Historical Dolls, Part 2

Today I'll be sharing photos of antique china and parian fashion dolls from the Enchanted World Doll Museum in Mitchell, South Dakota. The first is a pink luster 1840's lady with a "covered wagon" hairstyle and a sweet face. Her striped dress has pagoda sleeves over lace-trimmed undersleeves.

This all-original doll dates from the 1870's. Her silk skirt has become shredded over time, a common occurence with antique silks due to the metallic salts that were often used to add body to the fabric.

This is one of many vignettes in the museum. Perhaps these ladies in their bustle gowns are getting all dressed up to go calling on friends.

The last doll is a mechanical doll with a music-box built in. Some little girl probably really treasured this doll, but I think, then as now, that it's more fun to play with a doll that doesn't do anything. That's when the imagination can take over.