Page 41 - september-23

ANTIQUES PEEK by Jessica Kosinski
ANTIQUES PEEK

Raggedy Dolls

hen I was a kid in the 1980s, I had patent process for the doll you may be looking
a Raggedy Ann and Andy game I itself. Later, he signed with specifically for the dolls
Wadored. In fact, I loved it so much a publisher and released worth the most money.
that I still own it. That’s why I was thrilled the first book based on If so, you should know a
when I was asked this month to take a peek the doll in 1918. Over the few important things.
into the history of these two beloved charac- next 20 years, 20 books Raggedy Andy dolls are
ters and the collectibles associated with them. were released. often worth compara-
tively more because
The Creator of Raggedy Ann The Dolls fewer Andy dolls were
Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938) created the As for Raggedy Ann produced. Matching
beloved Raggedy Ann character. He was a dolls themselves, the first Raggedy Ann and
cartoonist, artist, and author. Although born dolls for public sale were Andy dolls are also
in Illinois, he spent a large portion of his life produced in Norwalk, Raggedy Ann and Andy on quite sought after.
living in Indiana. It was there that he met and Connecticut. They became Antiques Roadshow Additionally, you need
married his wife, Myrtle. The two had three popular shortly after the to look at the condition
children together. first book was published in 1918, which is and whether or not the fabric used for
why some people think the dolls were created their shirts is the same or similar to the
The Birth of a based on the books. In reality, it was the other original fabric.
Beloved Doll way around. Several different companies have Another important issue that may impact
The couple’s first produced Raggedy Ann dolls and collectibles value is any unique traits certain dolls have.
daughter, Marcella over the last century or so. For example, a pair of Raggedy Ann and
provided the inspira- Shortly after the original release of the first Andy dolls produced by Georgene Novelties
tion for Raggedy Raggedy Ann book, Johnny felt something recently sold for $995 on eBay. One thing
Ann. One day, she was missing. That led to the introduction that made them unusual is that the dolls often
found what was of Raggedy Andy in 1920. With his bright have red and white striped legs. However, that
described as an “old outfit, cute hat, and equally warm and pair had blue and white checkered legs.
ragged doll” while at inviting face, he was a perfect match for
her grandmother’s Raggedy Ann. He was introduced as her
house exploring the brother. Children soon fell in love with
attic. As an artist, the duo and the many adventures they
Johnny decided to had together.
try to work a little
artistic magic on the Raggedy Ann and Andy’s Iconic Status
Raggedy Ann Illustration doll, patching it up In 1997, Raggedy Ann was featured on an
by John Gruelle
and painting on a American postage stamp. The National Toy
face. When Marcella took a liking to the doll, Hall of Fame inducted her five years later.
he was convinced other children would love it. Raggedy Andy was inducted five years after
That’s when he decided to file for a patent. that, in 2007. Then came the 100th anniver-
Gruelle family friend and Hoosier poet sary of the beloved dolls in 2015. However, to
James Whitcomb Riley, whose poems The Elf- anyone who has ever owned Raggedy Ann and
Child, later titled Little Orphant Annie (1885), Andy items, they have always been iconic. Raggedy Ann and Andy 100th Anniversary Dolls
and The Raggedy Man (1888), eventually That’s why so many people still collect
formed the name for John Gruelle’s iconic Raggedy Ann and Andy items today.
Raggedy Ann doll. Exploring Other Raggedy Ann and
The Value of Raggedy Andy Collectibles
Success Despite Loss Ann and Andy Dolls If the dolls themselves don’t tickle your
Johnny filed the patent for When it comes to the fancy or you want to also collect other items
Raggedy Ann on September 7, value of the dolls, there to go along with them, there are many
1915. His daughter passed away are actually two values to options. Some of the Raggedy Ann and Andy
later that same year. In fact, she died consider. Those are the items that have recently sold for the most on
almost two months to the day later, monetary value and the eBay include cookie jars, alarm clocks, and
on November 8, 1915. She passed sentimental value. If you lunch boxes. In general, you can expect to pay
from complications after receiving a just want to collect them roughly $25-$350 for the vast majority of
vaccine. Marcella was only 13 at because they are fun Raggedy Ann collectibles. However, some sell
the time. reminders of your youth, for more, and others may only cost you a
Despite Marcella’s untimely you can find plenty of few dollars. If you don’t have a Raggedy Ann
death, Johnny Gruelle knew how inexpensive dolls in shops collection yet, the wide variety of items and
much the doll had meant to her. Raggedy Ann doll by Volland and throughout the country. prices makes it a perfect collection to start,
That’s why he continued with the Camel with Wrinkled Knee On the other hand, regardless of your budget.
photo: Theriaults

Jessica Kosinski has been a freelance researcher and writer since 2001. She developed a passion for 1980s pre-1980s TV and films as a kid, and she has never grown out of it. Recently, she turned that
passion into a retro TV and film blog. Follow along with her at https://medium.com/@jkos_writing, as she dives deep into the characters, actors, quirks, and trivia that brought us some of the greatest
films and shows in TV history and also discusses some of the more obscure films and shows most of us may have forgotten.

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