Doll Repair and Doll Restoration Professional

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. 

Made in the 1920′s, this baby has been stored away for a long time.  When brought out it’s finish had cracked and released from the composition, literally causing the doll to fall apart.  Totally stripped and restored, she is ready to take her place in a valued collection. 

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.

Treasured Mama Dolls from the 1920′s had been in storage for some time, after being well loved are discovered by the family as *new* antiques, worthy of restoration. 

This is a typical big baby doll.  They are so lovable with their big soft bodies and happy expression. It was great to bring her back to her beautiful charming self.  

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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. 

Another Example of a Boudoir Bed Doll of the 1920′s with silk hair. She had extensive cracks and was repainted.

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

Common issue: moisture in seams

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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