Rare vintage Italian doll

This is an 11 inch wool felt doll called La Modestina (the little hat maker). She was made in the 1930s by the Lenci doll company, which made a wide variety of extremely detailed felt dolls in the early 20th century. She has a wool felt patchwork mock-plaid dress with organdy sleeves and a matching organdy petticoat with bloomers. Her hatbox (which is attached to her hand) says “Amore”. Her gray bonnet is decorated with detailed felt flowers and a long brown ribbon. She has light blonde curls and a sweet curious side-eye expression. Her head can turn, and that is her only articulation.

I was absolutely shocked to find this doll at my city’s annual charity thrift sale! I never thought I’d be lucky enough to own a Lenci, or even see one in person in my lifetime. For only $6 I snatched her up immediately, and I’m glad no small child was able to fall in love with her first lol! Her dress is slightly moth-eaten, but she is clean and mostly in good shape for being 80-ish years old.

Moral of the story: go to your local thrift sales/flea markets, and never give up on your doll dreams!