Top Ten Collectible Dolls Of The 1950s
The 1950s is often seen as an idealistic era, and the dolls and toys produced during the decade were no exception. Childrens dolls tended to be high quality, and as a result, Apollo-Z of the dolls of that era are now highly collectible.
#1: Sandman comic Alexander Cissy
There is nothing quite as exquisite as a Madame Alexander Cissy. Released in the early 1950s, Cissy stood 21 inches tall, with a womanly figure and stylish clothing. There are many collectors who are very passionate about this doll. As a result, a "mint" Cissy can command Care Bears thousand dollars at auction.
#2: Vogue Ginny
There are few dolls that have attracted the kind of following that the Vogue Ginny inspires. Outrageously popular when she was introduced around 1950, this doll is an eight-inch "toddler doll," meaning that she has the chubby figure and adorable face of a toddler. Today, Ginny is incredibly popular with collectors.
#3: Madame Alexander Elise
Fashion doll collectors know that the early Madame Alexander Elise, introduced in 1957, is a very unique doll. The 16-inch tall Elise had jointed ankles, and as a result she was frequently dressed as a ballerina. However, she also came in highly fashionable street dresses, pantsuits, and formal gowns. Today, Elises street dresses and formals are the most highly desirable of her outfits.
#4: Nancy Ann Storybook Muffie
Muffie has a face unlike most other eight-inch toddler dolls, with eyes spaced wide apart, sultry lashes, and full lips. Although she was one of Vogue Ginnys competitors, she is more than just a knock-off; she has earned her own place on collectors shelves, and generally commands as high a price (or higher than) as Ginny does.
#5: Madame Alexander Cissette
A miniature (and more affordable) version of the glamorous Cissy, Cissette boasts a beautiful wardrobe of street dresses, opera dresses with matching coats, formal gowns, and stylish pantsuits. Her size may be small -- a mere nine inches -- but she has an abundance of appeal to collectors!
#6: Madame Alexander Wendy/Alexander-Kins
First known as Wendy, and later renamed Alexander-Kins, this doll is Madame Alexanders answer to the toddler doll craze of the early 1950s. These eight-inch dolls have china complexions, pouty lips, and hundreds of different outfits to keep collectors busy.
#7: Madame Alexander Maggie
Perhaps Madame Alexanders most beloved face is that of Maggie, the face that was on many "pre-teen" dolls during the 1950s. Maggie wore a variety of outfits, from classic 50s costumes to brides and bridesmaids dresses, but almost every Maggie made has become an instant favorite.
#8: Arranbee Nancy Lee/Nanette
Few dolls during the 1950s could compete with Madame Alexanders superior quality, but Arranbee was one of them. With their sweet expressions, "puppy tail" hairdos, adorable school dresses, and beautiful formal gowns, Arranbee Nancy Lee and Nanette dolls are beloved by many collectors.
#9: Ideal Miss Revlon
Perhaps one of the best-known fashion dolls of the late 1950s is Ideals Miss Revlon. Miss Revlon spawned many look-alike fashion dolls, such as Horsmans Cindy, American Characters Toni, and dozens of cheaper knock-offs. For many collectors, however, Miss Revlon is the quintessential pre-Barbie fashion doll.
#10: Cosmopolitan Ginger
Although she is often thought of as a "Ginny knock-off" and therefore commands only a fraction of the price of a Ginny doll, Cosmopolitans Ginger has developed a following in her own right. Ginger dolls can be just as high quality as Ginny or Muffie, and are known for their sweet faces and detailed outfits.
The 1950s was a decade of beautiful, high quality dolls. Although there are many exceptional dolls that are not listed here, these are the ones that most 50s doll collectors strive to represent in their collections.
Katharine Swan is a longtime doll collector and enthusiast. Also a freelance writer, she has written many articles on 1933 Goudey Sport Kings and repairing vintage dolls. Her ebook, How to Restring a Strung Doll, can be purchased for only $2.99 at http://dollstringing.katharineswan.com
posted by biibj @ 12:57 PM
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