Tuesday, 17 March 2009

Norah Wellings Mystery Dolls






When watching ebay a while ago I saw an unusal Norah Wellings Girl that I hadn't seen before, she was being sold by a favourite Ebay Seller of mine Gina owner of the ebay shop girltoyinternational.com who has very kindly let me show her pictures above. When I fist saw her I wondered if she was a version of Red Riding Hood. Although her cape isn't red it does have red trim.She also reminded me of a possible Irish Girl? I can't see her in any of my catalogues and I am wondering if anyone else has seen her in a catalogue or any other suggestions? I would say she is from the 1940's. Gina's doll stands 16 inches tall and only her head is jointed. She has mohair plaits and wears a velvet dress with a velvet cape. Unusual velvet shoes part of her leg with wonderful ballet type ties going up her leg

Low and behold as usually happens in this wonderful world of collecting only a couple of months later I managed to buy a smaller version of the same model only 11 inches tall. Same construction but smaller and with the normal velvet shoes we see.. Both Dolls are pictures above. Would love to hear any suggestions you might have.
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7 comments:

  1. Kathie Napier from New Zealand18 April 2009 at 03:30

    Hi,
    I was also interested in your mystery girl. I have an 8in model, in faded condition (with much foxing on the velvet outfit) and have assumed the character to be in Army nurse outfit. There are no ties on the legs either.

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  2. Gillian Trotter18 April 2009 at 23:30

    Hi Kathie,
    Great to hear from you. If I hadn't seen the larger one with ties on her legs I too would have thought her a nurse of some kind. Norah Wellings did make an Army nurse, however she is nothing like these. Lets hope we can solve the mystery sometime. Thank you once again for writing.
    Kind Regards
    Gill

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  3. Anonymous20 August 2009 at 07:31

    I purchased a Norah Wellings doll that was in a group of 40 dolls that had been collected by a retired schoolteacher who had traveled the world. This doll is 8" tall, has a dutch-like blue cap trimmed in lace w/ 2 large red dots sewn on. She has a velvet blue skirt that is very faded on the front, a red top, green felt neck scarf, a nylon apron w/ 2 large green felt dots sewn on, & the Norah Wellings tag sewn on her left shoe. She has a lovely face & blond braids. I am thinking of placing her on Ebay since a collector of her dolls may appreciate her---I am getting rid of my collection (no granddaughters!). Can you tell from my description which doll she is---sorry, don't have a digital camera at my disposal? I am wondering since her skirt is so faded if she is worth selling...

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  4. Gillian Trotter20 August 2009 at 09:41

    Hello,
    I am afraid you did not give me your email address so I am writing a reply through the comment page. Your doll sounds like a Dutch girl model 1171 made from the late 1940's right to the end of production 1959. I have seen these sell on ebay between £15 and £45. Condition plays an important part when pricing a any doll, some collectors like dolls in mint condition others do not mind and love the fact that a doll has been loved and treasured.I am sure someone would love to add her to their collection. Hope this helps. Good Luck if you put her on ebay.
    Kind Regards
    Gill

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  5. Ginny Giguere13 April 2010 at 09:17

    I am still looking for a Norah doll like the one you mention you fell in love with in your book. I beleive her name is Norah and she is about 21" tall. Please keep your eyes open for me, Gil.
    Be well,
    Ginny in Green Bay

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  6. Gillian Trotter28 April 2010 at 08:43

    Hi Ginny,
    Do you mean the Norene Mexican Girl I won in the raffle? Please let me know.
    Kind Regards
    Gill

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  7. dianne radke31 December 2012 at 21:41

    the mystery doll face is totally like vivian leigh the actress...a huge star at that time...i think it was modelled on her

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