Walking Doll Appraisal

Sweet Alice Walks Doll

This is a 'Sweet Alice Walks' doll, an American character doll dating from the 1950s. She appears to be constructed from hard plastic or composition material, typical of dolls from this era, with a fair skin tone. Her facial features are painted with notable rosy cheeks, red lips, and dark, perhaps blue or brown, eyes with distinct eyelashes and eyebrows. She has long, wavy, reddish-blonde or auburn hair, likely made of synthetic fiber, styled with a slight side part and waves that frame her face. The doll is approximately 18-20 inches tall, judging by her proportions in relation to the cushion she is standing against. She is wearing a simple, long-sleeved, knee-length dress in a faded or light blue color, possibly denim or cotton chambray, with puffed sleeves gathered at the cuff and a gathered skirt. The dress has a modest neckline and appears to close at the back, though this is not visible. According to the provided context, she is missing her pinafore, which would typically be worn over this dress. Her body is jointed at the shoulders and hips, allowing for movement. Her feet are bare, and she lacks shoes or socks. The doll's notable feature is her walking mechanism, which allows her head to turn back-and-forth as she walks, a common "walker" doll characteristic from the mid-20th century. The overall condition is described as good with all working parts, suggesting the walking mechanism is functional. Visible condition issues are minimal: there might be some slight scuffing or discoloration on her bare legs and feet, consistent with age and play. Her hair shows expected signs of being played with, such as some dishevelment, but still retains its wave. The dress appears to be in good condition, with no obvious tears or significant damage, though its color may have faded slightly over time. A small rectangular tag or booklet, possibly an original instruction manual or product tag, is visible near her feet, featuring an illustration of a doll, likely Sweet Alice, and the words 'Sweet Alice WALKS'. This tag further confirms the doll's identity and mechanism. The craftsmanship appears competent for a mass-produced doll of its time, designed for play rather than haute couture display, yet possessing charm and character.