Georgian Peg Doll

Item Description

A George III hand-carved wooden 'stump' or 'peg doll', circa 1800, often referred to as 'Dutch doll' or 'Grodnertal doll', with black enamelled eyes, by repute from Bannister Hall, Lancashire, L18cm.

Among our lots of children's toys on offer this month, we have a Georgian hand-carved wooden 'stump' or 'peg doll', roughly dated to 1800 (Lot 250). These dolls are often referred to as 'Dutch dolls' (they were normally imported via the Netherlands) or 'Grodnertal dolls' (a reference to where they were made), and were largely imported from the region that is now known as Northern Italy. Our example is by repute, from Bannister Hall, Lancashire. These simple hand-painted dolls would have had jointed limbs, a cloth dress, and perhaps a cap. These dolls are highly collectable and wonderful examples of traditional toy making. This charming doll will go under the hammer on Wednesday, 4th March, as part of our monthly Antiques & Interiors sale.

Sell Your Antique Toys With RWB Auctions

Interest in antique wooden dolls from the late 18th and early 19th centuries continues to grow, particularly among collectors of Georgian and Victorian toys, English folk art, and early domestic decorative objects. While later mass-produced figures are relatively easy to find, genuine hand-carved Georgian stump or peg dolls, especially those with clear age and provenance, are far scarcer, and increasingly sought after.

If you have antique or vintage toys that have been treasured and passed down through generations, you may be surprised at their potential value. Our experienced specialists are always delighted to offer free, no-obligation valuations, providing clear, honest advice and guiding you through every step of the auction process with care and expertise.

To begin the conversation, contact our friendly team at office@rwbauctions.com, who will be pleased to help you discover the story and value behind your collection.