Ida Mae: An Izannah Walker Doll

Back in the fall I visited with a wonderful lady, who shared her antique Izannah Walker doll with me, and allowed me to document her doll.  The doll also has a beautiful wardrobe which came with the doll.  The doll's name is Ida Mae.  She was included in the August 2011 issue of Antique Doll Dollector magazine, in an article written by Carol Corson, entitled "An Izannah Walker Reunion." 

Every Izannah Walker doll is interesting.  How they are made is interesting, and their accumulated story is interesting as well. This doll has collected an extensive wardrobe which came with her to the present owner. I will be making a separate post (or posts) about Ida Mae's wardrobe.  

Ida Mae measures about 17 1/2" tall.  Provenance which came with the doll says was originally with a family from Central Falls, Rhode Island. When I take pictures, I usually try to take pictures from many angles, as it gives information about that doll, but also about Izannah's work in general.  The doll is shown below, and here are subsequent posts about her clothing (an ongoing project):

Ida Mae: The Clothing She Wears

Ida Mae's Greek Key Trimmed Jacket and Calico Dress

This doll has angled ears which are a little bit lower and more forward than some Izannah Walker dolls. The image below shows ears on from left to right of very early Izannah walker dolls to later post-patent dolls.  Izannah's treatment of ears changed a bit over time in both shape and placement. Toward the end, the decision to make a separately attached ear was nixed.  If you're making dolls for a wholesale business, as it has been found that Izannah was, simplifying some features would make for easier production. 

The joining of the stockinette on Ida Mae below is at the front of the head, just above the forehead. 

Because of this construction detail, I would place her as a pre-patent doll. 

Be sure to check back for a post about Ida Mae's Wardrobe!