Have you seen a GI Joe Doll like this?

[kareninthesun]

I worked for Hasbro (whom markets GI Joe) for many years. It was too early to have been the prototype for the dolls marketed by them, darn...because the prototype, carved from wood sold for over $200,000.00). But these dolls were marketed in the 1960s. I think it very cool to consider that someone, or a group of people may have hand made what you have as a thank you. It would be worth it to hunt down the history behind if if you can. I know that the original bi-lo molds for dolls were thought to have be scrapped in the 1800's, no one was interested in them because they looked like real babies, not the cute button-nosed dolls that were all the rage then. A few were squirreled away in an attic in France. In the 1960's they were found. When discovered, people loved the real life faces and structures of the molds, and they caught on again.

I'm gonna try to do some checking for you...

 

[PamB]

Interesting. I work for Hasbro currently.

Quote:

 

[quercus21]

Update:
I heard back from a doll appraiser that was listed on the Antique Roadshow. He suggested that I contact military collectors, because "It would not appeal to a doll collector." Learning something new. I sent out emails with the pictures to the military collectors listed on the Antique Roadshow.
I'll be hunting more down off the web in the days to come.

desertdarlene: I tried looking for email address, just sends me to the parent company. I am still pursuing the suggestion. Than you

country lady: yea I do like the mystery. I am also working on our family genealogy to.

kareninthesun & PamB: Thank you for taking a look see.

Thank you again everyone for you input.

Kaj

 

[desertdarlene]

The page doesn't show up on my iPad, but here's the link:

http://www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/submit-story/

ETA: It may take them a long time to get back to you as they probably get a lot of submissions.

 

[chickbea]

Quote:
Is he insane? My doll-collecting sister would do anything to have that doll in her collection!

I second the "History Detectives" idea - I think your doll is perfect for their show. (It's a PBS show, not a History Channel show.)

 

[country lady]

Quercus21, I love genealogy too. Family stuff is just sitting there waiting to be discovered.

I find more things locally. My great-grandfather committed suicide about 1931, I think. (I found a copy of his death certificate) One relative said he died of a heart attack on the street. Some people like to "pretty" up relatives. I discovered he was a real stinker, the opposite of what the family thought. I found lots of info in the community happenings column in the old weekly newspapers. I believe in telling it like it is, no fairy tale relatives so far.

.

 

[EweSheep]

It is soooooooo neat! I love to see how you all will find out about this toy.

I am not sure it would be handcarved. Is it wood or sounds like wood? I know bakelite is being manufactured back then. Or paper mache type of thing.

History Detectives sounds like a great idea too!

If you like to display it, you can put it in a glass case.

 

[quercus21]

I have received some information yesterday 12/31/2011:

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I lived in Germany shortly after WW II and to me this is a simple doll made to be sold at the war’s end to make some money and to be a souvenir for a soldier. Money and food was scarce and many French people and others such as displaced persons were just trying to survive, and things were worse in Germany.

The uniform represents that typically worn in 1944-45 by a US 1st lieutenant. It sounds like you are maintaining it in a proper way to preserve the material. I am not sure what additional information you might want regarding its military aspects. If I can answer specific questions, please contact me.

Bill

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Thank you again everyone
Have a Happy, Healthy New Year.
Kaj

 

[greenfox]

Hello all. I have a cousin that has this exact same doll. He is missing the tags but the rest is there. I have looked everywhere to find another and this is the only other one i can find. Has there been any updates on what exactly it is? There are two known of now and they are identical, so they had to have been produced by someone. The tag is still on it also and is on the same spot and appears to be the same size, with the same words on it. Since this is the same doll and i have tried other forums with the same results, i thought i might be able to find something out here. If i can find out anything myself i will post what i do find also. Thanks a bunch!!!

 

[mach1man7173]

I have the very same GI Joe Doll , it has the same tag on the back just like the one in the pic . The pants are wool , the head ,hands and the boots are wood for sure hand carved . I was just looking for some info about the doll . So with what I have found out so far on this site there are 3 now that exist . Thanks for any help I can get at all . My email in [email protected] looking forward to finding out more info about the doll .