Sindy Patch doll from a lot sold at Chilcotts.
However, whatever the rights and wrongs of toys from earlier eras, Sindy in general is a popular buy for nostalgia-minded collectors.
On November 6 Devon saleroom Chilcotts (21% buyer’s premium) offered a c.1970 Sindy’s younger sister Patch doll (Babydoll Ref 9GPS1).
In its box and sporting its original outfit, it was accompanied by two different hairstyle Poppet Dolls and an array of Patch outfits such as Easter Parade, Water Wings, Birthday Party, Red Riding Hood, Half Term Togs, Wintertime, Summer Special and Toboggan Fun. The group sold for £1950 (guide £80-120).
Another Sindy lot, which made £880 against a guide of £100-150, comprised a 1971 Lovely Lively Sindy Doll (Ref 12LS Auburn), unboxed but in original ‘jumpsuit’ outfit, along with an unboxed Vicki Doll and various accessories such as outfits. Sold for £650 (estimate £100-150) was a boxed 1960s Sindy doll (12GSS14 Auburn) plus outfits and accessories.
Sindy, the British answer to Barbie, was launched in September 1963 by Pedigree Toys, a division of Lines Bros.
Waxing lyrical
19th century wax doll catalogued as “possibly by Pierotti” – £3600 at Cotswold Auction Company.
The wax doll-making business run by the Pierotti dynasty spanned three centuries. It was founded by Domenico Pierotti, born in Italy in 1760 to an English mother.
He came to England in 1770 for medical treatment and stayed with an aunt. She happened to be a maker of decorative plaster mouldings and wax figures, and trained him. The firm passed through his son Henry, born in 1809, and grandson Charles (died 1942).
A 19th century wax doll catalogued as “possibly by Pierotti”, in 1920s costume, was estimated at £300- 500 at Cotswold Auction Company (22% buyer’s premium) in Cirencester on November 30.
Measuring about (80cm) long, with a cloth body with wax head, arms and legs, the doll sold for £3600 to a bidder on thesaleroom.com despite some condition issues such as damage to the legs.
