquired!

Brigitte Helm

2011-11-27T10:48:00.003-06:00

Brigitte Helm with her boudoir dolls.

Lilith Workshop

2011-11-26T12:57:00.003-06:00

Here is another Lilith that Sue is restoring. Note the unusual hands. These are not typical of most boudoir dolls. This particular doll is not the stereotypical boudoir doll.

Sue took this photo to show the difference between the Lilith doll on the right and the Anita-type doll on the left. The Lilith doll in the middle has an Anita-type body, although of the era, not original to her so Sue made her an appropriate body.

Here is the back of a Lilith that shows the maker's mark. This is always a thrill to see a marked or tagged doll.

These dolls remind me of store mannequins.

What I admire the most about Sue's restoration work is that she marks the bodies she reproduces. This lets people know it's not original to the doll. However, what is even more wonderful is that she keeps to the era. Even if she must use newer material, her goal is to keep true to the doll. In effect, Sue is truly restoring.

Sue's restoration workshop

Lilith

2011-11-25T08:48:00.002-06:00

Lilith's coat is made from vintage silk velour that Sue bought at a re-cycle shop with a vintage fur collar.

Lilith

2011-11-24T15:07:00.003-06:00

Sue, once again, did a fantastic job restoring this rare Lilith boudoir doll, giving her a wonderful of-the-era ensemble. She used real fashions from a 1930 Delineator magazine for her inspiration. More photos of this and other Lilith boudoir dolls to follow in the coming days.

Home Movies - Thanksgiving - 1930-1936

2011-11-24T12:10:00.002-06:00

These are home movies taken on Thanksgiving during the 1930's that I found on YouTube. Thank you French/Webster families for sharing! It's interesting to see the style of hair, dress, tradition, and the pets and home during that time. I love the kitchen and the Scottie dog! Looks like they had a great time on Thanksgiving.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:09:00.001-06:00

Mermaid

2011-11-22T20:52:00.004-06:00

This unusual 39" boudoir doll is like nothing I've ever seen before! The detail on this doll is fantastic!

Huguette Clark - Major Doll Collector

2011-11-21T12:56:00.004-06:00

Huguette Clark - 1930 - AP Photo

Huguette Clark, Copper Heiress and Doll Collector - a woman after my own heart. Her friend was quoted as saying that Huguette's dolls were "her closet companions." She apparently spent millions on dolls. I would love to see her collection! Click her name to access the Wikipedia information about her, and click her photo to read the article about her and her doll purchases.

Billie Dove & Kuddles

2011-11-19T13:07:00.002-06:00

This photo is Billie Dove, cuddling a "Kuddles" Toys (Jane Gray Company) boudoir doll.

Kuddles

Thanksgiving 76 years ago

2011-11-18T07:55:00.000-06:00

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade - 1935

Lenci Fadette

2011-11-17T19:41:00.002-06:00

Lenci Fadette

Broadway Serenade - 1939

2011-11-15T19:31:00.002-06:00

Final number from the film "Broadway Serenade," starring Jeanette MacDonald and Lew Ayres. It's a deceptive number in that you believe it to be very classical.....it is not! Watch it. It's quite interesting.

Jeanette MacDonald - Beyond the Blue Horizon

2011-11-12T17:29:00.004-06:00

Here is Jeanette MacDonald, singing "Beyond the Blue Horizon" and some clips from the movie "Monte Carlo," also starring Jack Buchanan - 1930. I wasn't particularly enthused about this film, but I did enjoy this song.

Celebrity Advertising

2011-11-10T21:31:00.004-06:00

Even in the early days of film, companies used movie stars in their marketing. Louise Brooks is featured in this swimsuit ad and Peggy (Hopkins) Joyce in an ad for Smart Set Magazine - July 1928 Photoplay Magazine.

Boudoir Dolls in Film "Sunrise - A Song of Two Humans"

2011-11-07T20:26:00.002-06:00

This 1927 film "Sunrise - A Song of Two Humans" stars Janet Gaynor and George O'Brien. It's a very emotional film about love, betrayal, and forgiveness. There are three boudoir dolls in these two clips.

The boudoir dolls can be seen, starting at 2:37

Thoroughly Modern Millies

2011-11-06T16:39:00.003-06:00

Here is a closeup of an old photo, apparently taken in Denver, of three flappers, two of which are holding cloth boudoir dolls. Notice that these ladies are dressed in pajama-styled pant outfits. And, with their bobbed hairdos and their boudoir dolls, they must have kept up with the latest fads.

