The Toddles dolls are considered to be in the same classification as Vogue’s Ginny, 8” Toddles Dolls.  They are also referred to as the “pre-Ginny, “compo Ginny,” or #1 Ginny.  The actual term “Ginny” was not used during the years the Toddles doll was produced, which was 1937 to 1948.  The name “Toddles” was never transferred to the newer Vogue dolls either.

The majority of Toddles dolls were dressed like little girls.  The Toddles collection included theme dolls that depicted nursery rhyme and fairy tale characters, as well as some ethnically costumed, and boy/girl pairs.  Some of the Toddles dolls have real names like Debby, Pinkie and Julie.  Others are referred to according to their outfits like “Ice Skater,” and “Preacher.”  The Toddles collection had molded hair under mohair wigs.  They are jointed at the neck, arms and legs, and their facial features are painted on, having painted eyes that seem to look to the right.  Color of Toddles dolls eyes are usually blue, however, some the ethnic themed dolls especially had brown eyes.

There are variations in the size and shape of eye, the lashes and even the overall quality of facial paint.  This is due to the fact that the facial features were painted on.  Some of the earliest R&B dolls do not have the painted lashes or any lashes at all.  Color of hair on the Toddles dolls vary.  These dolls were made of composition, so it is not uncommon to see cracks or crazing to their bodies and chipping of painted features.

The earliest Toddles Dolls were marked on the back R & B.  The reason for this is that the Vogue Doll Company bought undressed dolls from the Arranbee Doll Company, then dressed them and sold the dolls in original Vogue designs.  Some of these dolls are also marked just “Doll Co” on their backs.  It was soon after this; the Vogue Doll Company started making dolls imprinting the Vogue name marking on the back of the doll.  The early outfits were tagged with a gold “Vogue” circular sticker, which through the years, tends to get lost.  It is rare to find a sticker still attached to the outfit currently (the year of 2007).  If you find a doll that resembles the Toddles and the sticker is missing or the outfit is untagged, and it is marked R&B, the doll may not be identified as a genuine Toddlers even thought there is very good chance it is a true Toddler.  The stickers are important in making affirmative identification of the Toddles dolls.

Some Toddles dolls had their name stamped on the bottom of their

shoe; however, this is very inconsistent as well.  When trying to identify earlier Toddles versions from later versions, keep in mind, that the earlier Toddles were a bit bulkier.  This also is true of both the R&B bodies and the early Vogue dolls marked with the word “Vogue.” 

Yet another noticeable difference in the Toddles is the arms.  There were dolls produced with straight, full arms and dolls produced with a slight bend in the right arm.  This difference helps to identify what year the doll was sold.  The years of 1940 to 1944 produced dolls to have the most severe bend in the right arm.  After these years, dolls produced had straight arms again.

Distinguishing the Early Hard Plastic Ginny and the Later Toddles Dolls

The hard plastic painted eye Ginny will have much more detailed hands.  The fingers are more slender than the composition made Toddles dolls.

The designs of some of the outfits made for the Toddles dolls were repeated in the early Ginny dolls.  Many of these dolls were sold during the war time.  This fact is evidenced by all the emphasis on patriot themed doll outfits.  Outfits during this time included the “Miss America” and “Uncle Sam,” and a very popular “Far Away Lands.”  During this era, it is very fortunate for the Vogue doll collector that many styles were well documented in the catalogs, brochures and other literature given to Vogue Company representatives.

The Vogue Doll Company switched to the stronger material of hard plastic in the 1940s.  The dolls produced retained the painted side-glancing eyes and mohair wigs with detailed, quality clothing of similar styles and themes as those dolls produced before this time.  The name “Ginny” was still not being used. The name Toddles was not transferred over to the plastic dolls.

Source:  Collector’s Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls

Important Disclaimer:  Vintage Doll Collecting is not affiliated with the Vogue Doll Company.  We do not sell dolls on our site.  This article and the web site do not promote the Vogue Doll Company or any other Vintage Doll Company.  We are an information and resource for the “would-be” doll collector or for those already collecting Vintage Dolls.

Written by:  Connie Limon.  For more information about starting and maintaining a Vintage Doll Collection visit http://smalldogs2.com/VintageDollCollecting  For a variety of FREE reprint articles as well as special sections in U.S. History and the Kennedy Administration visit http://www.camelotarticles.com

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© 2007 Connie Limon All Rights Reserved