I'm dating this small (4.5" from head to toe), French, celluloid baby doll to the 1940s since the company, Petitcollin, began using polyethylene in the 1950s. This doll could very well be older as the company began making waterproof dolls such as this, known as baigneurs (bathers), in the 1920s. Petitcollin is one of the oldest French toy companies. The marks on the back are an eagle, "France," and the doll's size (12).
*****Condition: The doll is in very good condition and strung sturdily with no loose limbs or crushes to the celluloid. Please note, though, the fifth and sixth photos, which show what might be celluloid loss to the shoulder and arm. I am inclined to believe this occurred during the molding process and is not damage that occurred after the doll's manufacture, but I cannot be certain. Do let me know if you would like more photos as I'll be happy to oblige. I've not cleaned the doll but will leave this up to the discretion of the new owner. A soft, damp cloth will remove most of the grime. I would not submerge the doll in water since its composition/structure could be compromised owing to its age.
Thank you to https://www.restauration-de-poupees.fr/en-gb/reconnaitre-les-baigneurs-celluloid for the informative page on French celluloid baby dolls. They write:
Although the Petitcollin Society was born in 1860 in the Somme, the first baby doll did not appear until 1912. The factory was destroyed during the first world war and was only reopened in 1924 until its peak in the 30s. Petitcollin is certainly the most famous brand in France and abroad. It produced celluloid until the 50's and then goes on to polyetilene. The production continues today which makes Petitcollin one of the oldest brand of French toys. We currently find at home plastic dolls, reissues of antique dolls whose famous like the Françoise de Modes and Travaux which they bought the molds to the company SNF in the 50s. Their current collection also includes very pretty vinyls dolls.
Thank you for looking.
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