Marie Prevost

2011-11-05T17:33:00.002-05:00

I've posted a similar photo of Marie Prevost and her French boudoir doll in previous posts, however, this one is a closer shot. This is an old publicity/fan handout.

Friendly Ghosts - Jessie Matthews - 1926

2011-10-31T22:07:00.001-05:00

I blogged this before, but it's still a Halloween favorite.

French Pierrot

2011-10-30T10:00:00.002-05:00

This old post card is marked Made in France.

Doll Collection

2011-10-29T16:24:00.003-05:00

The back of this photo reads, "Dear Anna Lou and Oscar, Wishing you a Merry Christmas and many blessings in the New Year. Please remember me to your father, with love. Catharine and Wyman adore the South and long to go back again. Margaret C Dittmar - part of my doll collection."

And, what a collection it is! Looks like she had a boudoir doll wedding party (bride, groom and 4 bridesmaids). In addition to boudoir dolls, she had some other super dolls; including J.K. Farnell (Alpha Toys) and Chad Valley

The back of this photo is written, "To Anna Lou and Oscar, Wishing you a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year with love Margaret C. Maywood (Mrs. Charles G.) I am happily married to a splendid man, Margaret"

Sounds like a very happy woman!

Our Dancing Daughters - Photoplay Magazine 1928

2011-10-28T17:11:00.002-05:00

This page is from Photoplay magazine, July 1928, showing Dorothy Sebastian, Joan Crawford, and Anita Page.

The caption reads, "The Younger Set of Culver City, the Misses Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. These three Graces of 1928 are sharing feminine honors - or battling for the, whichever way you consider it - in 'Our Dancing Daughters.' The brunette is Dorothy Sebastian, Joan Crawford is a red head. Yes, Joan has red hair these days; it's the latest Hollywood trick. The blonde is Anita Page, the little stranger."

Madame Cadillac

2011-10-24T18:50:00.002-05:00

Written on the back of this old photo is "Antoine de la Monthe Cadillac." The photo is dated August 22, 1926. Also written is "Madame Cadillac doll named after founder of Detroit at Sesquicentennial Exposition."

When I first saw this photo, I thought it was a real person that resembled a half doll (I didn't realize she was standing on a chair)....but, another look made me realize it's a half doll that looks like a real person. I think the photo is a great guide for those of you that wish to make your half doll a gown for your "Madame Cadillac."

Doll Days

2011-10-21T21:22:00.002-05:00

Actresses, Alice and Marceline Day with their stuffed animals and boudoir dolls.

Best Friends

2011-10-17T18:35:00.002-05:00

This German photo of a lady smoking and a cool boudoir doll is marked Reinhold Schaefer, Berlin-Niederschoenhausen.

Skeleton in the Closet - Louis Armstrong - 1936

2011-10-16T17:59:00.002-05:00

I blogged this clip of Louis Armstrong, singing "Skeleton in the Closet" back in 2009, and it's still a favorite!

Carnival Souvenirs

2011-10-16T13:24:00.003-05:00

This old photo was these couples' souvenir of the day at the carnival. Looks likes one lady has an added bonus of the day - a boudoir doll.

Lenci Pierrot

2011-10-15T21:20:00.002-05:00

This old Italian-made postcard shows a couple with an Italian-made Lenci Pierrot boudoir doll.

French Doll Masks

2011-10-14T19:15:00.002-05:00

This French boudoir doll head/mask has a painted-on cigarette. Notice the painted-on smoke.

This French boudoir doll head/mask is tagged "Galerias Lafayette, France"

Half Dolls

2011-10-13T17:48:00.003-05:00

Thank you, Elsa, for sharing these photos of some super half dolls. The black half doll is particularly rare. Notice the maker's mark. It looks like TKB or maybe it's TKS? If anyone knows who the maker is, I'd appreciate knowing. I have a half doll in my shop that has the same maker's mark.

http://www.rubylane.com/item/279529-RL-FW-001861/Chalk-Half-Doll

You can find Elsa's blog at http://dondestantusjuguetes.blogspot.com/

Betty Weston and Her Boudoir Doll

2011-10-11T18:22:00.009-05:00

I love photos like this one. This old photo is of Betty Weston. I could not find any information on her, however, the back of the photo has the following label, "Miss Long Vogue Exclusive" "Betty Weston in Donald Gallaher's production of 'The Gorilla' Ralph Spence's mystery at the Selwyn Theatre." The photo is embossed with the photographer's name "Maurice Goldberg." Click the highlighted names to access the Wikipedia links.

