Collectibles

Item Description

Roaring Twenties pair of dancing dolls from the 'Annalee Doll Society’s Great American Eras Collection. Originally created in 1997 by by Annalee Mobilitee Dolls Inc., this is a limited edition (#404 out of 1000) signed by the artist herself, Annalee (Thorndike). The signature is somewhat faded but definitely readable).

This set is displayed under a glass dome and has been stored this way since acquiring this in 1997. The plate is etched with the name, production number and signature of Annalee herself. (history: https://annalee.com/the-history-of-annalee-dolls/). Annalee Thorndike started making these unique, wired, soft felted dolls in 1934 as a way to earn money while raising her young family during the Depression in Meredith, New Hampshire. Each piece was made with meticulously hand dyed felt fabric and each face was painted freehand by Annalee herself. All of her pieces are completely bendable making them fun to play with and create different poses. She created mischievous, whimsical faces for each of her doll creations that were supposed to look like herself! Annalee passed away in 2002 at the age of 87 (I actually got to meet her and signed a few of my collection!). The business continues with their son at the helm but current dolls are NOT individually hand painted as they were when Annalee herself was alive.

I hang my numerous Christmas ones all over the house each holiday season! What started out as a home business to help the family turned into a world renowned company that grew to include dolls in all shapes, sizes, and covering every season, holiday and event. One interesting fact: In 1975 the Annalee doll name got a huge promotion when a New Hampshire state legislator gave the president at the time, Gerald Ford, a collection of dolls to decorate the white house Christmas tree!

Overall (dome) height is 14” by 9” round. Pristeen condition.
Certificate of Authenticity is included well as the original tags

Item Special Note

Designs by MoDa is a business that donates 100% of its proceeds to the 'Celebrating Sharon Gath Campership' at the Epilepsy Foundation of New England. This fully endowed scholarship was created in memory of Sharon Gath who passed from an epilepsy-related accident at the age of 35 in 2013.