Small Broom Handle Dolls

        Small brush or broom handle dolls were popular from approx. 1910 to 1920. These brushes were attached to half dolls, just as pincushions were often attached to half dolls. The half dolls served as 'handles' for the brushes used to remove lint, dust etc. from heavy wool clothing. Often these brushes would be kept along with perfume bottles, mirrors and fancy makeup containers on top of a lady's dressing table. Porcelain lady handles in specific were often attached to softer brushes by their owners, fabric dolls attached to heavier broom handles were most frequently produced by cottage craft industry.
       There seemed to be a renewed production of these dolls during the early 1970s through the mid 1980s but they were not as well made. My mother had one hanging on the wall of her kitchen in the 80s.

Left, the front side of my broom doll and Right is her backside. The ribbons have minor fading
 but everything else is in like new condition! This doll wears an apron made from lace and
fine netting with tiny felt flowers tacked on the side.

 

       This small broom handle doll was acquired in the 1970s from a dealer. I do not know it's actual age but I suspect that it is from Spain. The hair is angora, the facial features are painted on a silky mask. Her clothing is in excellent condition and so is her attached broom. I don't believe her to have ever been used.

Far left, you can see the broom beneath her short skirt. Center this doll's hands are wire with felt
 sewn over them. Right, her ribbon about the perfect straw hat is felt, unlike the silky ribbons
attached to her blouse and skirt.

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