Since the Beginning

2011-10-10T16:58:00.003-05:00

These three dolls have been in my collection since I started collecting. I love her purple velvet jacket and matching cloche hat. She is what collectors call a "Big Face" because her head is larger than the usual composition-head dolls (larger than the doll, below). She is also longer, measuring 34". The doll, below, is a smoker. Her head is smaller in size, and she measures 28". Collectors refer to these dolls as "Anita" or "Anita-type," named after a doll company "Anita Doll Company" that made dolls like these.
The other doll, below, is made of felt, Italian, by the maker, Lenci. She is referred to as a Fadette. She was the very first Lenci I bought. Fadettes are my very favorite boudoir dolls.

It Began with Just One Boudoir Doll

2011-10-09T12:43:00.005-05:00

Here is an old photo of a composition "Standard" boudoir doll. Although written on the photo is "my bedroom," it is not my bedroom ;)

This photo reminds me of how I got into collecting boudoir dolls. I only wanted one for my bed.......and before I knew it, I had over 100 in my bedroom and over 100 others scattered throughout the house. That was 10 years ago, and a lot has changed since that time. I have significantly reduced their numbers, and they are no longer throughout the house, not even one on my bed.

This was my bedroom in 2001.

Then, there were three.

This was my office in 2004.

This was one wall in my bedroom in 2004.

Halloween Flapper and Her Look-A-Like Boudoir Doll

2011-10-07T16:36:00.003-05:00

I blogged this photo back in October 2009, but wanted to post it again in case some of you haven't seen it. I was so excited about finding this photo. Notice her costume - pumpkins. And the doll is wearing an outfit with the same fabric. They're all ready for Halloween!

This photo was taken by Arlington Studio, 394 Boylston Street, Boston Massachusetts.

Lya de Putti

2011-10-04T21:38:00.004-05:00

Lya de Putti, posing with her French cloth boudoir doll - 1931, the year she died.

May McBride's Dolls

2011-10-03T08:03:00.002-05:00

Here is a photo of May McBride with some dolls. I could not find any information on her so not sure who she is. If anyone knows, I'd appreciate some info. Notice the German Pierrot boudoir doll on the left. I wonder if he had a music box?

Love Me, Love My Cat

2011-10-01T12:07:00.003-05:00

Kim Novak and Pyewacket

Bell, Book and Candle - 1959 - Kim Novak, Jimmy Stewart, Hermione Gingold, Jack Lemmon

This film is believed to be one of the inspirations of the 1960's TV series "Bewitched."

Window Shopping

2011-09-29T22:15:00.002-05:00

This photo is from Dorothy S Coleman's "Lenci Dolls" book. The caption reads, "Window display in a London store showing a variety of cloth dolls, some having felt heads Playthings January 1930 published this picture. Note the predominance of long-limbed lady dolls."

Lenci Ladies

2011-09-28T11:04:00.003-05:00

The 1930 Lenci catalog shows this doll as #165/27. Some collectors refer to her as the "Garden Lady."

The 1930 Lenci Catalog shows this doll as #577. I refer to her as the "Spanish Guitar Player."

The 1930 Lenci catalog shows this doll as #588. I just call her a Lenci Lady.

Alexandra Danilova Boudoir Doll

2011-09-22T21:33:00.004-05:00

Here are super cool photos of Alexandra Danilova's look-a-like boudoir doll. Click the photo of the doll to access the Getty Images web site.

Stars and Stripes Forever!

2011-09-21T17:10:00.003-05:00

This old photo shows a woman holding a composition/cloth boudoir doll, dressed in a red, white and blue patriotic costume. How do I know it's red, white and blue? I just do......(if you have a doll similar to this one, I'd love a photo)

Amazing Transformations

2011-09-19T21:34:00.002-05:00

This French boudoir doll has seen better days, but thanks to Sue, she is well on her way to seeing those brighter days again. Below, are photos of the first phases of restoration.

