The early 1960s were a time of rapid change in the toy world, particularly when it comes to dolls. The doll market included toys designed for children as young as 3 years old up to 14 years, from baby dolls and toddlers — some made to be life-sized, like Ideal’s 42-inch Daddy’s Girl — to adult-figured fashion dolls. But the whole market was in the midst of a shakeup.
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Q: My grandmother left this little doll. We would like to know something about it. I was told to look on the back of the head for information. It is incised with a “K” and “R” on each side of a six-pointed star, the letters “S&H,” and the number 23. Can you tell me anything about her? Does she have any value?
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The Madame Alexander legacy defines the pursuit of the American Dream, along with the traits that delineate a successful and creative soul. Madame Beatrice Alexander was a successful self-made businesswoman. Born Bertha Alexander in New York, the enterprising young woman borrowed the name Beatrice from Shakespeare’s plays for its more sophisticated and stylish sound. When an advertising executive noted that she looked French, she gleefully added the “Madame” as a nod to fashionable European aristocrats.
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Q: A longtime friend of mine recently went through the dolls that her mother left her some time ago. My friend is basically a Madame Alexander collector. She found and gave me this Shirley Temple doll that is dressed in what I presume is the sailor suit from Shirley’s movie Captain January. The doll is about 12 inches tall. She is all vinyl, with rooted hair and sleep eyes, and has her original box as well. I was aware of this fashion being all white and have never seen it in blue, but this one is tagged and obviously is original. What can you tell me?
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Q: I have fallen in love with Bye-Lo Babies and plan to buy one as my first antique doll purchase. Can you tell me what specifics I should look for? I don’t want to make any mistakes.
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I could not resist buying this reproduction bubble-cut Barbie wearing this amazing outfit that I remember my older sister having. As I recall it was one of the expensive outfits. Perhaps you have more information about this lovely doll and fashion?
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Over the past few years, I’ve had the great pleasure and privilege of being able to travel from Australia to some very interesting places. Nearly everywhere I went I found dolls — unusual dolls, second-hand Barbies and terrible copies, dolls in churches dressed in exquisitely embroidered silks, and modern fashion dolls in one of the oldest cities on the Silk Road. Looking back on these wonderful times, I have been surprised and intrigued by all the different dolls I’ve encountered on the way.
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My grandmother had a large doll collection with many antiques. She left me this doll. She told me about it, but I have forgotten over the years as I didn’t write it down. Could you give me some information about it? I am passing it down to my daughter and want to include its history.
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