The provided sources detail a collection of Annalee dolls, handcrafted in Meredith, New Hampshire. While not directly related to traditional birthstones, these dolls represent a unique form of collectible artistry, often associated with specific seasons and holidays. This article will explore the characteristics of these dolls, their variations, and the craftsmanship behind them, based solely on the information available in the provided sources. Due to the limited scope of the provided materials, a 2000-word article focusing on gemological properties, historical origins, or cultural significance is not possible. Instead, this article will provide a comprehensive overview of the Annalee doll collection as described in the sources.
A Legacy of Handcrafted Artistry
Annalee dolls are entirely hand-assembled in Annalee headquarters in Meredith, New Hampshire. Each doll comes with an assembled in America numbered tag, dated, and bearing the first name of the designer who assembled it. This personal touch highlights the dedication to craftsmanship that defines the brand. The dolls are not mass-produced; rather, each one is a unique creation, contributing to their collectibility. The sources indicate a limited production run for certain items, such as the moonlit charm doll, of which only 250 were made. This scarcity further enhances their appeal to collectors.
Seasonal and Thematic Variations
The Annalee doll collection showcases a wide range of seasonal and thematic variations. Autumn is prominently represented with dolls featuring brown bodies, brown hair, and green burlap hats, often accompanied by autumn-striped vests and wagons filled with leaves and pumpkins. These dolls evoke the imagery of fall harvests and seasonal celebrations. Halloween is another significant theme, with dolls depicting witches and black cats. The black cat sets, for example, include three cats, one wearing a hat and tie, and the others with bow ties and trick-or-treat bags.
Christmas and other holidays are also represented, with dolls adaptable for various celebrations, including Valentine’s Day and Easter. One doll, featuring a red and white print scarf, is noted for its versatility in being used for both Valentine’s Day and Christmas displays. The dolls are designed to be incorporated into various decorative settings, including Christmas, Easter, Spring, or Halloween trees.
Doll Descriptions and Companions
The sources provide detailed descriptions of individual dolls, including facial expressions, hair color, clothing, and accessories. Facial expressions can vary, with dolls featuring open eyes, closed eyes, or different mouth expressions (ooh mouth). Hair colors range from brown and auburn to orange. Clothing includes floral dresses, velour gowns, and autumn-striped vests, often accented with ribbons, belts, and leaves. Accessories such as sacks of fruit, brooms, and wagons add to the dolls’ charm and thematic representation.
Many dolls are part of companion sets. For example, the autumn-themed doll with a wagon is accompanied by dolls numbered 350010, 350210, 350310, 350410, and 350510. Similarly, the doll napping on a bale of hay is accompanied by dolls numbered 350110, 350210, 350010, 350410, and 350510. These companion sets allow collectors to create complete scenes and displays.
Unique Items and Accessories
Beyond the standard doll variations, the sources mention unique items and accessories. A vintage broom, used in the 1980s and 1990s on 12" and 18" snowman and witch dolls, is described as a potential centerpiece or wall hanging. The sources note a slight variation in the broom’s bias tape, which is yellow rather than orange.
Another unique item is a moonlit charm doll, featuring a brown body, brown hair, a halo accented with leaves, and a burnt orange velour gown. This doll is specifically designed to add a soft glow of moonlit charm to a home and is complemented by a Midnight Tree with Bat (item 311822).
Doll Dimensions and Display Options
The sources provide some information regarding doll dimensions. The black cat set is 10" high and 12" wide. The dolls are designed to be displayed in various ways, including as part of seasonal decorations, on trees, or as standalone collectibles. The looped string included with the moonlit charm doll facilitates hanging, adding to the display options.
Variations in Materials and Details
The sources highlight variations in materials and details within the doll collection. For example, the gourd and fruit held by one doll may vary from the photograph. The bias tape on the vintage broom is noted to be yellow instead of orange. These variations contribute to the uniqueness of each doll and add to the excitement of collecting.
A Focus on Collectibility
The limited production runs, hand-assembled nature, and numbered tags all contribute to the collectibility of Annalee dolls. The inclusion of the designer’s name on the tag adds a personal touch and reinforces the idea that each doll is a unique work of art. The dolls are not simply toys; they are collectible items that appeal to a wide range of enthusiasts.
Conclusion
The provided sources offer a glimpse into the charming world of Annalee dolls. These handcrafted creations, assembled in Meredith, New Hampshire, represent a dedication to artistry and detail. With their seasonal variations, unique accessories, and limited production runs, Annalee dolls have become highly sought-after collectibles. While not directly related to traditional birthstones, they embody a similar appreciation for beauty, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of handcrafted treasures. The dolls’ ability to evoke seasonal themes and add a touch of whimsy to any setting makes them a cherished addition to homes and collections alike.