Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Dream World Dolls

Dream World dolls are 11 inch composition dolls that were marketed to the "average" family who could not afford more expensive toys.They were sold throughout the 1940's and were available with a range of costumes: historical, ethnic, occupational, and fantasy.

These unmarked dolls have side-glancing painted eyes and mohair wigs that are glued directly to the head, as opposed to being constructed on a skull cap. Their costumes are stapled to their bodies, so costume changes were not intended for Dream World dolls. As a result of very little handling by little mommies, Dream World dolls tend to remain in very good condition. They don't appear to suffer from the same cracking and crazing as other dolls of their era with "better" composition. The dolls wear oil cloth shoes with laces.

I have two Dream World dolls. Both are ladies of the French court. Their costumes have a few age-related holes, but the dolls themselves are in great condition. When you purchase a Dream World doll, you will most likely also purchase her original costume, which makes her a true representation of her manufacture.

These dolls are delightful and aren't costly at all unless you're fortunate to find one with her original hang tags and in her original box. They are a great representation of their era and sometimes get mistaken for Wendy Ann or Tiny Betty dolls; however, the stapled on clothing, glued on floss, and lack of maker's marks gives them away.

9 comments:

  1. Did Dream Doll Company make a Carmen Miranda doll in the 30's or 40's? As I have one, and it appears to be a Dream World.

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  2. Carmen Miranda Doll-michelleamieux@yahoo.com

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  3. mY FRIEND HAS ONE. MAY I SEND A PICTURE TO YOU?

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    1. Hi Anonymous - sure! I love to see pictures of other people's dolls. My contact information is here: https://www.blogger.com/profile/04784561587273970775

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    2. Hello, I'm the friend who has one and i sent two pics via your contact email. I'm trying to find as much info on this doll as possible.
      Thanks, Chris

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    3. Hi Chris - I saw the pics and this one looks like it might be the Carmen Miranda doll. That doll came with a turban and originally had leaves or some other adornment on it. A Google search brings ups the exact same doll, with the turban attachments on it. Very cute!

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  4. Were Dream World Dolls also made in a 14" size? I have one that matches your description except that it is definitely fourteen inches.

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  5. I just found a Carmen Miranda with the original Dream World Dolls hangtag for $10 at a local thrift!! Worth anything?

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