R & B Composition, Cloth, and Rubber Baby Doll featuring delightful blinker eyes. This sweet doll carries the maker's mark "R & B" on the back of its neck.
While the exact origin of all "R & B" dolls can be debated, this mark strongly suggests it was crafted by the Regal Doll Company, a well-known manufacturer of composition dolls during the early to mid-20th century. This baby doll exemplifies the craftsmanship of that era, with a head and likely limbs made from composition – a composite material of sawdust, wood pulp, and glue favored before the widespread use of plastics.
Adding to its vintage appeal are the charming "blinker eyes," also known as sleepy eyes. This classic feature allows the doll's eyes to open when held upright and close gently when laid down, thanks to a weighted mechanism with metal rockers inside the head. The doll also features a soft cloth body with rubber arms and legs, offering a tactile element that was common in dolls of this period.
As with many antique composition dolls, this piece may exhibit signs of its age. Composition material is prone to developing a network of fine lines known as "crazing," and can sometimes show cracking or chipping. [If your specific doll has a noticeable blemish, you can include a friendly note here, e.g., "Please note a small blemish mark on the leg, which is consistent with the age of this charming doll."]. These characteristics are part of the history and story of these beloved vintage items and are often embraced by collectors.
This R & B baby doll with its sweet face and working blinker eyes is a wonderful addition to any doll collection or a thoughtful gift for those who appreciate vintage toys.