Three Dolls, circa 1920

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Durability and toys don't usually go hand and hand.  Some kids play rough and tumble with their toys, others are more gently.  These dolls have seen some rough play but are still around after almost 100 years.  They've come out of the steamer trunk and the cedar chests to see the light of day again.  These dolls probably belonged to a very young Louise Moran and I believe them to be from around 1920.

Three dolls from the Moran family.  Circa 1920.

Cute bunny doll.

Articulated doll, head view.  I particularly like this image because she reminds
me of the statues of angels in cemeteries.

Very unhappy, two faced doll.

Happy side, two faced doll.
This one reminds me of the creepy dolls in Toy Story.

Side view of two faced doll.
There's just something about a two faced doll that is creepy.

Today's Tiny Treasure - A Children's Tea Service, ca. 1920-30's

This children's tea set probably belonged to Louise Moran, daughter of J.H. Moran III and Virginia Shumate Moran.  She was born in 1924 so this set is probably late 1920's or early 1930's  It's complete and in pristine condition.  The hallmark simply says "Made in Japan".  The colors are vibrant and with the exception of the windmill the theme seems to be Asian in motif. The box is original and in poor condition but the service itself is exquisite.  It's an excellent example of what well-to-do young girls were playing with during that time period.

I wish I had taken a before picture so you could see how 80+ years of grime had taken it's toll.

Paper dolls circa 1895

These paper dolls probably belonged to the youngest Moran girl, Marion, who was born about 1884.  I found them all in one envelope inside one of the many boxes containing Moran items.  It's amazing how beautiful and intact they still are after 126 years!  

Some of the dolls are from a company called Barbour's who produced thread and other textile products.  Barbour's was founded in 1784, the date on the back of the Barbour's dolls is 1885.  Here is some reading from Barbour's entitled A Treatise on lace-making and embroidery with Barbour's Flax Thread.

The top row of paper dolls originate from the Coats and Clark thread called O.N.T (One New Thread).  O.N.T. thread became available in 1864.  Here is a short history of the Coats and Clark Company including the development in 1864 of its thread division.

Paper dolls have always been an inexpensive toy for children.  They originated in Paris, moved to England and eventually made there way to America.  For a concise history of American paper dolls visit 

Victoriana Magazine.