Chaplin Appraisal

Charlie Chaplin 'The Tramp' Doll

This item is a novelty doll or figurine depicting the iconic silent film character, 'The Tramp,' played by Charlie Chaplin. The figure features a pale, possibly ceramic or bisque-like, head with painted facial features, including blue eyes, dark arched eyebrows, a painted mustache, and a small red mouth. The head is topped with black, possibly synthetic hair, and a weathered black bowler hat that shows significant paint loss and potential transfer where it appears to have been rubbed off, revealing a lighter color underneath. The body seems to be jointed, suggesting it might be a doll rather than a solid figurine; the hands are also pale, matching the head. It is dressed in a black fabric jacket, possibly velvet or felt, with a red bow tie over a white shirt, although the shirt is mostly obscured by the jacket. Two large, ornate 'buttons,' likely made of wood or plastic, are visible on the front of the jacket, providing a tactile and visual detail. The character wears black trousers and black shoes, which appear molded or made from a stiffer material like plastic, suggesting a static pose or limited articulation for the legs. The entire outfit appears somewhat dusty and soiled, particularly the trousers, indicating prolonged outdoor exposure or storage in a dirty environment. The overall condition suggests a vintage piece that has seen better days, with visible wear and tear consistent with age and handling. A thin, dark stick, presumably representing Chaplin's cane, is held loosely in one hand and rests on the ground. The quality of craftsmanship for the facial features is moderate, with a somewhat simplified and stylized representation of Chaplin's likeness. There are no obvious maker's marks visible in the provided image, making precise manufacturing details or age determination difficult without further inspection, though the style suggests mid-20th century.