Schoenhut Dolls: A Collector's Encyclopedia [Hardcover]

Carol Corson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: 1993

A visual encyclopedia of Schoenhut Dolls. 161 full color of 539 total pictures! Through the magnificently detailed photographs, you will see the comparative ways to identify these sought after American doll treasures. Gain the background knowledge of the Schoenhut family and their evolution as a doll manufacturer!

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

A rich voluminous research tome of the enduring playthings created by The A. Schoenhut Company of Philidelphia, PA. Albert Schoenhut, a member of a German family in their third generation of toy-making, immigrated to Philadelphia in 1866, and became the visionary of the family and business. His wood carving skills plus a keen mind to create lasting toys were the right combination to create a myriad of popular playthings in both the 19th and the 20th centuries. His first success was a toy piano followed by a succession of playthings, novelty costume props; military toys for boys; vocophones and shooting galleries; to the 1890s when Schoenhut store displays also included figures. Father Christmas and other mechanical figures for department store windows made by the Schoenhut firm were set apart from other manufacturers by the jointing and pose-ability. These manikins promoted smaller playthings; first , the Palmer Cox Brownies followed by the animals of the Humpty Dumpty Circus. The overwhelming popularity of the circus animals promoted the advent of the Schoenhut dolls. The dolls caught the fancy of parents and girls because they were not only "unbreakable" but, the jointed bodies allowed the dolls to be more realistic with their pose-ability. Spurred on by their success, the dolls soon had articulated hair styles, boy dolls were added and a multitude of costumes blossomed.

The author, Carol Corson, who has studied and collected the Schoenhut dolls passionately for the past 16 years, has created an in-depth, encyclopedic volume. Featured are 539 photographs with 161 of these in full color. The photographs showing the dolls in a multitude of angles give the reader insight into identifying and appreciating the quality and workmanship of these playthings that are now regarded by collectors as art pieces. The chapters are organized to show the evolution of the dolls: the Graziano "Year"; the "Transition" period; the "Classic" periods; Miss Dolly; Manikin; infant dolls; special order dolls; and Schoenhut dolls in "original" clothes. John Axe, internationally known as doll researcher, author, and editor of Doll News, edited this book and states, "The Chart of Doll Models and Years Of Manufacture (6 pages) is worth the price of the book to collectors."

Collectors and those who appreciate the art of the playthings of the 19th and 20th centuries will revel in the book, Schoenhut Dolls: A Collector's Encyclopedia

From the Back Cover

A voluminous research tome with 539 photographs, 161 in color, augmented by detailed research information. Through the magnificently detailed photographs, the reader will see the comparative ways to identify and date these sought after American doll treasures. The encyclopedic approach for collectors is enhanced by the rich background of the Schoenhut family and their decision to become a doll manufacturer!

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Hobby House Press (1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875884008
• ISBN-13: 978-0875884004
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,761,211 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend this book to every Schoenhut collector, November 2, 1999

By 

Jean Lotz (Lacombe, LA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Schoenhut Dolls: A Collector's Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

I have a large web site celebrating carved dolls with several web pages about Schoenhut dolls. I use this book as my main reference for Schoenhut dolls.

I love this book. Carol's method of presenting the dolls by Schoenhut model numbers has changed the way modern doll collectors refer to these dolls. Now a collector might state, "I have a 316 in mint condition". Thanks to Carol, others will be able to picture her doll clearly in our mind.

Carol's stories about the Schoenhut family members and each of their very active involvement with the toy company puts a very personal slant on the history of this family oriented company. It should be obvious from this book that the Schoenhut family took great pride in producing the best quality, durable dolls and toys because they loved children and enjoyed the great fun of watching children at play.

If you collect Schoenhut dolls, then you really NEED this book -- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must-Have Book for any Schoenhut Collector!, September 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Schoenhut Dolls: A Collector's Encyclopedia (Hardcover)

I just love this book. If you collect Schoenhut dolls (or just one) you need this book. Beautiful photos of rare dolls, in depth history of the company, descriptions and examples of the the different models.... just a joy to read and look at.