The stain on the French boudoir doll, below, has been successfully reduced. Check out the before and after photos for the dramatic results.

Ormolu Half Doll Powder Jars

2011-09-18T17:04:00.002-05:00

It's A Guy Thing

2011-09-15T21:07:00.002-05:00

Here is an old photo of guys holding their carnival prizes; stuffed animals and boudoir dolls. Two of the dolls are males, wearing military uniforms - a soldier and a sailor. They have composition heads, arms and legs with cloth bodies. Below is an example of a doll like in the photo.

Half Dolls

2011-09-14T15:23:00.002-05:00

Cute porcelain half doll with feathers for her skirt.

This candy box has a cloth faced boudoir doll-type head.

This half doll figure is papier mache.

French JxB

2011-09-12T07:51:00.003-05:00

This is a super cool flocked face French JxB boudoir doll. She sits on her luxurious pillow. Her costume is silk with sequins, and it is embellished with beads that match her bracelet. Fantastic!!

God Bless America!

2011-09-11T12:19:00.002-05:00

Deanna Durbin, singing "God Bless America"

Baby, Take a Bow

2011-09-09T20:56:00.002-05:00

The film "Stand Up and Cheer" Shirley Temple and James Dunn

Be Optimistic!

2011-09-09T20:53:00.001-05:00

Shirley Temple singing Be Optimistic.

Shirley Temple & Her French Boudoir Doll

2011-09-09T20:37:00.001-05:00

Here's a great photo of Shirley Temple and her French boudoir doll.

Half Dolls

2011-09-04T22:10:00.008-05:00

Here are photos of some outstanding half dolls - Linda Goddard, owner of Guilty Pleasures.

Sugar Bowl - note that her skirt serves as a spoon holder.

Powder Boxes

Candy Box

Collar Box

Candy Box

Conrad Veidt

2011-08-31T22:32:00.004-05:00

These cool photos of character actor, Conrad Veidt, are available on eBay. Click the photos to access the auctions.

Below, Conrad Veidt, narrates the song, "When the Lighthouse Shines Across the Bay" 1933

The "Banana Man"

2011-08-28T15:37:00.006-05:00

This is an old German photo of a German musical smoker boudoir doll. Notice the peacock feather.....It looks like it's attached to his skull cap. I wonder if the dolls I've seen like him originally had a large feather on his cap!

This particular doll is referred to by collectors as "Banana Man." The name comes from the Stephanie Farago book, "The Magic & Romance of Art Dolls." In that book, there's a doll like this one, sitting on bananas. His music box plays, "Yes, We Have No Bananas."

"Yes, We Have No Bananas" Vocal by Arthur Hall -1921

Double Take

2011-08-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

These Norah Wellings dolls are so life-like, at first glance, this cool photo looks like a boy with two girls.......1938 in Hyde Park.

French Beauties Once More

2011-08-23T20:03:00.002-05:00

Sue did a fantastic job repairing this French beauty! She did a great job restoring the nose. GORGEOUS!

Sue repaired the nose on this rare French "Sparkle" doll. See my previous blog posts for other photos of these types. You will see what a great job Sue did on this doll to bring her back to her original appearance.

The Queen of the Hollywood Islands

2011-08-20T16:58:00.002-05:00

This is one of my favorite scenes from the whacky 1948 film, "On Our Merry Way," featuring Dorothy Lamour singing "Queen of the Hollywood Islands."

Bag Lady

2011-08-20T11:30:00.006-05:00

This unusual photo of a lady holding what appears to be a boudoir doll bag luckily has a caption on the back that reveals that this boudoir doll bag is actually a vacuum cleaner cover named "Bridget."

The caption reads, "Christmas Day...with Bridget...the vacuum cleaner in her Xmas dress...took this just for you see my pin? 1942 Meg."

I don't have the greatest eyesight, so, I can barely see Meg is wearing a pin even after scanning the 2.75" x 4.5" photo to a larger size. I guess the importance was that the receiver of the photo saw she was wearing it, more likely a gift that they gave to her for Christmas.

Boudoir Dolls in Film "The Skyrocket" 1925

2011-08-18T17:05:00.001-05:00

This old photo of Peggy Hopkins Joyce in the 1925 film "The Skyrocket" features two cool boudoir dolls; one is an all composition smoker "Cubeb" and cloth French.