Doll Gallery: Composition

Composition is a mixture of various substances including plaster, glue, flour, paper or rags. It's less breakable than bisque, but often inclined to craze. Many composition dolls are unmarked, and so it's difficult to trace the manufacturers.

This is Rosie - you can see by her flushed rosy cheeks how she came by her name! Rosie is a 1940's girl doll marked with a diamond symbol and '45C'. She is 16" tall, with an open mouth and blue painted eyes. Her blonde wig is mohair. She is wearing a matching floral cotton set of frock, pants and bonnet. Interestingly, the dress has a wartime utility mark. Her shoes are made from blue felt. The manufacturer has not been traced.


A boy doll for a change! Peter was made by the Diamond Tile Co in England in the 1940's. He has a composition head and a soft body, and is 15" tall. Peter is in perfect condition and has obviously been well-cared for. He is wearing a hand-knitted outfit of white jumper and white trousers. His socks are brown wool.

In the last issue, we looked at Elizabeth, a pot-doll. Here is a similar doll, dating from the mid-fifties. This is Doreen. She is made of a hollow composition-type substance which is chalky inside, and sharp if broken. The mark on her neck is 111. She is 21" tall, and her brown wig is a replacement. Doreen has blue eyes, red lips and a row of tiny teeth. Her pretty pink dress, matching knickers and bonnet are made from cotton, and she wears white socks and red shoes. As yet, the maker hasn't been traced.

Click here to see last issue's Composition Gallery.