Composition Doll Repair
Shirley Temple Restoration
This 27″ Shirley Temple came to me in her original box with her ringlet wig in original set and original button. It was, initially thought that all she needed was repair to a split in the composition near an eye. Upon closer examination it was clear there was more to think about. There was extensive lifting near the nose and around the mouth. I knew as soon as I started to work on her the brittleness of the lifting would chip away. When all the lifting was removed, the majority of her face was involved, which was restored.
Composition Baby – 5 part Body
Made by the zillions, this inexpensive composition American made baby doll is a favorite because of the cute expression and sturdy structure. One of the problems with this type of doll is that, because of the mass production process, the last coat of paint is often thin and wears at the toes and fingers as well as flakes and fades from the face. The owner of this doll (well husband) had this doll restored for his wife’s 75th birthday as it was her childhood favorite as well.
1920 Shoulder Plate Composition Baby
Horsman was a large doll company, signing their doll E.I.H, out of New York. The manufactured composition dolls of all types as well as distributed French and German dolls. This painted eye composition baby was made circa 1920. The paint has cracked and lifted excessively on its body as well as the facial decorations had flaked off. Fully restored, this cute baby doll will outlive a couple of more generations of doll appreciation.
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Doll repair and restoration of composition dolls can range from simple repairs to a complete restoration. Simple doll repairs include rebuildingdamaged doll parts, restringing and craze control or repairing body parts like fingers, toes and other broken parts. A major or complete doll restoration can include stripping the old finish, patching and filling, an iris transplant for crystallized, foggy acrylic eyes, wig restoration or replacement and, of course, maybe new doll clothes.
Paper Mache Child Doll
This Patent Washable doll was made 1880-1915 by F.M. Schilling and other Sonneberg factories. It came from the original owner who wanted her restored so he could pass her on in the family. She had been in a box in pieces for years and had lost her original legs but retained her original (grass stuffed) body, head and arms and clothing. At some point someone had worked on her, painting gesso over her head and arms. To restore her, her original body was covered with 100% cotton muslin with new cloth for the arms and legs. The head, arms and legs were painted to reflect period decoration. A human hair wig was fabricated as well and appropriate period clothing was utilized.
A wonderful PLUS to this doll is that she still had her original blouse and petticoat made of terrific eyelet fabric. The blouse featured drop shoulder sleeves and shell buttons. The slip had a great installed pocket for some treasure to be hidden (maybe an antique penny?). To protect the slip a cotton skirt was fabricated featuring cotton lace and a back skirt for a small bustle affect. The line of the skirt is not full, but straight, reflecting the 1890 styles of Gibson girl fashion.
- Original Pieces for Paper Mache Patent Washable Doll
- BEFORE Paper Mache Patent Washable Doll
- Paper Mache Patent Washable Doll face view
- New muslin over original body with new legs
- Original eyelet blouse with period fashion skirt
- Side View Paper Mache Patent Washable Doll
Boudoir Smoking Bed Doll
Another Example of a Boudoir Bed Doll of the 1920′s with silk hair. She had extensive cracks and was repainted.
- BEFORE facial paint cracks and lifting
- AFTER head restore
American Composition Ball Jointed Doll
In an effort to compete with the German market, American doll manufactures made ball jointed dolls for only 3 short years 1918 -1921. Considered a rare doll, this 19” black ball jointed American child doll is marked on back shoulder plate TREGO Made in USA
- Her body had overall flaking & chipping with several broken fingers,
- BEFORE her legs had broken and was held together with bands
- BEFORE her head seams no longer held
- BEFORE her eyes were out too!
- AFTER complete restore side view
- AFTER side view
- AFTER front view complete restore
- AFTER complete restoration back view
- AFTER all put back together
Patsy Ann
- BEFORE with paint loss, cracking and lifting
- BEFORE back view showing chips and paint loss
- BEFORE restoration
- AFTER composition full restoration
Mama Doll
- Mama Doll is sad shape with hardly any hair, eyes crystallized and composition lifting and separating in places
- Mama doll is now ready for her new dress and to go home!
- Completely restored Mama doll in drop waist white eyelet dress.
Rare and Desirable Smoking Boudoir Doll
Rare and desirable Smoking Boudoir Doll from the 1920′s has lost all her facial coloring with only the undercoat remaining, and that was rapidly lifting, chipping and falling off.
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