Antique 21” Raggedy Andy Cloth Doll c1920s Handmade Excelsior Stuffed

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Description

Offered is a wonderful 21-inch handmade Raggedy Andy cloth doll, believed to date to the 1920s. With his expressive button eyes, bright red yarn hair, and charming folk-art appearance, he embodies the character and whimsy that made Johnny Gruelle’s Raggedy creations so beloved.

Unlike many later factory-produced examples, this doll has the wonderful handmade quality collectors appreciate. He appears to be stuffed with Excelsior (wood wool), an early stuffing material commonly found in antique cloth dolls. His painted and stitched facial features, shoe-button eyes, and original clothing all contribute to his early appearance and tremendous display appeal.

He has a warm, well-loved personality that only decades of careful preservation can create.

Condition

Please review all photographs carefully as they are an important part of the description.

* Approximately 21 inches tall.

* Believed to retain his original clothing.

* Original red yarn hair.

* Original metal button eyes.

* Appears to be stuffed with Excelsior (wood wool).

* Several holes and areas of wear to the striped stocking fabric exposing the stuffing beneath, as shown.

* Back seam of the shirt has separated, allowing access to the body.

* I carefully inspected beneath the clothing as much as possible without forcing the tight sleeves. No heart was found on the chest, though I elected not to completely remove the clothing to avoid stressing the original fabric.

* General age-related wear, soiling, loose threads, and handling wear consistent with a well-loved antique cloth doll.

Overall, he remains a wonderful, honest survivor with outstanding shelf presence.

Approximate Date

Likely American, circa 1920s.

While unsigned, the construction, Excelsior stuffing, button eyes, and overall workmanship are consistent with early handmade Raggedy Andy dolls from the 1920s.

Measurements

* Height: Approximately 21 inches

A wonderful addition to any collection of early American cloth dolls, Raggedy Ann & Andy memorabilia, folk art, or antique toys.

Please feel free to ask any questions, and thank you for looking!

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