Vintage Christmas Store Display Sleigh with Doll and Trimmings

Collectibles : Holiday, Seasonal

 

Here's an item that has been with me for many years. Years ago I would travel up state Pennsylvania to a few little shops in search of treasures . When I found this little sleigh , the shop owner and I enjoyed tea while discussing what we thought the little item was used for. We both agreed it was used in a store as a display, and we both agreed it was for a jewelry shop ....so, having 2 dealer / collectors agreeing on something like that means it's a good bet we are correct. She had it displayed in a case of fine jewelry and it looked lovely. But, at the time, I was collecting antique dolls as though addicted..therefore , in my mind, I could picture this with a little doll I had at home in a drawer. So, a deal was struck and home I went happy as a kid on Christmas Day. The little doll you see is indeed the doll that was laying in the drawer for a long time. And the antique tree trimmings were kept in the glove box because I just knew someday I would have use for them. So, the glove box became the platform for the sleigh...the trimmings were draped over the sleigh for color...and the dear little doll at least was free from the drawer and enjoyed sitting in the sleigh. So, that is how I am selling this...you get all that is shown, including the glove box that has poinsettias flowers on the lid. The sleigh is early 1900's. It is 12 inches long, 6 inches tall in the back. Made of a composition material, hand painted cream with gilt trim...and that pink quilting is actually part of the mold and is hand painted in matte pink with gilt buttons ( hand painted )...all painting is original to the sleigh. Wonderful composition fruit with sugar coating and enamel coating is also original to the sleigh...please notice , some of the fruits have lost their enameled colors due to flaking, which is also due to age...however, I am sure you will agree, even with this apology, this item is divine. There's a tiny piece of dress embellishment tucked on the sleigh's base under the fruit that I added for a little sparkle..not glued in, just placed there..which of course will be included. The sleigh is in fine strong no breaks etc condition, with only the fruits having any flaking. The seat area is 4 inches wide, so, a larger doll could be in this sleigh, but not much larger. It is after all , a miniature display sleigh , it was never a child's toy. The chubby doll is only signed 1 1/2 , however, the doll is from the early 1900's. My fingers are not adept at handling small items such as this anymore, so, I will leave the doll's bath up to you...a little wipe down and the doll will look better. She was in the drawer all those years because she needs a new wire for the arms..and because the hip has a small chip. She is 3 3/4 inches tall...I say she, could be a boy :-) I love the textured socks and the blue shoes..too dear don't you agree ? The dear little slip needs a rinse too. And has always served as a dress and fits perfect. Then there;s the mercury glass Christmas beads that really are from the early 1900's. The blue strand is over 100 inches long..the photos show it well...a few beads broke, but, the color..too beautiful to describe. The other strand is over 100 inches long...both strands are thin mercury glass beads on string with the ends having a foil star. Both have never been in a shop, they were purchased privately from a family's estate and have been with me ever since, and only used when I found the sleigh. Every year around this time, I would take this dear display out of the cabinet drawer to display on the side board. This year, I thought perhaps someone else might want to enjoy it instead. You get everything to do as you please...but, I think once you receive all this, you just might enjoy displaying it the way I have for many years now...and perhaps you might add your own personal touch. Now, remember, read over the description, and use the Ruby Lane enlarge photo option before you buy because there are a few apologies as mentioned, so , not for the perfectionist. A Christmas tradition, my very own in fact...to you

Item ID: RC-3365