Tuck-Comb Doll

ClassificationsFurnishings-Recreation-dolls

Datec. 1830

Made AtGermany, Europe

MediumWood, organdy, wire, silk and hair

Dimensions15 1/2 × 5 1/2 × 3 in. (39.4 × 14 × 7.6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Julia Rounds Colborn and Chase Charles Colborn

Object number86.17.2

DescriptionThis object is a peg wooden Tuck-Comb doll, c. 1830, made in present-day Germany during the Austrian Empire. The name Tuck-Comb refers to the depicting of a small wooden comb tucked into the doll's hair. Peg wooden dolls were primarily made from the early 18th century to the 19th century, and are named for the mortise and tenon peg joints connecting their limbs. They are usually made entirely of wood, although some mid 19th century doll heads were made of china or composition.

Her black hair, painted on with extremely delicate brush marks, illustrates the residual influence of extremely severe hair styles of the early 1800s, but is softened around the face with additional light grey wisps of hair and "spit curls." Her hand-sewn dress is original, but its style is somewhat later than the doll herself. An excellent, very rare example of an early doll which appears to be in "barely-played-with" condition.

Other distinctive physical features include:
Gentle wave to center of forehead softened by painted vertical spiral curl. Large ears exposed. Grey single stroke eyebrows, grey eyes. Black, slightly arched line outlining eyelid and short, vertical lines indicating eye lashes. Black pupil at upper half-moon of eye. Faintly pink cheeks and red rose-bud mouth.

Dress with pink roses painted on organdy, pink ribbon trim at waist, over one shoulder and around hem, elbows and cuffs disintegrating through age. Except for silk trim around neck, the dress is hand-sewn. The under waist, chemise, one petticoat with two rows of ruffles, one petticoat with four rows of tucks, and drawers with tucks are all machine sewn. Pink ribbon garters. Black stockings with white kid shoes. Small chip at right side of comb, small rub on left. Earrings now missing, remains in left ear.

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