The doll and her clothing are entirely hand sewn. The dress has cartridge pleats at the waist, and at the top of the sleeve. The back closure has small brass hooks and eyes. Her pantalets display the lovely little Van dyke points. The delicate narrow lace has come loose from the neckline and the edges of her sleeves. The fabric is so delicate I do not want to handle it enough to stitch these back so I have just let them drape where they fall. Some one put hours into dressing this special doll 160 year or so ago!
The shoes were apart but still all there. I chose to tie them in place with a silk ribbon rather than attempt any repair. The leather was too soft to sew at all. So the bows were a way to keep the shoes with the doll without changing or destroying anything.
The doll herself is a rare type from an unknown maker. American surely, but we do not know who the doll maker was. This type of doll is most often found in the northeast, I believe this one came from a home in New York state. She has a head of stiffened pressed cloth somewhat like the Izannah Walker dolls, but not nearly as sturdy.
To see a more comprehensive article about this doll and a few others like her, go to "Maida"
Several of my posts on Antique dolls are published there. Edyth
