Boudoir Dolls, also known as flapper dolls, salon or bed dolls (as they were made to sit on a chair or bed), were made from approximately the 1920s through the 1940s, they were all the rage among the young flappers of the 1920's. The boudoir doll trend is evidenced by the images of of flappers and their dolls in the media of the day, in magazines, postcards and in the early movies - look out for flapper dolls as set dressing in old silent movies or the early talkies. Flappers were notorious for their heavy make-up,short hemlines and for smoking. The flappers dolls reflected their owners. The Lenci company of Turin produced a smoking boudoir doll in 1922, known as The Fadette, and the Cubeb cigarette company brought out a smoking doll, made of composition, with a cigarette in her mouth. These are now highly collectable dolls. Vintage boudoir dolls prices can vary widely, from under $100.00 to over $1,000 or more for rarer dolls. French salon dolls such as Rosalinde of Paris, are popular with collectors. other makers include Lenci, Anita, Blossom, Etta, and Norah Wellings. Lenci lady dolls, and the rare Lenci Rudolf Valentino character doll range among the highest valued at auction.
28" Italian cloth salon lady by Lenci, of Turin, Italy
28" Italian cloth salon lady by Lenci portraying Spanish lady, superb haughty sculpting of facial features with artful painting, blonde mohair wig, very elongated torso and limbs, modeled bosom. Wearing original black taffeta gown with original brilliant felt appliqués, felt tricorn hat with long black lace mantilla, gold bead necklace, fingerless black lace gloves. Excellent condition, slight surface dust. Sold by Theriault's in 2005.
Estimated value in 2005: US $1500/$2000