Mary Gray Paper Doll, 1864-1870

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Artifact Overview

As color printing technologies improved and became more affordable in the second half of the nineteenth century, many book publishers also began printing playthings. By the 1860s, the McLoughlin Bros. publishing firm had expanded its product line to include games and toys, like paper dolls. McLoughlin's paper dolls reflected current trends and remained popular with consumers longer than other firms' less fashionable versions.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Paper doll

Date Made

1864-1870

Location

By Request in the Benson Ford Research Center

Object ID

41.214.1474.2

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Mrs. E. G. Douglas.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Color

Red
Green

Dimensions

Height: 6.75 in
Width: 3.625 in

Inscriptions

on cover: MARY GRAY / MCLOUGHLIN BROS MANFT NEW YORK.
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Related Content

  • Catalog of Valentine's for 1882, McLoughlin Brothers, 1882 (front cover)
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    McLoughlin Bros. - Color Printing Pioneers

    • 11 Artifacts
    John and Edmund McLoughlin's publishing firm became well-known in the mid-1800s for its early adoption and skillful use of new color printing techniques. Realizing success in the emerging market for children's books, the brothers expanded their product line to include toys and games. Products bearing the McLoughlin Bros. name remained popular even after the company’s acquisition by Milton Bradley in 1920.