Hey everyone, my friend has been telling me for years that she has an extremely rare, valuable singing doll from the late 1800s. I was hesitant to believe her because I didn’t think that they had that kind of technology for a kids toy back then. Today I finally got to see and hear the doll. It is definitely old, and it still sings, well plays music is more appropriate. I was wondering if you could help me figure a value of this doll in its current state, and what one in better shape could possible be worth. We believe that it is a Webber Singing Doll, but are unsure of the year. We know it was only produced from 1882-84 but we do not know how to date it. So far I have found it in The Collectors Encyclopedia of Dolls (images 1676,77) and in I think it was The Doll Blue Book V 16, but neither of them are current as far as finding a value. I have looked online but only found a few dolls in amazing shape that did remarkably well at auction in my opinion. Doll is 22” wax head, with some illegible markings along shoulder line (or the base of the head, unsure of terminology) The hands are leather, and the body with the is cloth (I guess) with the device for playing music encased in wood in her chest. I know it shows signs of age, abuse, neglect, and abandonment but we are wondering if it is rare enough to still be collectable, as in someone would want to restore it, or if it is a lost cause and we should bury it or throw it off a pier or something. Thanks for your time everyone, any additional info you need from me please let me know and I will give you as much as I can. I am linking a Imgur album that I created because I have more than ten pictures that I would like to share. I hope this doesn’t break any rules of the site, if it does I am sorry. Thanks again.
Description
Category
Antique Toys
Medium
Wax head, leather hands, I am unsure/ dont remember what the feet are. The torso is the music maker covered with cloth. And dust/debris from 130+ years of life.
Distinguishing marks
"Webber Singing" , cannot read other marks. It just donned on me that the encyclopedia says 'stamped Webber lower back' and I dont think I looked, I was too excited, and didnt think of that either.
Condition
Fair
Size and dimensions of this item
22" tall. I dont know the head size and did not think to measure it.
Date Period
1882-1884
Weight
Absolutely no idea.
History
I do not know much about this doll, other than it was made in the USA (IIRC Boston??). Patented 1881, produced two years only. There is different models that "sing" different songs, I could not tell what this one was playing. My friend has had the doll for I do not know how long, she remembers getting it at a yard sale years ago but nothing more specific than that. She couldn't recall if it was this century or last even, let alone time of year, what she was wearing that day or what she ate for breakfast the next day after she got it. She does keep it in a low humidity thing though, or maybe extra humidity I don't know for sure, but its helps preserve the doll apparently.
Price Paid (If known)
Unknown.
For Sale?
No
Photos
Re: Singing Webber Doll 1882-84
This is an amazing find. Wax and or (wax over paper mache') dolls are very collectible. Yours appears to be all original which is ever so rare. Usually the clothing has been replaced along with the entire body. Being intact and all original I would expect she will sell for $400-$500. She is worthy; keep her away from direct sunlight and don't handle her any more than you have to.
Re: Singing Webber Doll 1882-84
PS More appropriate she is a Webber Musical doll.