Antique Baby Doll Appraisal

Vintage Ideal Baby Doll

This item is identified as a vintage baby doll, likely manufactured by Ideal, based on the provided context. The doll features a light, peach-toned plastic or hard rubber body, indicative of materials used in mid-20th-century doll production. Physical characteristics include a molded head with sculpted red-orange hair, creating a textured, curled appearance. The doll has painted facial features: large blue sleep eyes with defined black pupils, and a small, red, somewhat puckered mouth. There are no visible eyelashes or eyebrows. The body is a single-piece mold for the torso and limbs, suggesting a simpler, less articulated construction typical of baby dolls from earlier eras. The limbs are jointed at the shoulders and hips, allowing for basic posing, with the arms and legs appearing somewhat thicker and stubbier, characteristic of a baby's proportions. The doll lacks clothing, revealing a smooth, unblemished surface across most of its visible body. There are no obvious cracks, chips, or significant scuffs, though general surface dirt or light discoloration consistent with age might be present. No maker's marks or signatures are discernible from the image. The style and construction suggest an estimated age from the 1940s to 1960s. The quality indicates a mass-produced item, though the molding appears relatively crisp, without significant seams, suggesting decent craftsmanship for its type. One unique aspect is its classic, somewhat exaggerated 'baby look' with round features and large eyes, often associated with this period of doll manufacturing.