Dolls and Collectibles

Madame Alexander International Dolls - Sweden

2010-11-06T07:56:00.001-07:00

Over the last two years, I have received numerous e-mails and phone calls from owners of dolls who wish to sell their collections. Sometimes the collections were purchased by the collectors themselves; sometimes the dolls were received as gifts over the course of many years; sometimes the collections were received as a result of estates of relatives or friends. There are many, many different reasons people want to sell their dolls. Sometimes the dolls are just sitting in boxes and the owner has no desire to keep them. Some are moving, and don't want to move them again. Some are unemployed as a result of the economic downturn and are selling off possessions to make ends meet. Some have been inherited and there is just no use for them.

As much as I would like to help folks out, I normally pass and do not purchase the collections. Recently, though, I had a request that interested me. I have a fondness and for some reason a soft spot for Madame Alexander dolls. There is just something about them…..maybe it's the look in their eyes, their cute faces, or their clothing. As I was pondering whether or not to purchase the dolls, my website, http://www.kfcollectibles.com/, sold two items and I sold another item on Amazon.com (textbooks4education) on the exact same day. I took this as a sign to move forward with the purchase of the Madame Alexander dolls.

Most of the dolls are the small 8" dolls from the International Dolls Foreign Friends Collection. I love to travel and so these dolls remind me of places I've been, people I've met, and places that I'd like to go. Let me tell you about one in particular. In this blog, I will talk about the doll from Sweden, in honor of my very good friend and neighbor, who moved from Sweden just a couple of years ago. This little Madame Alexander Swedish doll is dressed in a red skirted dress. She wears a gold apron with black trim embroidered with red and pink flowers with green stems. On her head is a cap with white, red and yellow embroidered flowers and green stems. She wears a lace edged slip and pantyloons and has black socks and black shoes. Her blond hair and light blue sleep eyes finish the traditional look.

I originally planned to share one of the other dolls on this blog, but decided to point out a few facts about Sweden instead. Did you know?

Astrid Lindgren, a female Swedish author, wrote one of our childhood favorites, Pippi Longstocking (Pippi Långstrump) in the 1940's. For more information, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astrid_Lindgren.

IKEA was expanded to the USA in the 1980's, but "The IKEA story begins in 1926 when founder Ingvar Kamprad is born in Småland in southern Sweden". For the IKEA store history, visit http://www.ikea.com/ms/en_US/about_ikea/the_ikea_way/history/index.html#.

In 1855, safety matches were patented by Johan Edvard Lundstrom of Sweden. Lundstrom put red phosphorus on the sandpaper outside the box and the other ingredients on the match head, creating a match that could only be safely lit off the prepared, special striking surface. For the history of the match, go to http://inventors.about.com/library/inventors/blmatch.htm.

And more currently, Swedish author Stieg Larsson brought us the Millennium Trilogy of crime novels that have swept the world in popularity. The Millennium Trilogy consists of The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo, The Girl Who Play with Fire, and the Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. For more on Steig Larsson, visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stieg_Larsson.

I will share more of the Madame Alexander dolls at a later time. I will be keeping some of these recently purchased dolls, and some of them will be for sale on http://www.kfcollectibles.com/. If you are like me, there are some that just speak to you and your life experiences. And as a doll collector, it is always fun to look at a doll and be reminded of a person, an event, or your travels, and THAT will make you smile.

When I bought the collection of Madame Alexander International Dolls, I didn't know that this little Swedish girl would lead me to this blog, but it was fun to write. I hope you enjoyed it, too.

See you next time!

Doll Collecting – Beton Reproduction Desdemona

2010-02-07T10:52:00.001-08:00

Along with the doll collection that belonged to my beloved aunt, was a nice little booklet that contained details of each doll that she received or purchased. Among the details include the date, name of the place the doll was obtained, name of the doll, price, and a brief description of the doll. The information for one of my favorite dolls that I display in my home is contained on the third page of the booklet and is the 45^th item listed. The year is 1985. The doll is named "Desdemona". She is described in the booklet as a porcelain doll wearing a pink hat. In 1985, my aunt purchased this doll for $175 at The Candle Corner Gift Shoppe in West Milton, Pennsylvania.

