The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

Browsing Craigslist awhile ago and saw a yard sale ad (about 25 miles from me) - among the items was a Edison Fireside with beautiful horn, several other horns which did not look beat up and an Edison Doll! This is the first Edison Doll I can remember popping up. Sent him an Email as to the status of the doll (I do not expect a response)

I would be very surprised (shocked) if it was actually one of the Edison dolls, but the Effanbee talking dolls of the late 20's turn up on occasion. If it really is an Edison doll it will probably be one of the ones without the mechanism. I'm very curious now.

Me too - he said everything works. He also had a Victor upright. Believe me if I had seen that ad in time I would have been there.

The doll was there at 9:00 (he started early and had sold the fireside by then). I believe he wanted $250 for it. I didn't really look at it too closely as they kind of creep me out.

dutchman wrote:Me too - he said everything works. He also had a Victor upright. Believe me if I had seen that ad in time I would have been there.

I'd suspect one of the 20's dolls- or one of the Edison dolls with a repro mechanism. They're been in the spotlight since one was on the "Oddities" show.

Here's a photo of the doll.

rizbone wrote:Here's a photo of the doll.

That looks like one of the 1920's- 30's Effanbee dolls- they are desirable but not all that rare. They must have sold pretty well, the one I saw had a well designed mechanism that worked well, and the cylinder records were durable.

A genuine Edison talking doll would be worth a considerable amount, even without the mechanism, if the doll is otherwise in good condition (most particularly the bisque ceramic head). Antique doll collectors prize them, as well as phonograph collectors. My mom had one for years.

Although it looks like either a Madame Hendren or Mae Starr, it's hard to tell from the small picture. I Don't believe it's an Effanbee from what I can see. My wife collected those dolls and records for several years. If you can post a larger picture, she could probably identify it for you.

Jim

phonojim wrote:Although it looks like either a Madame Hendren or Mae Starr, it's hard to tell from the small picture. I Don't believe it's an Effanbee from what I can see. My wife collected those dolls and records for several years. If you can post a larger picture, she could probably identify it for you.

Jim

From what I've read the Madame Hendren and Mae Star talking dolls were made by Effanbee, or at least the doll components.