SALE All Original 1860s Darrow Pressed Leather head Male Doll w/ 1966 UFDC Ribbon

Dolls : Antique

 

I am especially pleased to be able to offer up this hard to find doll made by the American company Darrow. He is a pressed leather head doll standing 16.5" tall.

A US patent #54,301 was granted in 1866 to Frank Darrow for his technique of creating doll heads from leather pressed into mold blanks. Most of these dolls did not survive the years well. The painted finish did not adhere well to the leather over time and as it flaked off most were probably discarded in favor of other dolls. Those that were kept and stored away were often the victims of mice who found the leather tasty. Any survivors are rare indeed. I currently have 2 to offer, a male and female, for sale separately. Since they were not originally a pair I am offering them individually - though I urge you to consider keeping them together. This listing is for the gentleman.

This fellow is all original with the exception of his shoes. I feel that the shoes are a later addition. I have not undressed his due to the fragility of his tattered wool suit. However the body appears to be in relatively good condition, with the exception of some damage to the ends of his arms. As far as I can tell he never had proper hands. The arms look as though they have always ended in plain stumps.

His shoulder head had a decoratively molded shirt and cravat. He has obvious wear and flaking on the head which is very characteristic of these dolls. What is there is original and unaltered in any way. He has remnants of painted brown eyes still visible.

Condition: Obviously not perfect, but for this particular type of doll it is a minor miracle that he survived at all, let alone intact.

His survivor status earned him a prize ribbon back in 1966 at the Chicago UFDC (United Federation of Doll Collectors) Convention. He will travel to his new home with his hard earned ribbon.

If you appreciate early production American made dolls then he is a rarity that would enhance your collection.

Item ID: Gdarrowb508

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Layaways and offers considered. Combined shipping discounts on multiple purchases.