The tag that still hangs on the doll says "Desdemona, Beton Repro, cloth body, glass eyes". So what is Beton? That is the question. The markings on the back of the head appear to be S 116, although the 6 is questionable.

The markings on the doll's back are clearly BOK 84. Desdemona stands 19" tall.

I must confess that my research on this doll brought me up empty. I found Beton/Bergen plastic toys. And I found Belton Type dolls. According to the Doll Value books I've read, there are no dolls marked "Belton" found, only mold numbers, of which 116 is included. Do I have a Belton reproduction? Hmmm – information about the Belton Type dolls doesn't quite fit, so further details about the reproduction doll that I have will remain a mystery.

There are many reasons why doll collectors display their prized dolls. This doll will remain on display in my home, not because of her value, but simply because I like her.

See you next time!

Don't forget to visit http://www.kfcollectibles.com/.

Trick or Treat! – Doll Collecting

2009-10-10T10:40:00.001-07:00

Maybe it's the cooler weather. Maybe it's that I'm beginning to feel "caught up". Whatever the reason, I decided to open a few more doll boxes to see what I could discover. And lo and behold, the words "Trick of Treat" jumped out at me as I opened one of the first boxes in my stack. How timely is that?

When I anticipate opening a doll box, I smile. When I opened the Trick or Treat doll box, I laughed. Not because the doll was funny, but because she was so darned cute! The bisque porcelain doll is named Melissa. Melissa was issued by the Danbury Mint as part of the Melissa collection by doll sculpture, Elke Hutchens in 1991.

She is dressed for Halloween's great adventure – Trick or Treat! Her hand-tailored costume is of a cat, which couldn't be more appropriate as I am a cat lover. She is ready to collect her treats with her little plastic pumpkin just like the one some of us used in our trick or treat days.

Others in the Melissa collection that are included on www.kfcollectibles.com are Melissa – Christmas Morning, and Melissa – Valentine's Day.

"Christmas Morning Melissa" - Danbury Mint – 1991 – Sculpted by Elke Hutchens

"Melissa" by Elke Hutchens is a charming and lovable collector doll of the Melissa collection created by the acclaimed doll sculptor, Elke Hutchens. This doll depicts a little girl all dressed up for Christmas morning. "Melissa's" head, arms and legs are crafted of fine bisque porcelain. Her hand-tailored holiday ensemble consists of a red and white striped Christmas nightie with a wide ruffle around the bottom that is lavishly decorated with lace, red satin ribbon inserts and embroidered floral appliqués. She also has a fleecy robe completely lined with white satin and trimmed with delicate lace. Her accessories include two candy canes, a tiny toy teddy bear, and a Christmas stocking.

"Be My Valentine Melissa" - Danbury Mint – 1991 – Sculpted by Elke Hutchens

"Be My Valentine Melissa" by Elke Hutchens is a charming and lovable collector doll of the Melissa collection created by the acclaimed doll sculptor, Elke Hutchens. This doll depicts a little girl all dressed up for Valentine's Day. "Be My Valentine Melissa's" head, arms and legs are crafted of fine bisque porcelain. Her hand-tailored ensemble consists of a pink dress with a white lace pinafore. She is lavishly decorated with lace, pink satin ribbon on her dress and in her hair. Her accessories include a heart shaped box of Valentine's Day candy which says "I love you daddy".

I hope you enjoyed Melissa's favorite holidays.

Trick or Treat!

Thanks for visiting!

So-o-o Big Thumbelina Doll – Ideal Dolls – Doll Collecting

2009-09-02T13:05:00.000-07:00

The daylight hours are becoming shorter and the nights are becoming cooler, a reminder that the summer season is nearing its end. As I reflect upon the season gone by, I think of visiting new and interesting places, meeting new people, and spending time with family and friends.

With a new season quickly approaching, it is time to share another experience with doll collecting via this blog.

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As I continue my doll collecting adventure, both from a collecting standing and a selling standpoint (http://www.kfcollectibles.com/), I am frequently approached by fellow doll owners or their family members to help identify a doll or determine the value of a doll they wish to sell. Recently, I was asked to take a look at some dolls that were given to our local women’s club, for the benefit of children.

