Antique Schutz-Marke Celluloid Head Leather Body Boy Doll Scotch Bonnet

Description

Circa 1903 antique doll by Schutz-Marke Germany with celluloid head and jointed leather body, composite hands and dressed in a burgundy leather suit and Scotch bonnet. “In 1889, a German company had found a way to improve celluloid so it could be used for toys. The required machinery was developed, and soon Schildkröt dolls with the turtle trademark were sent out into the shops. The company was the 'Rheinische Gummi- und Celluloidwarenfabrik' (Rhenish Rubber and Celluloid Works), founded in 1873, but before long it was better known as Schildkrötwerke (Turtle Works)-Schildkröt, of course, meaning turtle in German. Between 1900 and 1910, 'SKoR' was gradually replaced by 'SkiR' (Schildkröte in Raute, or rhombus). The sequence of words now read 'Schutz-Marke / Germany.' The so-called old sign shows a noticeably slender turtle whose feet are curiously oriented to the front, making it look more like a salamander. In 1930, the trademark was changed again, for the last time. The turtle was drawn more compactly, with a rounded shell like a semicircle, and the rhombus fit snugly around it. In 1903, Schildkröt offered the first celluloid socket heads with sleeping eyes. The heads were mounted on jointed bodies of wood, leather, or composition, and these dolls became very desirable worldwide, especially in North America and England.”

Condition

Good Overall - Staining to leather body; scratches to eyes; wear to paint; see pictures

Dimensions

5.5” x 3.25” x 21” (Width x Depth x Height)