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TODDLES
1937 - 1948
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All Composition 8" Vogue Toddles

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*In the world of doll collecting these cute little dolls are considered to be in the same classification as Vogue's Ginny, 8" Toddler Dolls, and are sometimes referred to as a "pre-Ginny", "compo Ginny", or "#1 Ginny", although the term "Ginny" was never used during the production years of this doll.  Ginny doll collectors usually enjoy adding at least one Toddles to their collection if they want an example of each type of Ginny.   Most Toddles were dressed as little girls but there were also themed dolls such as nursery rhymes and fairy tales, ethnically costumed, and boy/girl pairs.  Some have real names such as Julie, Jerry, Pinkie, Debby, etc, while others were referred to by their outfit, Ice Skater, Preacher, Southern Belle.  They have molded hair under their mohair wigs and are jointed at the neck, arms, and legs.  Their facial features are always painted on, and their painted eyes tend to look to the right.  The eyes are usually always blue, however there may be some brown, especially in the ethnic themed dolls.  Because their facial features were hand painted, there are variations in the size and shape of eye, the lashes, and the overall quality of the paint job.  Some of the earliest R&B dolls do not have painted lashes.  The color of their mohair wig varies.  Unfortunately played with Toddles are often found with messy, thin, or matted hair as the mohair was hard to comb and style.  Due to the fact that they are made of composition, it is not uncommon for them to have some cracking or crazing to their bodies, and chipping of painted features.  

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*Even within the Toddles dolls group, there are variations that make them fun to collect as well.  They were marketed between 1937 and 1948.    The very earliest were marked on the back R & B because the Vogue Doll Company bought undressed dolls from the Arranbee Doll Company to dress and sell in original Vogue designs.   Some of the dolls are marked simply Doll Co on their backs.  It wasn't long before Vogue started making their own dolls with the Vogue name marked on the back of the doll.   The earliest outfits were simply tagged with a gold "Vogue" circular sticker.  Unfortunately these stickers tend to be missing so it is a rare find to have the sticker still attached to the outfit after all of these years.  If the sticker is missing or the outfit is untagged, and the doll is marked R&B, the doll may not be identified truly as a Toddles even though it may be.  Some of the dolls have the name stamped on the bottom of their shoe, although I have not noticed that this is consistent.  The earlier Toddles were also a bit bulkier than the later versions but this holds true of both the R&B bodies as well as early Vogue marked.    Another noticeable variation in the Toddles, is in their arms.  Some have straighter fuller arms, while others have a slight bend in their right arm.  This difference often helps to identify what year the doll may have been sold.   Between 1940-1944 the doll seemed to have the most severe bend in the right arm.  After that, it was almost straight again.  In my early years of collecting, I often had difficulty distinguishing between the later Toddles and the earliest hard plastic painted eye Ginny.  I realized after careful inspection that I could identify them quickly by noticing the detail in the hands.  The plastic dolls' hands are much more detailed, and the fingers more slender, than those of the composition dolls.

Toddles left & center, PE plastic Ginny on right.

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*Toddles outfits were darling, very well made, and the design can be seen being carried through to the early Ginny dolls.  Since many of these dolls were sold during the war years, there was an emphasis on patriot themed clothing.  There were dolls dressed in military themed outfits as well as patriot dolls such as Miss America and Uncle Sam.  They also continued to market the popular "Far Away Lands", "Nursery Rhymes", etc.  Fortunately for Vogue Doll collectors, many styles were well documented in the catalogs and literature given to the company's sales reps.

*By the end of the 40s, hard plastic was becoming the material of choice in doll making because it was more durable than the composition.  Vogue switched to this stronger material.  The dolls retained the painted side-glancing eyes and mohair wigs, and the company continued to dress the dolls in detailed, quality outfits of similar styles and themes.   The name Ginny was still not being used, but I don't believe the name Toddles was ever transferred over to the plastic dolls, either.  

  *Because of Toddles many charms she definitely has a place in my heart.  Though I only have a few examples, I treasure each and every one.  When collecting this little jewel, look for dolls with minimal crazing and nicely painted features.  

Kaylee's Dolls of the 40s (additional photos)

    Current Doll Value Guides show MINT dolls ranging from 1937-1948, priced between $250-$350, with more difficult to find, specialty outfits, perhaps a bit higher.

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