One of the dolls, although a bit dirty and unkempt when we received her, was quite easy to fall in love with. It was also a fairly simple task to identify her, and therefore, find information about her. So, this blog introduces you to the So-o-o Big Thumbelina doll produced by the Ideal Toy Corp in 1983.

The So-o-o Big Thumbelina doll produced by the Ideal Toy Corp in 1983 was made in both a black and white version. The doll has a vinyl head, arms, and legs with a soft cloth body. She is 24” in length. She has rosy cheeks, beautiful brown glassine sleep eyes, and rooted hair. She was made with a mama voice box. She has straight black hair.

Marks:

The Ideal Toy Corporation Thumbelina Dolls:

Many of the most produced dolls are inspired by famous people and fairy tale characters. One such fairy tale character is Thumbelina. The Ideal Toy Corp created a variety of Thumbelina dolls. Although I don’t know all of them that were produced, I found 20 different Thumbelina dolls that were produced by Ideal Toy Corp from the years beginning 1961 through 1985. Several were made in both a black and white version of the doll.

Who is Thumbelina?

When I hear the name Thumbelina, I think of the tiny girl in the 1835 fairy tale by the Danish poet and author, Hans Christian Andersen. Some may also think about the Disney version of the movie “Thumbelina”. For more information about Hans Christian Andersen or Thumbelina, click on the links below.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hans_Christian_Andersen

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thumbelina

Thanks for visiting!

Doll Collecting – Baseball Fever – Tommy On-Deck

2009-06-12T12:50:00.001-07:00

Where does the time go? It's been a while since I've posted a new blog. It may be spring fever – it's just hard to stay inside. Or it may be travel fever – it's just hard to stay home.

The Game -Baseball

Whatever fever it is, one thing for sure is that many, many people have baseball fever. I'm sure my fellow Pennsylvanians are watching the Phillies and hoping they repeat their 2008 season as World Series champions.

It is at a young age when many boys and girls begin their baseball experience. It starts in the back yard, with mom or dad, playing catch. You put on your first baseball mitt, throw your first pitch, and bat your first ball. Then you wear your first baseball cap, dress in your their first baseball uniform, and before you know it, you're in your first Little League baseball game.

The Doll - Tommy - On Deck

To rekindle your baseball memories, artist Carole Jeane captured the essence in a doll named Tommy - On Deck. Tommy On-Deck is a porcelain collector doll issued by the Danbury Mint in 1994 and created by artist Carole Jeane. When I look at him, I have visions of my brothers in their young baseball days. I swear if I rolled up Tommy's pant leg, I'd see the same band-aids with which my youngest brother adorned his knees.

Tommy - On Deck is a typical boy ready to play baseball. He is dressed in light blue pants with a red, white & blue shirt, and sneakers. He wears his blue & white baseball helmet with pride as he sucks on his lollipop and leans on his bat, waiting for the words "Batter up!" Tommy's hair is brown and his eyes are blue/grey in color. On Deck measures approximately 19" in height in his standing position. Visit http://www.kfcollectibles.com for information about Tommy On-Deck.

The History - Baseball

Wikipedia tells us: The history of baseball in the United States can be traced to the 18th century, when amateurs played a baseball-like game by their own informal rules using improvised equipment. The popularity of the sport inspired the semi and fully professional baseball clubs in the 1860s. For more information about the game of baseball, here are a few websites you can visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_baseball_in_the_United_States

http://www.littleleague.org/worldseries/index.html

http://web.baseballhalloffame.org/index.jsp

Batters up!

Tommy and I will see you at the ball game!

Doll Collecting - Dolls by Jerri – Heather

2009-04-14T10:55:00.001-07:00

Each time I open a box that contains a doll that I haven't seen before, the anticipation begins and I can feel my lips begin to form a smile. Each doll is a treasure and I feel like I'm on a treasure hunt each time I decide which doll box I will open next. On a recent treasure hunt, I picked a white box that, although in good condition, was showing signs of age. On the box were the words "Dolls by Jerri®" and "A Quality Vinyl Doll Produced in U.S.A". I looked at the box and couldn't help wonder what tidbits to knowledge would be brought forth with its opening. And so, I opened the box and met Heather. The first couple of characteristics that struck me about Heather were her vibrant, bright blue eyes and her gorgeous long red hair. The clothes are quite beautiful, are made well, and show great attention to detail.

