Dolls of Many Lands

Dolls of many lands  is a boxed set of paper dolls

 published by Whitman Publishing Company in 1932, 

catalogued as  W3046. Ten countries are represented. Each paper doll is printed on individual heavy paper stock in lovely pastel colors and drawn in the wonderful style of the 1930s era. 

Gretel of Holland in her little wooden shoes, 

braids down her back and holding tulips....of course!

Little Flower of Japan, in her patterned kimono 

secured with an obi, is holding a Japanese lantern, 

and carrying a lovely parasol.

Jock of Scotland in his tartan kilts, 

playing a bagpipe, tapping a drum,

 or performing a Highland dance!

Marie of Italy, with a band of flowers to wear in her dark tresses, 

a tambourine to play while she dances, 

and fresh fruit picked from the orchard.

Fritz of Germany, his pet Dachshund in his arms, 

lederhosen to wear with his alpine hat, 

and a miltary uniform to be just like dad.

Colleen of Ireland, a "wearing of the green" 

in traditional dress, and a bouquet of clover tucked close. 

Olga of Russia, with lovely embroidered dresses 

and both a babushka scarf and kokoshnik to wear on her head.

Bill of the USA, our All-American boy, with uniforms for scouting

 and baseball, and a football for sandlot games.

Dolores of Spain, with a flower tucked behind her ear, 

a guitar for singing, a swinging skirt for dancing, 

and a mantilla with peineta.

 Hildur of Sweden, with colorful aprons adorning each dress 

and traditional hats/scarfs of Sweden. 

Bob and Nan Cut Out Dolls....circa 1913

 

Mary Young, in her publication of 20th Century Paper Dolls Identification and Values (2006), indicates that Bob and Nan Cut Out Dolls was published by M.A. Donohue & Co., but no date is given. Other paper dolls Donohue produced indicate they were published around 1913, and the clothes included in this book reflect the fashions of the 1910-1920 era. 

                                                                                     

      Bob has four outfits, all with short pants and long sleeves shirts.

      

     Nan has four dresses, all with short sleeves, five hats and a doll.  

 Nan even has a large dolly with clothes and toys made especially for him!

This is a large format book of paper dolls, measuring 18" by 10". The company that produced them, M.A. Donohue & Co., was a publisher of children's books in the late 1800s and the first half of the 20th century. With offices in Chicago and New York, the company was known for inexpensive editions of popular works of fiction.