Martha Chase Doll #2

A circa 1950s Martha Chase stockinette doll

I finally seized the opportunity to purchase a circa 1950s Martha Chase stockinette doll from the American Black Beauty Association's Adopt-A-Doll page. I became aware of the doll several months to possibly a year before the purchase. My concern about the doll's "skin" condition caused the purchase hesitation. I reached out to inquire about the condition, but I did not hear back. Months passed. I often visited their website to check on the doll's availability. Finally, after considering the doll's quite reasonable price, I ordered it hoping it would be in at least acceptable condition. 

Full-length photo of the Martha Chase stockinette doll before redressing

Described as "Brenda Victorian Grace" by ABBDA, the doll arrived in excellent condition, dressed in a full-length white Victorian-inspired gown trimmed in light blue. It is my second Martha Chase doll and an upgrade to my first. 

My first doll's "skin" felt sticky, and I mistakenly wiped the face with a damp cloth, not realizing that the stockinette covers a sculpted head underneath and any openings in the stockinette would cause the stockinette to pucker when wet, which is exactly what happened to the first doll. That's why I was concerned about "Brenda's" condition. I am so relieved that her "skin" is perfect. 

This photo and the one below illustrate the doll's body and flat upper arm and leg joints.

The stockinette is in perfect condition.

Brenda is redressed in a matching bonnet and romper and white baby-doll shoes.

I redressed her in a Daisy Kingdom doll bonnet and romper that I purchased several years ago. It fits her perfectly. A pair of vintage vinyl baby-doll shoes completed the redressing. I stored the Victorian-style gown in a footlocker where other doll clothes and a few vintage cloth dolls are stored.

My 1st and 2nd Martha Chase dolls

Brenda, my upgraded and 2nd Martha Chase doll, displays well with my 1st Martha Chase doll which was dressed as a boy by the friend who gave him to me in 2013 for Christmas. 

After Brenda arrived, I repainted the boy's eyes to make them as bright as Brenda's.

Yes, they do display well together.

Related Links

Throwback Thursday: This Little Boy

Martha Chase Stockinette Doll

Martha Chase Exhibition

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