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Raggedy Ann Guide

What doll is this? This page is a resource for people new to Raggedy collecting, to learn about the different eras and find out what doll you have!

This guide is not focused on value, but I will still give my own general opinion on how valuable a doll is within collector's circles with a simple star system. Regardless of collector value, the sentimental value is always more important.

Some initial notes, before we get started:

• Look for tags. This guide is assuming you can’t find any tags or writing on the doll itself. If you can find tags, the company names will be way more useful that I can be.
• Some dolls aren’t dolls! But are instead music boxes, bags, puppets, and other soft goods. Other smaller dolls came as part of a toy set, as an accessory to a larger doll, or as a piece of decoration on furniture that they've been separated from. If your doll is really really small, pay attention to the face design and look at 70's - 80's dolls for likenesses.
• There are many reproductions of vintage dolls made in the late 90’s and early 2000’s. I will include pictures of these next to their originals, but the final judgement is up to you based on the feel (and maybe smell) of the materials.

Americana or "Primitive" dolls

Look for:

• Earthy tones, like maroon and navy blue
• Burlap
• Excess of stars and stripes and American flag motifs
• Stitch line mouths
• Excess of stitch lines on the body and clothes

These dolls, and doll-like items, are based off of the likeness of Gruelle’s characters while taking advantage of the inherently vague trademark of the Raggedy Ann designs. Decorative items include door stops, shelf sitters, ornaments, yard decorations, wall hangings, etc. The burlap is the main indicator here, giving rustic Americana while never actually existing on any real Raggedy Ann merchandise, or being especially nice to play with, I imagine! Earthy tones and American stars and stripes are often seen too.

I think the name "primitive" is rather meanspirited, but it is what you'll see used in Raggedy collector circles.

• Time period: 90's - current
• Value: ★

70's McCalls Pattern

Look for:

• Embroidered solid black eyes
• Zig-zag eyelashes
• Rickrack and other trim
• Colors like teal, pink, purple, and orange

The official McCalls pattern released in the 1970's is by far the most popular Raggedy Ann pattern used by sewists today. The solid black embroidered eyes and zig-zag lashes are clear signs of this pattern or someone replicating it, and are exclusive to this one. Since these are homemade dolls, you may find some slight deviations. Now, this doesn’t mean the doll was made in the 70’s, since the patterns were sold for many years and remain the most popular pattern in thrift stores and people’s collections. Age may be judged by the fabric itself and the condition of the doll, but is unlikely to be any earlier than the 90’s.

• Time period: 70's - current
• Value: ★

Vollands

Exposition Ann

Molly E Outfitters

Georgene Novelties - black outline

Georgene Novelties - wartime

Georgene Novelties - Silsby