What is a doll?  Basically, a doll is a representation of a human.  Because of this, all dolls--to start with--are sculpted or molded in some material, and then embellished (eyes, wigs) to resemble a human being.  The next thing that most dolls have in in common is clothing--it is a rare doll that is sold nude.  Even dolls that are purchased for dressing and re-dressing have SOME basic clothing, whether it be a chemise for a French Fashion Doll, underwear for a Ginny, or a bathing suit for a Barbie doll.  But, what makes a doll stand out...what makes her outstanding either as a play thing for a child, or a collectible for a collector, is often the doll's accessories.  

What is a Doll Accessory?

Some doll commentators consider anything that is not part of a the basic doll to be an accessory--including clothing, shoes, hats, and underwear.  Generally, it is difficult to draw the line  for what is part of a basic doll outfit, and what is a doll accessory.  Overall, most commentators consider shoes, hats and purses to be accessories, but not a dress or other clothing.  Accessories, however, can be much more than the basics for completing an outfit.  Some of the world's most popular and renowned dolls since the dawn of doll history have had other items besides clothing made for them--everything from luggage to games to jewelry to china sets to furniture.  This article will focus on these types of doll accessories--the real "extras" that enhance doll play and doll collecting beyond the ordinary. 

French Fashion Dolls- Mid to Late 1800s

French Fashion dolls were the FIRST dolls that placed a major emphasis on accessories.  Few doll accessories have matched the prolific amount of accessories created for French Fashion dolls, and few doll accessories have matched the quality of French Fashion doll Accessories.  French Fashion dolls were made to be perfect replicas of the ladies that young girls were expected to grow up to be, and the dolls had everything available in miniature for them that a lady of style and taste in the mid-to-late 1800s would have for herself.  An entire industry was created centering on French Fashion dolls in Paris, and boutiques existed that did nothing but create accessories for these dolls.  French Fashion doll accessories included amusements such as games, photo booklets, sewing necessaries with little scissors and lace bobbins and threads.  Grooming items were essential--perfume bottles, ivory-handled tooth-brushes and ivory brushes and combs.  Jewelry included not only the usual necklaces and earrings, but religious crosses and fine pocket-watches.  There was even furniture for the small doll mademoiselle--desks, tables, chairs and wardrobes.  The photos in the photo gallery for this article only hint at the incredible variety of these doll accessories. To access the photo gallery that accompanies this article, click here: Photo Gallery of 33 Doll Accessories

Germany Bisque Dollys and French Bisque Bebes  - Late 1800s to early 1900s

Although not made in as prodigious an amount as the accessories for French Fashion dolls, lovely accessories were also made for antique bisque German Dolly-faced dolls and French Bebes.  Besides lovely hats, shoes and purses made for these dolls, toilette sets and china and dish sets were very popular.  Some furniture was also produced, including pretty vanity tables.  There were also gloves, combs, jewelry (including pins and necklaces) and much more. 

Patsy and Friends-- 1920s

Patsy gets a special mention here because she is one of the first "modern" dolls that had an array of accessories available for her, that were advertised and heavily marketed, including separately available underwear and outfits.  Doll wardrobes were also produced so that children could store all their Patsy items together.

Baby Dolls-- 20th Century

Baby dolls throughout the 20th century have had an emphasis on doll accessories that help a child care for their baby.  Doll strollers and baby carriages have been popular since Victorian times.  In the early 20th century they were made out of wicker; today, usually of plastic.  Then, there are baby bottles, baby carriers, baby diapers, and baby feeding sets.  Modern baby dolls that have a huge array of accessories available for them include Bitty Baby by Pleasant Company, and Lee Middleton Dolls.  Lee Middleton dolls often have an accessory included WITH the doll (a small bear or book) and each doll comes with a small baby bible. The lower priced play baby dolls that line the shelves at Toys R Us often come with a few doll accessories--usually diapers, baby bottles and feeders.

Cissy, Jill, Miss Revlon - 1950s

It wasn't until the 1950s that any dolls picked up the fashion doll gauntlet first thrown down by the French Fashion ladies.  In the first half of the 20th century, the emphasis was on child and baby dolls.  As discussed above, child and baby dolls certainly had (and have!) their accessories, but most of the accessories for child and baby dolls do not match in quality and quantity the amount of accessories made for fashion dolls (with the possible exception of Ginny dolls--see below).  So, the re-introduction of the 1950s fashion dolls saw a re-introduction of quality fashion accessories for dolls.  Hats, purses, shoes and the like go without saying.  But, there was also luggage, eye glasses, hat boxes, jewelry, and furs.

Go to Part II:  Ginny, Vintage Barbie, Modern Barbie, Large Fashion Dolls (Gene, Tyler), American Girls and Customized Doll Accessories

Photo Gallery of 33 Doll Accessories

Do you have any favored, special or unique doll accessory?  Share it with us--send an e-mail title "DOLL ACCESSORIES" with your name, a description of the accessory, and why it is special, with a .jpg photo attached to collectdolls.guide@about.com and your accessory may be chosen to appear in a photo gallery on this site next month!

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