Sheppard's Philadelphia Baby Cloth Doll
The Philadelphia ragbaby, or Sheppard doll is named for the store that sold them starting in 1900. J.B. Sheppard & Co. was a
prominent department store in Philadelphia from 1860-1935. Needle workers employed by the store dressed the dolls. It is not
known if they also made the dolls.
The dolls range in size from 18-22 inches. They are molded stockinette with markedly impressed features including eyelids.
There is a vertical seam up the back of the head. The body is stockinette. Lower arms, lower legs, shoulders adn heads are
oil painted. Blondes and Brunettes have been identified with eye colors including both brown and blue. Joints are sewn at the
shoulders, hips and knees. Though not always, but often original clothes include a baby gown and bonnet. The above doll is
an exception as it is in original clothing.
prominent department store in Philadelphia from 1860-1935. Needle workers employed by the store dressed the dolls. It is not
known if they also made the dolls.
The dolls range in size from 18-22 inches. They are molded stockinette with markedly impressed features including eyelids.
There is a vertical seam up the back of the head. The body is stockinette. Lower arms, lower legs, shoulders adn heads are
oil painted. Blondes and Brunettes have been identified with eye colors including both brown and blue. Joints are sewn at the
shoulders, hips and knees. Though not always, but often original clothes include a baby gown and bonnet. The above doll is
an exception as it is in original clothing.
