Old Cloth Doll

The Cat Lady Antiques American Country Furnishings and Folk Art

Old Cloth Doll

This doll came to me out of the same collection as “Sadie” and, I must confess, that I seriously considered keeping her as I just love her whimsical persona.

She is entirely hand-sewn, and her body, which is firmly stuffed with cotton batting, is made out of a heavy cotton twill, while her face is fashioned of a fine homespun linen and her cloth “hair” out of black silk. She has a very expressive pencil face, as well as a “tuft” of human hair added to her head. She stands 18 ½ inches tall and measures 4 ½ inches across the shoulders.

She has been re-dressed with a period skirt, blouse and scarf, but comes with her original 1860's dress which has a split up the center of the bodice. This can probably be fixed by taking a piece from the hem (there is enough) and making a patch on the lining. The dress is unusual in that it has stays inside the lining of the bodice which feel like bone, and a wonderful calico pocket in the skirt. The dress is painstakingly and finely hand-sewn, so I think it is worth the effort to restore it but I will leave that decision to her next owner. The 19th C clothing she wears now is primarily machine sewn, with some hand finishing. She also still retains her original hand-made leather shoes, fine wool stockings and cotton petticoat.

Judging by her clothing and construction, I would say she dates to the third quarter 19th C.

Originally purchased in New England.

She is whimsical, wonderful and very, very folky.

Price: SOLD

The items featured here are a small sampling of our inventory. If you are looking for a particular item, it may be in the shop so don't hesitate to contact me. Also, do check the photos under the "Shop & Shows" feature page, as you may spot an item in one of them that speaks to your collecting sensibility.

Also, don't hesitate to ask for more photos of a piece..Or ask as many questions as you like about it.

Terms and Conditions of Sale:
Personal checks, money orders, cashiers checks. Personal checks require a 7 business day bank clearance period. Unless prior arrangements have been made, payment must be received within 7 days or item will be re-offered for sale.

I guarantee all items to be as described. I try to be as thorough and meticulous in my descriptions as possible, and will gladly send additional photos as well as answer any questions about a piece in order to avoid return of merchandise.

In the event there is a discrepancy with respect to an item's representation, I must be notified within 48 hours of receipt of the piece. Upon notification, and my approval, the item must be returned within 7 days in the condition it was received in order to receive a refund less shipping and insurance.

Taxes:
Pennsylvania residents must pay 6% sales tax unless they possess a valid resale number.

Shipping and Handling:
Purchaser is responsible for all shipping, handling and insurance costs. I ship via the best and lowest priced carrier for the piece. Pickup of items at The Black Angus in Adamstown, Pennsylvania is a possibility depending on circumstances.

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