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I purchased a nice Shimandy toy on ebay with original base however the dress is mostly gone. I would like to see examples of some with original fabric dresses to try and find something similar to replace this with. thank you, Stephen

I would leave her just the way she is. That's just from a lot of entertaining and dancing in her life. I think her dress is glued in place and you may do more damage than it worth.

Kevan

unfortunately the fabric is brittle i think the top section of the dress could be saved.

Stephen_Madara wrote: I would like to see examples of some with original fabric dresses to try and find something similar to replace this with. thank you, Stephen

Here is a Shimandy with what I believe is the original dress. The fabric looks similar but has a different print.
Personally I wouldn't have a problem with putting a new dress on your Shimandy, but saving the original one.

Best regards, Larry

Hi Steve-- I'll post four pics of my Shimandy-- Definitely original-- I'm guessing the dress was originally red but has faded to more of a pink over the years--- The ribbon and bow is interesting-- Bows front and back that are connected around the sides, under the arms. The material is a thin silk like fabric--- Hope this helps..

Brad Abell

Thank you Brad and Larry for taking the time to attach the photos. Brad mine also has the bows on both sides. I think I might try and just make something to cover the lower half as the top is still presentable. It also has a few pieces of feather that might have been attached to the head at one time.

Thanks again, Stephen

Here is a Shimandy with what I believe is the original dress. The fabric looks similar but has a different print.

Larry mine has the exact same print so it must be original.

Kevan

Kevan wrote:

Here is a Shimandy with what I believe is the original dress. The fabric looks similar but has a different print.

Larry mine has the exact same print so it must be original.

Kevan

Thanks for the information Kevan. That's pretty compelling that the printed material was one of the original dresses used with Shimandy.

Best Regards, Larry

Stephen,

You can check out Shimandy in her original dress on page 1-35 in the "Phonograph Dolls and Toys" book authored by Joan and Robin Rolfs.

The National Toy Company may have felt that Rastus needed a partner. In August of 1921 Shimandy, a female dancer was added to the lineup. She wore a classy silk dress. This dancing partner sold for $1.65. She was more expensive than Rastus ($1.25). Perhaps it was because of her fashionable dress, hat and ivory colored shoes.

Your Shimandy is wonderful as is.

Joan