Always a popular Christmas present for girls, dolls were a Copland & Lye speciality as illustrated in their catalogue of Christmas gifts for 1909. It is likely that some of the dolls would have been imported.
Undressed dolls were those ready to be dressed by their owners and for which outfits could be purchased separately. Dressed dolls came with clothes, often with intricate patterns. Accessories such as wigs and eyelashes were an added attraction, as were movable eyes. Dolls made of soft materials such as felt tended to be cheaper but were more durable.
Edwardian dolls are now collector's items. Anyone possessing one of the dolls illustrated here is likely to find that its value is considerably higher than the original price of a few shillings!
Reference: Glasgow City Archives, TD128/95
Reproduced with the permission of Glasgow City Council, Libraries Information and Learning
Keywords:
antiques, baking sets, Caledonian House, Christmas presents, Christmas shopping, Copland & Lye, department stores, dolls, felt, girls, toys, trade catalogues