1940s Vintage 20" Effanbee Dy-Dee Lou Baby Doll – Mold 2
A rare opportunity to own a documented piece of Dy-Dee history.
This beautiful 20" Effanbee Dy-Dee Lou (Mold 2) dates from the late 1930s to early 1940s and comes directly from the celebrated collection of Peggy Montei. I acquired this special doll from Peggy herself. She is photographed on page 11 of Barbara Hilliker’s definitive Dy-Dee reference book, and Peggy included a personal note card describing the doll—this was reportedly her favorite Dy-Dee. It has truly been an honor to care for her.
She arrives dressed just as shown in the book photograph, wearing her original pajamas. Also included are a charming blue print eiderdown Dy-Dee blanket with a sweet bunny/toy motif, a handmade dotted Swiss smocked dress with coordinating bonnet, and a wool sweater and bonnet from Peggy’s collection.
This baby features dark chocolate brown molded hair and beautiful original coloring. She retains her gorgeous high color and bright blue-green sleep eyes that open and close smoothly with full, even brush lashes.
The 20" Dy-Dee dolls are among the hardest to find, and examples in such lovely condition are especially scarce. This darling girl has a wonderful head and a near-mint rubber body, and she comes with her layette as shown. The 20" size has always been my favorite—it truly feels like holding a real baby.
Included as well is her sweet bunny rattle by Plakie Toys, perfect for springtime display.
For collectors new to Dy-Dee, she is a remarkable “wonder doll.” Dy-Dee can drink and wet, thanks to a special valve system that allows moisture to release gradually, much like a real baby. She is also heavily weighted, giving her an incredibly lifelike feel in your arms. Another charming feature: her eyes can remain open or closed depending on how her head is turned, even when she is laid down. She can even blow bubbles and be bathed, thanks to a clever joint system that keeps water out of the body.
Her face is simply lovely—an open nurser mouth, well-defined painted brows and under-lashes, and a rosy complexion. She also has beautiful rubber inset ears. Her molded dark brown hair remains excellent, with only minor age-appropriate blemishes.
All clothing is in excellent, gently played-with vintage condition.
A truly wonderful Dy-Dee—ready to come home and begin her next chapter in a loving collection.