As I took pictures of Heather for www.kfcollectibles.com, I began to become curious about her. Before I met Heather, I had not heard of Dolls by Jerri. And as I started to research Heather, I became increasingly intrigued about the Dolls by Jerri story, and so decided to share information in a blog.

Heather (120108, doll #47) is an absolutely beautiful vinyl doll by Dolls by Jerri. Dolls by Jerri created original limited edition artist dolls. Jerri McCloud, who has been creating dolls since the early '70's, is the winner of numerous awards from DOLL READER'S DOTY AWARDS as well as from DOLLS MAGAZINE, DOLL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. Heather stands 20” tall and has a cloth body with vinyl head, arms, and legs. She has vibrant blue eyes, long eyelashes, long curly auburn hair. Imprinted in the back of her neck is 1201 Jerri 1993 ©. In addition, Jerri McCloud signed Heather with the date 5-6-95.

Visit www.kfcollectibles.com for more information about Heather.

About Jerri McCloud and Dolls by Jerri (information obtained from Dolls by Jerri website http://www.dollsbyjerri.com/)

The creator of Dolls by Jerri is Jerri McCloud (Geraldine Gibson McCloud). She was born in Newton, N. J. and lived with her mother and father in Baltimore, Maryland, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. A devastating automobile accident left Jerri and her sister orphaned at the tender ages of 4 and 5. The two sisters were shuffled from family to family until the two girls, Jerri then nine, settled in Silver Spring, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C. Jerri attended Strayer Business College in Washington, D.C. Jerri met Jim McCloud in Washington, married, settled in North Carolina, and had two sons of her own. Before Jerri began making dolls, she owned a ceramic shop.
Dolls by Jerri is the oldest commercial porcelain doll company in the USA. . For many years, Dolls by Jerri was only known for porcelain. In 1990 after much consideration of their collectors, they agreed to produce vinyl dolls. This allowed the collector to have a Jerri doll at a much lower price. Also, if children were around, there was no danger of breakage.
Jerri McCloud has been creating dolls since the early '70's. She is the winner of numerous awards from DOLL READER'S DOTY AWARDS as well as from DOLLS MAGAZINE, DOLL AWARD OF EXCELLENCE. The award she loves the most is having won the very first Doll Award ever, THE DOTY AWARD, in 1985 with Scottie--MANUFACTURER'S ARTIST DOLL AWARD. Scottie was the twin brother of Emily, 1984, that changed dolls forever! Emily with the first commercial doll that introduced real children images into dolls. She was a people doll, not a "doll doll". Jerri's definition of a "doll doll" is one that does not resemble a person, just a toy. From that point on, artists everywhere started creating dolls that had real children features as did Emily.
Dolls by Jerri has been based in Charlotte, NC since its inception. All dolls are produced in the United States of America, Charlotte, NC. Jerri and her husband Jim are committed to the best quality dolls available on the market today. She states, that without Jim running the business, Dolls by Jerri would not be here today.
Jerri does all the sculpting herself and paints the majority of dolls as well. The costumes are designed by Jerri and produced here in the United States as evidenced by the fine workmanship and the fullness of laces and fabrics.
Even though Jerri is past retirement age, her love for dolls continues to be the important factor in her business career. "By giving a person something to love, it is my hope they will share this love everywhere" states Jerri.
In the early spring of '97, Jerri was commissioned, by Donna Moore of Downi Creations, to produce a Doll with Down Syndrome. This turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences she has ever had. "

Although I had not heard of Jerri McCloud until recently, I was inspired by her story. Having faced tragedy in her early life, Jerri found a way to move beyond sadness to create beautiful dolls with love and meaning that provided happiness to many. Thank you, Jerri. You are truly a special inspiration.

As you can see, for me, the treasure hunt is more than just seeing a pretty doll, but it is the story behind the doll that is the most intriguing. There are such wonderful stories to share, and this doll did not fail me. If you have a doll made by Dolls by Jerri and wish to obtain the original sale price, a list is available on her website.

Thanks for visiting and

Happy Spring!

