Vintage early-1950s hard plastic “Mary Jane” doll, produced circa 1953–1954.
This doll was one of a short-lived fashion doll line often described in reference sources as a Terri Lee–type or Terri Lee clone, produced for a brief period in the early 1950s. From my research on dollreference website and others, an employee of Terri Lee created this doll, and was then sued for copyright infringement. The Mary Jane doll was only sold for two years before all molds were destroyed. In other words -- this is a RARE doll.
Approx. 17 inches tall
All hard plastic, slender body
Walking mechanism with head that turns when the leg moves
Eyes with flirty side glance
Very arched brows and bright red bow-shaped lips
Closed mouth, wider than Terri Lee
Wigged hair
Unmarked, consistent with known Mary Jane Freyberg examples
Wears a period gauze/tulle overlay dress
One show marked “Fairyland Toy Prod”, a known mid-century doll shoe maker
This doll matches published descriptions found in doll reference literature, including:
1953–1954 production
17" size
Hard plastic construction
Walking / head-turning mechanism
Unmarked body - but looks just like Mary Jane dolls, more mature than Terri Lee dolls, very arched brows, red bow lips, flirty side glance.
Very good vintage condition overall.
Minimal age-related wear. I do not note any paint loss.
Hair is very good.
Tulle/gauze dress overlay shows age and delicacy consistent with period materials - this is the main condition note. See photographs for detail. Dress itself is in very good condition.
Walking mechanism functions, head turns when walking
Please review photos carefully; they are part of the description
She has just one shoe. Marked Fairyland Toy Prod. Made in USA.