Missionary Ragbaby

Missionary Ragbaby, Julia Beecher, Elmira, New York, c. 1900, black stockinette with needle sculpted face, painted eyes and mouth, looped hair, and stitched ears; with extra clothes including two pairs of bloomers, two white dresses, a pair of red stockings, a pair of shoes; and three blue ribbons from a county fair (holes in cheek and nose; loss of hair; wear on hands), ht. 23 in. Note: Julia Beecher was the pastor's wife of the Park Congregational Church in Elmira, New York and also the sister-in-law of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Julia began making stockinette dolls for family members, but when others started requesting them, she enlisted the help of the church's sewing circle. Soon, the group began making dolls to support their missionary efforts. Missionary Ragbabies were made from 1893 to 1910. Estimate $2,500-3,500 The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.