Doll Collecting – Easter Bunnies, Easter Dolls

2009-03-15T11:27:00.001-07:00

The weather is starting to warm, the trees and shrubs are starting to bud and my first daffodil has bloomed. Spring is such a refreshing season of the year as it truly demonstrates the rebirth of all things alive. With the coming of spring is the most important religious holiday for those who believe in Christianity. And that of course, is Easter!

The Good Shepherd

Easter 2009 is on April 12.

When I think of Easter, I am reminded of being a child and raising a child. I think of our many family traditions like coloring Easter eggs, Easter baskets full of candy, chocolate bunnies, and gifts, Easter egg hunts, dressing in our Sunday best for church and spending time with our families. I'll never forget the excitement of those new Easter bonnets, dresses, and a brand new shiny pair of patent leather shoes. And so, like many others, I look forward to Easter with fond memories.

For the doll collector, as with all holidays, Easter is an opportunity to show off those special dolls that help us depict Easter in their own special ways.

Some will decorate with a stuffed Easter bunny or two…….. (where did the Easter bunny come from anyway?)

Wikipedia tells us that the Easter Bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Alsace and southwestern Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1600s. The first edible Easter Bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s and were made of pastry and sugar. The Easter Bunny was introduced to America by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. According to the tradition, children would build brightly colored nests, often out of caps and bonnets, in secluded areas of their homes. If they were good, the Easter bunny would bring them gifts and other goodies (sound familiar?)

Some will decorate with a special doll that reminds us of our childhood……. (I think I may have looked just like this on Easter morning!!)

"Hattie Holiday Easter" from the Effanbee Doll Corporation is dated 1978. She is 16" in height, made of plastic, has bluish/grey eyes that open and close with beautiful eye lashes and rooted long blond hair. This adorable freckle-faced little girl is dressed for church in her Easter dress and straw bonnet with silk flowers, lacy socks and black patent shoes. See http://www.kfcollectibles.com/ for more information about Hattie Holiday Easter.

Some will decorate with a doll or two that celebrates the true meaning of Easter……….

My favorite Easter decoration is a religious doll issued by The Ashton-Drake Galleries by artist Titus Tomescu in 1995. Of all of the dolls that were collected by my aunt, this collection is my favorite.

The doll pictured is called "The Good Shepherd". It is from the Messages of Hope collection, which also includes "Let the Little Children Come to Me", "Behold, I Stand at the Door and Knock", and "Our Father, Who Art in Heaven". This collection is beautifully sculpted of porcelain, has beautiful detail and authentic clothing.

Another beautiful collection of porcelain religious portraiture by artist Titus Tomescu is entitled the Miracles of Jesus Collection. It includes "Water into Wine", "Multiplying the Loaves", "Walking on Water", "Calming the Sea", and Ascension Into Heaven.

Have you ever wondered why Easter falls on a different date each year?

Unlike Christmas, which is always on December 25, Easter falls on a different day each year. Easter falls on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox.

That's it for now and thanks for visiting my blog!

Research of Horsman Doll

2009-02-20T05:25:00.001-08:00

One of the benefits of doll collecting and having a website is that it provides an opportunity to meet some really nice people along the way. I want to take a few moments to share a recent experience with you. On my website (http://www.kfcollectibles.com/), I've included a page with an article entitled Vintage Doll Collecting - Horsman Dolls From the Beginning to a Successful Vinyl Doll Manufacturer, by Connie Limon. The article prompted a question from a website visitor who was trying to identify the Horsman doll that she owns. I offered to do some research on her doll. I found, as she had found, that the trail to the identification of her doll was not easy. However it did prove to be possible.

Of course, the internet is a valuable resource of information; however, the internet alone did not answer our questions. The most valuable information obtained that enabled me to narrow down the research for this particular doll was found in a book entitled Horsman Dolls, The Vinyl Era, 1950 to Present, by Don Jensen. This book is an Identification and Value Guide and has hundreds of pictures of Horsman dolls with a little information about the dolls pictured. The information contained in the book allowed me to narrow down the research to just a couple of possibilities. The narrowed research made it easier to find more specific information on the internet that ultimately led us to the identity of the doll. I found that doing similar searches every few days actually reaped different results. This was due primarily because products change frequently on places like eBay and other e-commerce stores.

