SOLD 1860s Darrow Pressed Leather Head Lady Doll

Antiques : Dolls

 

I am especially pleased to be able to offer up this hard to find doll made by the American company Darrow. She is a pressed leather head doll standing 15.5" 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 lady.

This doll has her original body in good condition. Her lower arms appear to be made from a hard papier mache or composition like material. Her socks, pantaloons and petticoat came on her and look like they could be original. She original came to me with one brown cloth boot. I replicated a similar pair for her which she is wearing. The original single shoe is in her apron pocket. Her dress and apron are antique garments that I supplied for her.

Her shoulder head suffers from the typical flaking paint issue that vexes all dolls of this type. She retains more of her original paint than most. There is no repainting. I think she may have has a clear coat of varnish applied at some time which has helped her to keep more of the paint intact.

This Darrow doll has an old tag on one leg that identifies her as having once been a part of the Margaret Woodbury Strong museum in Rochester, NY. By 1969 her collection was said to number more than 22,000 dolls and was perhaps the world's largest. largest collections. She passed away in 1969 but not before obtaining a state charter for her museum. Though she didn't live to see it happen, her will provided the funds and instructions for establishing her Museum of Fascination, filled with more than 300,000 items. It was begun in1973, and completed by 1982. Today the Strong Museum of Play is a major attraction in Rochester.

She is a rare survivor. If you collect early production American made dolls then this doll would be a special addition to your collection. You might want to also consider her gentleman friend that I have listed separately.

Item ID: Gdarrowg508

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