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Item: Antique \"Splash Me\" Bathing Beauty FigurineCirca: approximately 1917–1920sDesigner: Genevieve Pfeffer (Distributed under \"Gene George\")Material: Chalkware / PlasterApproximate measurements:Height: 6 1/4\"Width: 2 3/4\"Depth: 3\"Weight: 7.9 oz
This item is a beautiful, highly collectible authentic antique \"Splash Me\" bathing beauty carnival doll. Modeled after Rose O\'Neill’s famous Kewpie \"The Thinker\" character, this iconic 1920s boardwalk prize features a charming side-glancing expression, hand-painted details, and a distinct pouting mouth.
This particular example is a rarer variation wearing a vibrant yellow polka-dot swimsuit and matching yellow painted shoes.
Key Features & Rarity:
Original Hair & Net: Unlike most examples found today where the delicate mohair and hairnet have disintegrated, this doll completely retains her original reddish-brown mohair wig and its fragile tulle hairnet.
Condition:
Please review all photos carefully as they form part of the description.
- Structure: Excellent structural condition for its age. No cracks, breaks, or repairs. The head and body are completely stable and intact.
- Paint/Surface: Shows authentic, honest age-related wear. There is some paint flaking, chipping, and rubbing on the knees, feet, arms, and back consistent with 100-year-old chalkware.
- Face/Hair: The painted facial features remain crisp and vibrant with excellent color on the cheeks. The original hair is beautifully preserved given the age. The hair net is present but shows some areas of breakdown.
- Base: There is writing in pencil on the base which looks like \"Willard Gave This Doll\"
This is a great piece for collectors of carnival chalkware, antique Kewpies, or vintage flapper-era beach kitsch.
