Active Miss was only made for one year, 1954. She was made using the exact same body and face as Sweet Violet, a highly desireable doll for collectors that was made between 1951 and 1954.
Active Miss has the lovely Cissy face that was also used on Winnie Walker and Binnie Walker. The really interesting thing about her, though, is that her body is fully jointed: In addition to be jointed in the usual places (neck, shoulders, and hips), Active Miss is also jointed at the elbows, wrists, and knees.
Active Miss and Sweet Violet were the only dolls with this body, which is probably why the dolls is so sought after by collectors — not to mention so valuable: It's unique. A mint Sweet Violet doll can sell for $900 and up, and Active Miss is worth $850 and up.
Of course, my Active Miss is nowhere near mint, but she is the best example I have ever seen. I have only seen Active Miss on eBay two other times, and both times the doll was missing substantial parts of her outfit. My Active Miss doll's flaws are few: She is missing her hat, her hair has been combed, and the elastic on her half slip has relaxed over time. Still, her organdy dress retains its sizing, her original stringing is tight, and she shows only light play wear.
The best thing about my Active Miss was the phenomenal price I got her for. The seller had listed her so that the auction ended at about 3:00 am, and on top of that had no idea what she was. As a result, I won her for about $207 — less than half of what the other Active Miss dolls have sold for on eBay (even missing half their outfits).
Oh my goodness! I think this is the doll I just bought today! for $75! Mine has the jointed knees, elbows and wrists. She has a white dress, Lavender coat with red inside. She is wearing straw hat with flowers and her shoes and socks look original, they match the dress. I thought she was maybe Sweet Violet. Now I think she is Active Miss (I never heard of this doll) I would like to email you pictures of my doll if that is okay? tina :)
ReplyDeleteWow, I have this Madame Alexander Doll and she is in MINT condition.
ReplyDeleteMy Doll named Violet is still in the original box, wearing a light pink dress, purple coat and velvet hat and shoes to match. carrying a hat box with curlers and bouquet of flowers. legs and arms are jointed. Booklet states "She is the only fully jointed doll ever made" Her head moves from side to side.
Hi, I know this is an old post, but if you still have your Madame Alexander could you please tell me if the Active Miss is a WALKER or a STRUNG DOLL? Thank you.
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