From an extensive private collection... This darling, original two-in-one, "topsy-turvy", "Topsy & Eva" , black and white, AMERICANA cloth doll, circa 1908, is a very hard to find example of this charming double-doll. They are 12" tall, all stuffed cloth and manufactured by Babyland Rag and shown in the 9th Blue Book and on pages 61-67, "Cloth Dolls Edwards. They have beautifully printed, photographic type faces with printed blond hair on the white child and black hair on the black child.
They wear all their original (bias trimmed) pretty red plaid clothing, matching plaid printed prairie bonnet with ruffle , red bandanna as well as the original trimmed white apron top. Both have sweet expressions and movable arms with mitt-type hands and separate thumbs (the black doll hands need mending, fabric age split in back of bonnet, hard to see). The plaid printed skirt can be flipped to cover the opposite doll. We have seen statements that this type of double-sided doll originated in the south when there were few ethnic dolls for black children and white slave owners only allowed them to play with white dolls! It looks as if the black doll was the most played with in this case.
Whatever their origin, these exceptional dolls still retain all of their charm despite their age related darkening. (loc 51) They are in generally good condition (although needing cleaning) with no stains, fading or repairs and are from a smoke free home. We have several of these fascinating dolls, currently listed, each by different manufacturers, all original and slightly different either in headdress or clothing. They make a terrific study when viewed together.Dolls in last 5 photos are not included and each is listed separately. Please note: nearly all of our items are antique or vintage (usually with some signs of wear due to usage and previous storage). We do our very best to describe and photograph them for you and do not repair, restring, repaint or enhance them in any way as most collectors prefer to find them in their original state. Please use the zoom feature on our photos as they are an important part of the description. Other dolls shown are not included and each listed separately.
Let us know if we can help you with anything else. We have more antique and vintage dolls, dollhouse furniture and antique dollhouse dolls available, each listed separately. We appreciate five star reviews.
If there is a problem with your item, please let us know prior to leaving feedback and we will do our best to make sure you are satisfied. The item "BABYLAND RAG Antique cloth black Americana TOPSY-TURVY 2-sided rare doll 12" is in sale since Tuesday, April 16, 2019. This item is in the category "Dolls & Bears\Dolls\Antique (Pre-1930)\Cloth". The seller is "mitsu-dog" and is located in Sparta, New Jersey. This item can be shipped to United States, all countries in Europe, Canada, Japan, Australia.