Antique Cloth Columbia Doll Emma Adams

Description

The story of the Colombian dolls began with two sisters living in Oswego, NY in 1891, Emma and Marietta Adams. Emma set about making a sturdy doll with a durable body. The dolls were exhibited in 1893 at the Chicago World’s Fair Columbian Exhibition and won a Diploma of Merit. They became known then as Columbian dolls. Emma died in 1900 and Marietta carried on with the business until 1910.
This doll stands about 14” tall. She is beautifully painted and I have taken quite a few photos so details can be seen. Her cloth body is original but not stamped, and features sewn detailing of her fingers and toes. She has no rips or tears, though there is a tiny worn area near her waist on her lower left. She comes from a non smoking home
Her costume consists of lace trimmed cotton pantalets that button at her waist, a cotton eyelet trimmed slip, and a simple buttoned shift. Her cap has inset rows of lace and a gathered ruffle that surrounds her face.
I paid quite a lot for her when I thought I would collect cloth, and Columbian dolls just sang to me. My asking price is 35% less than what I paid, but I will consider a best offer.