For all of you Horsman Doll collectors, if you don't already have it, I recommend adding this book to your collection. I've included a link on my website (http://www.kfcollectible.com/) on the Favorite Links page. By clicking on the link for the book on the website, you will be redirected to a website where you can purchase the book.

A Little about http://www.kfcollectibles.com/

The website for KFCollectibles was moved to a new site builder. The URL for the new website is the same (http://www.kfcollectibles.com/). The new site is accessible, but it is currently under construction and is expected to be completed before the end of February. Once completed, the product catalog will be more robust than in the previous site, which is meant to provide an easier shopping and checkout experience for the customer. Thank you for your patience!

Doll Collecting - The Jackie Doll

2009-01-13T13:55:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

With the start of 2009, as in every new year, it is time to reflect upon the accomplishments of 2008, and to make plans and goals for the new year.

In January 2008, I never expected to start a business, develop a website or a blog on the internet, or on a personal level, become a golfer! But that is exactly what happened, and I must say, I have really enjoyed learning and attempting to master my newfound interests.

Today, in January of 2009, as I think about plans and goals for this year, I simply want to build upon what I started last year, become closer to mastering something (I’m sure it won’t be golf, but if it is you’ll see me on the tour!), and put my newly learned knowledge to work.

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January 2009 brings the inauguration of the new president. Hmmmm. Who was it that said “Behind every great man is a great woman?” Well nobody knows for certain, but with that in mind, let’s look at a great woman who was behind one of the great presidents of our time. I just happen to have in my inventory of collector dolls, one “presidential” doll that I can share in honor of the inauguration. It is “The Jackie Doll”, created by The Franklin Mint. I am sure you can quickly guess that she is none other than Jacqueline Kennedy. In this blog, not only do I have the opportunity to share a collector doll, but also to share a little bit of history.

In honor and memory of Jackie, there are countless collector dolls that have been issued. One such collector doll is simply called “The Jackie Doll”. Issued in 1997 by the Franklin Mint, her clothing and accessories are referred to as The Indian State Visit White Satin Gown Ensemble. The ensemble is an authentic replica of an actual ensemble worn by Jacqueline Kennedy at the State Banquet in India during her visit in March, 1962. The original white satin dress was designed by Oleg Cassini. Accessories include a matching satin stole, her three-strand faux-pearl necklace with matching earrings, white slippers, and a gold lame clutch bag.

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The history lesson: Source is the The White House website.

Jacqueline Lee Bouvier Kennedy (Mrs. John F. Kennedy): 1929-1994

The inauguration of John F. Kennedy in 1961 brought to the White House and to the heart of the nation a beautiful young wife and the first young children of a President in half a century. She was born Jacqueline Lee Bouvier, daughter of John Vernon Bouvier III and his wife, Janet Lee. Her early years were divided between New York City and East Hampton, Long Island, where she learned to ride almost as soon as she could walk. She was educated at the best of private schools; she wrote poems and stories, drew illustrations for them, and studied ballet. Her mother, who had obtained a divorce, married Hugh D. Auchincloss in 1942 and brought her two girls to "Merrywood," his home near Washington, D.C., with summers spent at his estate in Newport, Rhode Island. Jacqueline was dubbed "the Debutante of the Year" for the 1947-1948 season, but her social success did not keep her from continuing her education. As a Vassar student she traveled extensively, and she spent her junior year in France before graduating from George Washington University. These experiences left her with a great empathy for people of foreign countries, especially the French.

In Washington she took a job as "inquiring photographer" for a local newspaper. Her path soon crossed that of Senator Kennedy, who had the reputation of being the most eligible bachelor in the capital. Their romance progressed slowly and privately, but their wedding at Newport in 1953 attracted nationwide publicity.

With marriage "Jackie" had to adapt herself to the new role of wife to one of the country's most energetic political figures. Her own public appearances were highly successful, but limited in number. After the sadness of a miscarriage and the stillbirth of a daughter, Caroline Bouvier was born in 1957; John Jr. was born between the election of 1960 and Inauguration Day. Patrick Bouvier, born prematurely on August 7, 1963, died two days later.

