Every Izannah Walker doll is interesting. How they are made is interesting, and their accumulated story is interesting as well. This doll has collected an extensive wardrobe which came with her to the present owner. I will be making a separate post (or posts) about Ida Mae's wardrobe.
Ida Mae measures about 17 1/2" tall. Provenance which came with the doll says was originally with a family from Central Falls, Rhode Island. When I take pictures, I usually try to take pictures from many angles, as it gives information about that doll, but also about Izannah's work in general.
This doll has angled ears which are a little bit lower and more forward than some Izannah Walker dolls. The image below shows ears on from left to right of very early Izannah walker dolls to later post-patent dolls. Izannah's treatment of ears changed a bit over time in both shape and placement. Toward the end, the decision to make a separately attached ear was nixed. If you're making dolls for a wholesale business, as it has been found that Izannah was, simplifying some features would make for easier production.
The ear reminds me a bit of this doll which was once in
Richard Wright's collection.
This doll is a transitional or post-patent doll.
Note the joining of the stockinette is at the center of the head.
The joining of the stockinette on Ida Mae below is at the front of the head, just above the forehead.
Because of this construction detail, I would place her as a pre-patent doll.
Be sure to check back for a post about Ida Mae's Wardrobe!
