If you want a playful chance at seeing a bit of the world’s cultures without leaving home, look at Madame Alexander international dolls. This doll collection is one of the favorites among children and adults alike. It was designed specifically to teach children about the costumes, cultures and traditions of various countries. This is truly an artistic endeavor that not only celebrates diversity but illustrates amazing craftsmanship, for which Madame Alexander’s name has become synonymous.
Madame Alexander has been making International Dolls since the late 1930s. Most of the vintage international dolls on the market today are from the 1960s and 1970s and the can be acquired at amazingly affordable prices. There are so many different dolls from which to choose. This article shares just a small sampling of what’s available to you.
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Vintage Madame Alexander Cissy dolls were introduced in 1955 and were only made from 1955 to 1959, she still remains a very iconic and popular collectible vintage doll.
The name Madame Alexander has been synonymous with beautifully crafted dolls for over 80 years. Living above her father’s doll hospital obviously impacted her eye for detail and sense of joy in making classic and unique dolls that included images of popular characters like Scarlett O’Hara. One of the most distinctive dolls she ever designed, however, was Cissy.
Although Madame Alexander Cissy dolls were only made from 1955 to 1959, she still remains a very iconic and popular collectible vintage doll.
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1958 Cissette Bride Doll |
Vintage Madame Alexander Dolls were created by Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman. When she was young, Madame Alexander used to watch her father work in the doll hospital below their apartment. This is where her admiration for dolls was born as she would play with the ones waiting to be fixed. Gaining inspiration from these moments, Madame Alexander created her first doll, which was a red cross nurse. As her dolls gained in popularity, a business was born. Madame Alexander dolls have become a mainstay amongst doll collectors ever since.
The first dolls made by the company were cloth. The antique dolls that were produced from 1923 to the early 1930's were made solely of this material. Once the cloth was cut, these dolls were then stuffed with a variety of materials such as sawdust and paper. Assembly of the stuffed dolls required glue and hand faces paint. One of the most well known dolls manufactured in this time is the Alice in Wonderland doll. She was created with yellow yarn hair, a blue and white dress as well as an apron that is organdy in color.
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Horsman made Mary Poppins Dolls from 1963 through the early 1970s. The dolls were 11 1/2" tall (same height as Barbie) and several different versions were sold through the years. 2009 marked Mary Poppins 45th Anniversary.
There was a Mary Poppins alone in her purple dress and navy overcoat, there was a set that contained Mary in her purple dress and navy coat outfit plus two additional outfits (her "nanny" ensemble and the white dress with the red bodice and red bows at the hem) and there was a set with Mary along with smaller 8" Jane and Michael dolls. Jane and Michael were also sold in a set without Mary. Over the years the dolls were made i& sold n different sizes, but none were as popular as the 11 1/2" version and the other sizes are considered to be rare today.
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1968 Mattel Dancing Ballerina Doll
Dancerina was THE doll to get for Christmas 1969. She was a 24 inch tall Ballerina doll. She had batteries in her back and when she was turned on, you would hold her by the knob in the center of the crown on her head and she would spin around on her toes.
She was made by Mattel and her body is marked:
(c) 1968 Mattel, Inc.
Made in the U.S.A.
U.S. Patent Pending
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Remember the Mrs. Beasley Doll? If you grew up during the late 60s and early 70s I bet you do! Mrs. Beasley is a doll who was featured on the TV show Family Affair, which ran on CBS from 1966 to 1971. The show included 6 year-old brother and sister twins - Buffy and Jody. Buffy (played by Anissa Jones) had a doll on the show named Mrs. Beasley. She carried Mrs. Beasley with her everywhere. Mattel released a variety of Buffy and/or Mrs. Beasley dolls from 1967 through the early 1970s. I will cover the Buffy dolls at a later date. There were four sizes Mrs. Beasleys made.
The most popular and valuable today is the 22 inch Mrs. Beasley Talking Doll. This is the same size as the doll used on the TV show. She has a vinyl head and hands and her clothing is removable. Her glasses are often missing and are can be a very valuable addition!
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