To the role of First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy brought beauty, intelligence, and cultivated taste. Her interest in the arts, publicized by press and television, inspired an attention to culture never before evident at a national level. She devoted much time and study to making the White House a museum of American history and decorative arts as well as a family residence of elegance and charm. But she defined her major role as "to take care of the President" and added that "if you bungle raising your children, I don't think whatever else you do well matters very much."

Mrs. Kennedy's gallant courage during the tragedy of her husband's assassination won her the admiration of the world. Thereafter it seemed the public would never allow her the privacy she desired for herself and her children. She moved to New York City; and in 1968 she married the wealthy Greek businessman, Aristotle Onassis, 23 years her senior, who died in March 1975. From 1978 until her death in 1994, Mrs. Onassis worked in New York City as an editor for Doubleday. At her funeral her son described three of her attributes: "love of words, the bonds of home and family, and her spirit of adventure."

For more information about Jacqueline and other great first ladies, click on the links below:

http://www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=36
http://www.jfklibrary.org/Historical+Resources/Biographies+and+Profiles/Biographies/Jacqueline+Bouvier+Kennedy+First+Lady+1961-1963.htm

Thank you for visiting my blog. Don't forget to visit http://www.kfcollectibles.com/ to see other beautiful collectible dolls!

Christmas and Holiday Dolls and Bears

2008-12-06T11:41:00.000-08:00

It is December and the Christmas season is upon us. With that in mind, this blog will focus on a few of the dolls and bears that I have met so far that will that help us celebrate the Christmas season. They may even find themselves as part of my decorations or offered on http://www.kfcollectibles.com/ this year! Each one has its own personality and gift to the season.

When I think of a little girl on Christmas morning, I think of the excitement and wonderment that can been seen on her face as she gets her first peek of what awaits her under the tree and in her stocking. Christmas Morning by doll sculptor Elke Hutchens gives us a perfect vision of this special joy. Christmas Morning was issued by the Danbury Mint in 1991 as part of the Melissa Collection.

There is nothing like Christmas music to help get us into the holiday season. The Victoria Ashlea OriginalsTM Limited Edition Porcelain Christmas Doll is a little charmer dressed in her holiday dress waiting to play you “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clause”. This Victoria Ashlea Original Musical Porcelain Doll was made in 1983 and was distributed by House of Global Art.

Who wouldn’t want to snuggle with a furry teddy bear at Christmas? The teddy bear has long been a Christmas tradition to help us celebrate the holiday season, both as a decoration and as a gift under the Christmas tree. Gallery Teddy Bears help us celebrate by issuing Annual Holiday Bears.

The 2000 Annual Edition Holiday Bear is a handsome lad dressed in his finery and proudly holding his candy cane. He was designed by artist Pamela Wooley.

The 2001 Annual Edition Holiday Bear wears her fine green velvet cape and cap to stay warm in the cold weather as she proudly displays her holly. She was designed by artist Vicky Lougher.

One more doll to share today is a reproduction K*R baby doll named New Baby. This baby is ready to celebrate Christmas in her red velvet dress and lace-trimmed cap. She anxiously waits under the tree for her new mommy to pick her up and give her all the love she needs. The tag on this reproduction doll says she was hand-painted and dressed in 1985.

Thank you for letting me share just a few Christmas treasures with you this holiday season.

Many wishes to you for a wonderful and meaningful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Madame Alexander Dolls – The Pussycat Doll

2008-11-12T11:14:00.001-08:00

Among the collection of dolls that I am getting to know are Madame Alexander. I decided to write this blog to introduce you to Madame Alexander's Pussycat doll made in 1965 because she looks at me every time I walk into my office.

A little history on the Madame Alexander Doll Company. The Alexander Doll Company was founded in 1923 by Beatrice Alexander Behrman. Madame Alexander was born March 9, 1895, the daughter of Russian immigrants. She was raised over her father's doll hospital—the first in America—and often played with the dolls waiting to be mended. Her love of dolls led this dynamic woman to creating her own line of dolls. The first dolls were made of cloth, and the rest, as they say, is history. Madame Alexander infused a sense of excitement and wonderment in her fine quality, handcrafted dolls. She initiated a series of firsts in the toy industry: the first doll based on a licensed character (Scarlett from Gone With the Wind), which led to the creation of dolls based on characters from popular motion pictures; the first to bring feature baby dolls to market; the first to create dolls in honor of living people (Queen Elizabeth, the Dionne Quints). Madame Alexander was also the first to introduce the first full figured fashion doll (Cissy) with haute couture outfits.

