Here we have a rare and interesting part of history.

This tiny beeswax doll in a fabric covered card coffin is a reflection of the high infant mortality rate and the Victorian's relationship with death.

During this era many personal items reflected the loss of a loved one such as mourning jewellery and pictures made from hair to the wearing of a locket with a portrait of a deceased loved one.

I believe this doll was given to mourn the loss of a child, it has some inked writing on the paper shield on top of the coffin, this is not legible anymore.

The doll is fixed inside the coffin and wears finely sewn clothing and a lace bonnet, she cannot be removed and has sculpted closed eyes.

As for the coffin it is made from stiff card with faded purple cloth covering and worn Dresden paper trim to resemble nails, it measures just 3.75" long.

Please see all images for detail.

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