Tea Time.... for my Vintage African-American Doll collection

I will count today as a NOBLE day !

Good morning to my mini-world of blog-friends!

When I hold a doll of any race..... I see a broader representation of a people and its culture.  This vinyl, crochet or bisque doll depicts how we see ourselves, how others see us... and conveys the values of our society-at-large.

Although I fit into the timeline of Baby-Boomers ...  as I grew up in rural central Oklahoma from first-sixth grade.... I played with dolls and paper dolls.... But I don't remember ever have a "named-brand" doll.

But when I shopped around in 2013 at an estate sale... in instinctively knew something was more than cute about this 

little Betsy Doll in a Collector Box!

As I reflected on noble things.... and vintage items..... these dolls were produced from 1951 - 1963 by Ideal and American Character Dolls.... and more recentently (1990) by Tonner Doll Co.   The modern Betsy McCall 8" doll is fondly called Tiny Betsy.    Tonner made two styles of face paints.. Classic and Perky.  

Here is a picture (l-r) of 2002 Betsy McCall Convention Dru,  Sitting Pretty Dru (14" standing center doll) .... Party Pink Dry, and (my baby) is the Classic Stripes Dru....

 (Blackdollcollecting blogspot)

Don't think of me as odd.... but my heart delights that this is great Black History month stuff (Feb-2015)!  at the promo site... my dolly Dru ....comes in a striped swimsuit and sandals...plus hairbows...ready to dress.  Perfect for play or display for ages of 5 years and up.  Each doll has eyes that open and close... a lovely hairdo, and an 8inch vinly body... with jointed knees... dressed in removeable swimsuit and sandals.   

It was also....new in its terminology and use of word "Dru" ... so what is Dru?    I discovered a reference of "dark Brown"

(Store price originally listed Basic Doll:  $39.99)

What say ye.... good friends......It's time for Tiny Besty and Tiny Dru to have a bit of tea.   The have donned the pretty-in-pink dresses..... and ENJOY!

BK's Wishing Well! 

To All My Roslyn Tea Cup Friends !!!

This Fridays Estate Sale revealed a bit of a mystery in what happens to a piece of antique china...

My Cherished Discovery . . . .Roslyn China

Manufacturers of bone china at Park Place Works, Longton.

 As my homegirl might say to me..... What's up with the black marks?"    Me, not knowing but quickly grabbing a beautifully inexpensive $8.00 tea cup and saucer set....  I say to myself... I'll google it when I get back to work!

 I said "well maybe its a signature mark...???  "   I'm now thinking maybe a cherished granddaughter picked up a magic marker and started to draw.... NO LESS... than right onto Meemaw's fine chine.

And what would I (the Meemaw) say.... to such a darling 5 year old that is sharing my life....

I'd say... oh baby... stop... don't.... it's no big deal.... let's just write on paper!

ESTATE SALES are mysteriously fun....  to try to image the famale touches in the home.... what the lady did, said, lived, travelled.... and finally where and how she died. 

This Sunningdale pattern dates abt 1946 to July 1963

Here are a few interesting facts after I checked ETSY, EBAY, The China Replacement center...etc...   

Nowadays, one of the highly valued antiques is Roslyn Bone China. Roslyn was a trade name used by an English company which was also known as Reid and Co. This company was established in 1913 and manufactured beautiful wares such as tea cups, saucers,

I've been unable to find the shape of my particular cup.... It sits low - should I call it a Dematisse, or 

its opening is smooth and is not worn....  I do notice a slight 1 inch brownish crack in the bottom right area.

QUESTION OF THE DAY

Is it OK to pour my hot tea and drink from this bruised cup...???  

gggggg   My Tea buddy a @ Bernideen... she inspires me..... and her site listed her Roslyn teacup of a different shape and it stands a bit taller than mine....    the teapot is toooooo cute   !!!

We --- my love has been satisfied on todays' antique hunt!   I'll tell you more about two other darling Royal Albert cups tommorrow!

I linked to some great blogs....!!! Visit often  !  
Link:

Tea Time Tuesday With Sandi
Home Sweet Garden Party
Tea Cup Tuesday With Martha
A Return to Loveliness With Kathy