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D008C Mae Starr Phonograph Doll - six records
This Mae Starr doll playes the light blue cylinders records. Mae Starr is 29 inches tall. The Mae Starr doll was made from 1928 through 1944, when doll production stopped because of the shortage of materials due to World War II. On the back of the shoulder plate is the identifying name: "Mae Starr Doll". There is a rare advertising cylinder for Mae Starr titled "The Mae Star Dolly", which carries this title on the rim of the cylinder. These cylinders were supplied by the Averill Company. The doll cylinders sold for thirty-five cents each and are light blue celluloid over a cardboard core. They are 2 3/16 inches in diameter and 1 1/4 inches in length covered on one end with a metal plate with two round finger holes to facilitate removal of the cylinder from the mandrel. The cylinders are identified with various markings such as: Averill Manufacturing Co., New York City, U.S.A.; Universal Talking Toys Co. Newark N.J. U.S.A.; The Mae Starr Dolly (a paper label with the song title and number), while some labels have no markings whatsoever.
It is believed that the Indestructible Record Company of Albany, New York may have manufactured many of the cylinders, although a reference also cited the Universal Talking Toys Co. A fire destroyed the Albany plant in October of 1922 and we can only speculate on which company manufactured the cylinders after this date. We would appreciate any documentation regarding the source of these cylinders. Phonograph dolls and toys were made to enchant children."
We purchase this locally from an estate sale in Overton Nebraska of Elwood Horn.
- SOLD