The Alexander Doll Company was acquired in 1995 by the Kaizen Breakthrough Partnership LP. The tradition and elegance of Madame Alexander dolls continues today with a full line of collectible dolls, baby dolls and play dolls. Madame Alexander Dolls have become one of the most cherished and well-known collectible dolls that have been passed down and enjoyed from generation to generation.

The Madame Alexander Pussycat Doll. Since 1965, Madame Alexander has produced Pussycat vinyl baby dolls with huggable, soft bodies that can be nestled perfectly in a child's arms. In doing research on Madame Alexander's Pussycat doll, I find that they were produced in many different years, starting in 1965. They were made in different sizes (I saw one that was 3" in height!) and colors, with different looks, and wearing different clothes.

Her characteristics:

· Vinyl head, arms & legs with a cloth body
· Strawberry blond rooted hair wearing a white bow
· Blue glass sleep eyes
· Approximately 21” long weighing approximately 3 lbs
· Cries when you tilt her forward
· Original clothes of a blue checked gingham dress and bloomers & knit socks.

This Madame Alexander Pussycat doll is pictured on the Dolls and Bears page of http://www.kfcollectibles.com/. Thank you for letting me introduce you to her. I'm sure she is thrilled to meet you.

The Challenge of Learning about Dolls

2008-10-17T14:58:00.001-07:00

As I sit in my office surrounded by boxes filled with lots and lots of dolls, I think "What have I gotten myself into?" I could have just let all of these dolls be auctioned with the rest of my aunt's estate, and if I had done so, I'd be at the gym or golfing or maybe on the runway waiting for take-off to an exotic destination. Ok – back to reality. If I had taken the path of least resistance, I wouldn't be getting to know each of these dolls on a personal level or be touched by the memories of the one who collected them, would I? Nor would I be learning the fine skills of developing a website named www.kfcollectibles.com or selling on e-bay or blogging. But - this is the path I chose.

There are so many questions to be answered for each beautiful doll. And I have to say here that beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder. My daughter who is away at college thinks some of them are downright scary looking; gee, I wonder if that's why she doesn't come home very often!

Who am I? Who made me? How old am I? Am I antique, vintage, or modern? Am I an original or a reproduction? And if I am a reproduction, am I a good one or a not so good one? Am I a porcelain doll or plastic doll or composition doll or cloth doll? Do I have glass eyes, painted eyes, set eyes, sleepy eyes, flirty eyes, intaglio eyes, or googly eyes? Is my mouth open or closed or pouty? Is my body jointed or not? Is my hair painted on, made of mohair or real hair? What's my story? What is my value? Whew – I'm exhausted just thinking about it. There are many questions to be asked, and answering them is my challenge. But this IS the path that I chose.

Now let's see. Where on earth do I start to understand this culture of doll collecting and selling? Well, there's always the internet: articles, forums, blogs, etc. There are books…….I can't tell you how much time I've spent in the bookstore looking through books about dolls, only to ALWAYS walk out empty handed, because I just didn't know which book to choose. And of course, there are other doll collectors, which turns out to be a really comforting source of information: people to talk to, learn the lingo from, borrow books from, and begin to understand the art of doll collecting and selling. There are newsletters and clubs, and AUCTIONS! In my learning process, I decided to go in person to a Theriault's on-line doll auction, thinking that 4 hours of my time would be plenty. It was fabulous to see so many beautiful dolls all in one place. As I merrily perused the selection and jotted down the item numbers of the dolls that caught my eye (which is not glass or googly or many of the other descriptions above), I sat in the audience awaiting the auction to begin. And when it did, my education truly began. I learned so many terms for things like eyes, learned that there are hundreds if not thousands of people in this country and in the world that truly love to collect dolls, learned that I needed another 4 to 6 hours of my time if I was to stay for the whole auction, and I learned that that there is so much more to learn. So wish me luck as I dig into my boxes and the details of each of my dolls. I need it. For THIS is the path I chose!