"Tweener" Dolls of Porcelain from the 70s and 80s; Between Waldas and Artist Reproductions

“Tweener “Dolls; All Dolls Pictured are from Dr. E's Doll Museum

 

Modern Porcelain Interpretation of  Jumeau Triste

 

We’ve all seen them languishing in thrift shops, those porcelain dolls between the Walda and the artist reproductions once so popular at 70s and 80s doll shows.

 

They don’t have the hideous, pathetic charm of Walda and her sisters, and they aren’t as pretty or well made as the reproductions that were so expensive, the divas of the doll shows about 30 years ago. 

 

You could find them in Kmart, Walmart, Tuesday Morning, T.J. Maxx, Aldi, Dollar General, Pier I, big box stores, Cracker Barrel, and even major department stores.  They could be pricey, some sold at $100 or more.  Their clothes were lavish, usually forth and lace.  A few were clowns with bright, silky clothes.   The Kmart dolls had outfits that could be purchased separately.  A few were sold undressed, so that they could inspire young fashion designers.

 

Some had poignant stories;  a young murder victim in Florida was remembered for her love of these dolls and Barbie.  Whole groups of them decorated the set of The Tonight Show Christmas Special during the 80s, and a few were given as prizes on game shows.

 

Some of these modern porcelain dolls were made by companies like Dynasty Dolls, Geppeddo, Seymour Mann, Gold Key, and Delton.  A few were made from molds of Bru bébés or A. Marque dolls.  They were colorful and fun, and many little girls had large collections of them.   They weren’t exactly reproductions, and they were assembled in Asia, usually China, of porcelain that was very fragile and broke easily.

 

A group of various dolls; top row includes a "Tweener" in white hat, and a Walda

I’ve met many collectors who dismiss these dolls that I call “tweeners.”  They seem as the weeds of the doll world.  I wrote several posts about them and Waldas for About.com and Ruby Lane, one involved dolls left as gifts in a gated San Clemente neighborhood.  Their story made Inside Edition.

 

We’re told “serious” collectors take no interest in them.  They are considered cheap, and appear for two or three dollars at thrift stores, and even less at yard sales.  Ironically, I see them for $30-$40 or more on certain online auctions.  A few were in museum exhibits in Canada during the late 80s.  There, even Waldas sold for $65 Canadian dollars in antique stores.  There are many examples on the site, Thriftyfun.com.

 

My take—well, I think they are pretty.  They have a place in doll history.  Many cross over as celebrity dolls, advertising dolls, storybook dolls, or national costume dolls.  I’ve seen some that come from France, Ireland, Norway, and Sweden.   Their clothes are often beautiful, and they have sweet expressions.  For some one on a budget, they could make a very nice collection.  A lot of them were featured in an Amason.com film, The Creepy Doll, and more appear Last of the Summer Wine, Who’s the Boss, and other TV shows.  Teri Long of Etsy’s Long Gone Dolls redesigns them as Halloween dolls or Goth dolls.  She gives them a whole new life, and they are gorgeous. One or two belong in general collections of dolls that tell the story of the 70s and 80s.  More importantly, they existed because people liked antique dolls, but could not find or afford them.  They indicated that there was an interest in old dolls, even if the supply could not fill the demand.

 

I’ve never been a doll snob, much to my detriment, I suppose, but, dolls are still everywhere.  As I type, I have an episode of vintage Will and Grace on; a Cher doll and a dolls’ tea party played a role in the episode.

 

Even weeds serve a purpose and can be beautiful.