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“It has been two years since our last auction of mid-century American dolls. Each year these dolls come closer and closer to the status of true antiques, and each year these dolls become harder and harder to find. To find them in pristine condition is a dream most collectors can never realize. Here is a wonderful opportunity—to see, to bid, to win.”
Stuart Holbrook, President of Theriault’s
"Everything I needed to know about grown-up fashion I learned from my dolls" claim collectors of dolls of the fabulous ‘50’s, many of these collectors now also in their own fabulous fifties. And the collection of the late Laura Meisner, to be auctioned by Theriault’s on Saturday, September 11, 2004 in Los Angeles bears testimony to that statement. More than 250 American dolls made from 1945-1965 will be presented in their original costumes, with accessories and coiffure to complement the fashionable attire.
There are Alexander dolls, of course, including ten rare Cissy models, and then there is the newly appreciated family of Miss Revlon dolls. Fifteen Miss Revlon ladies, each in different costume, are presented in 15", 18", 20", and 22" sizes as well as thirteen Little Miss Revlon dolls plus two gift sets and extra costumes. Of special emphasis are Jill and Jan by Vogue, two fashionable young ladies whose wonderful and stylish costumes make them a great addition to their popular cute young sister Ginny. Collectors at the Los Angeles auction will delight in 68 Jill dolls (each different!), 20 Jan dolls, Jeff, Ginnette, Jim, Ginny, and lots of additional costumes and furniture. Lesser known, but none the less stylish was the Ginger family of dolls, also favorites of collector Laura Meisner. Her collection includes Ginger dolls and Little Miss Ginger dolls, several in gift sets and ensembles.
No fashion collection of dolls from the 1950 era would be complete without early Barbie models. The Meisner collection includes a #1 Barbie, Dressed Display Barbie in Evening Splendor, other ponytail models in 900 model costumes including #3, #4, #5. and #6. There are bubble cut Barbie’s in rare costumes, swirl ponytail Barbies, Fashion Queen, Color Magic, American Girl, and Side-part Barbie with Barbie’s Fashion Shop and extensive costumes. There are two Midge gift sets, and a complete Suzy Goose bedroom set.
Beautifully costumed child dolls are not neglected in the Meisner auction. There are Prince Charming and Cinderella, Tommy Bangs, Peter Pan, and Snow White by Alexander from the 1945 era. And there are Toni, Nancy Lee, Shirley Temple, Charmin’ Chatty and Black Chatty Cathy, the latter dolls all having plenty to say!
"These half-century old American dolls are increasingly difficult to find. They are diverse. And they were chosen by a discriminating collector with an eye for design, and wonderful condition", according to Stuart Holbrook who will preside over the auction. The Meisner Collection comprises session I of the all-day double auction event. Preview begins at 9 AM, and the Meisner auction begins at 11 AM, to be immediately followed by a 250-lot auction featuring the private collections of Mel Odom and others. Absentee bids are accepted prior to the auction, and collectors can reserve telephone bids at the time of the auction. Also, live internet bidding will be offered by Proxibid (for details click here) and Theriault’s expects this to be a very popular bidding option for stay-at-home collectors who will find it hard to choose in advance.
| 11 AM — The Private Collection of the late Laura Meisner |  Noted for her vivid personality and spirited collecting, Laura Meisner championed the collecting of high-style fashion dolls over a twenty year period; her dolls appeared in many books and she willingly shared her passionate interest in the subject with all. This one-person auction is highlighted by fashion dolls of the 1950’s including Barbie, Alexander Cissy and Elise, Miss Revlon and an unparalleled collection of 10" fashionable dolls in vintage costumes including Little Miss Revlon, Jill and Jan, and Miss Ginger; along with Ideal Toni, Shirley Temple, and rare Alexander hard plastic children of the 1950’s. Order catalog CA-1052 at $29. |
| 5 PM — The Vintage Collections of Mel Odom and Others |  The extraordinary vision of the doll fashion designer Mel Odom continues to delight collectors year after year. Yet few collectors know that Mel Odom also owned his own collection of vintage American fashion dolls of the 1950’s. These are highlighted in this auction, ranging from early Barbies to rare Cissy fashion models. Also included are mint-in-box #1 Barbie, a superb private collection of more than 100 very rare 1950’s Wendy-kin fashionable children and Cissettes, an extraordinary collection of fabulous and nearly impossible-to-find early boxed costumes for 1950’s Alexander dolls, and a fine group of near-mint hard plastic dolls from various manufacturers. Order catalog BT-226 at $29. |
| Order Information | | Order both catalogs at the special combined rate of $49, including postage and after-sale prices realized. Each doll in the two auctions is photographed in color. The preview for both auctions begins at 9 AM. An additional preview for the second auction will begin immediately following the first auction (approximately 4 PM). The second auction will begin approximately 1 hour after the end of the morning session. Absentee and telephone bids are welcome if you cannot attend. Or you can bid live online at the time of the auction at www.proxibid.com. For more auction information call 800-638-0422. |
On August 25 all dolls will be posted on Theriault’s at www.theriaults.com for viewing inspection.
And watch for an email next Tuesday with exciting details of the dolls to be featured in Session II. |
