Exquisite early ORIGINAL LENCI DOLL. Over 100 years old circa 1923/4. Transitional 109/109T in Original costume. Italian.
Large felt and excelsior construction doll (c1924)
Excelsior/wood wool filled (firm)
HEIGHT 20 INCHES (50 CM ) approx.
✨ Side glancing eyes
✨ Defined stitched fingers (but flat)
✨ Separate thumb
✨ Large original hat
✨ Original Mohair hair (Stitched /weaved in)
COMPLETE WITH RED DRESS WITH APPLIQUÉ IMAGE IN SILHOUETTE OF THE NURSERY RHYME “ Mary Mary quite contrary” (girl watering her garden)
LARGE FASHION HAT MATCHING SHOES AND SILK SOCKS.
- Original outfit, period shoes, socks & original large hat.
- Red and Black felt appliqué dress and shoes with button fastenings
- Unfaded paint on face. Evidence of original “Dot” eyebrows.
- Original Mohair stitched wig (intact) intact
- Some fading /mottling (but to an extent, the photos also bleach out the peachy pink skin tone)
- No repairs evident.
- Some tiny moth holes (see close ups in photos)
- Hole in ankle exposing wood wool but is covered by sock / shoe. See photo.
- Some Foxing stains to felt legs arms and flesh coloured areas.
- This original Lenci doll is worthy of and would benefit from, a professional clean/ restoration.
See images from online early LENCI catalogues.
LENCI FELT DOLL C1923/4 EARLY ORIGINAL 109T
This is beautiful doll is of its time and any damage is commensurate with age. She is a miracle to have survived over 100 years. Any cleaning should be professionally done as washing with water may only shrink felt and bring any residing inner dirt to the surface.
Be sure to store her under glass (preferably) and ideally with moth deterrents.
