Antique Folk Art Character dolls Ca 1850s-1890s

Description

I am offering a pair of splendid folk art dolls. I am open to splitting them up if requested. I am not in a hurry to get rid of these dolls, as they are extremely unique and one of a kind. The price is fair and reflects this. You really must want them more than I do :) They are incredible and so unique. A wonderful addition for any folk art collection. They are dated at or around 1850s-1890s. Their age shows and it is not a bad thing!
1. Pictured right is “Aunt Betsy”, from Charles Dickens’ “David Copperfield. She is 15” tall from head to bottom of her base. She appears to be made of a papier mache material down to her shoes. She is wearing a wool dress with linen underclothes. Her bodice is stuffed with straw or sawdust, arms stuffed with cotton and her hair is made of some kind of twisted wool . Her head is supported in the back by a nail. She is fragile. Underneath her wooden base reads “ Aunt Betsy from David Copperfield”.
2. Pictures left is “Caleb Plummer” from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”. He is 14.5” tall from head to bottom of base. I believe he is made of papier mache with a thin layer of crepe paper covering his face. He has individual fingers also covered in some kind of crepe paper. He is wearing a linen outfit and a burlap sack. He has a wool hat in his right arm. Unlike Betsy, his legs are wire armature covered with crepe paper from the shin down. His hair looks to be made of mohair or cotton and bodice stuffed with straw or sawdust. His wood base reads “Caleb Plummer”. Underneath his base reads “Caleb father of blind girl in Christmas Carol.” His head is supported in the back by a nail. He needs to be leaned up against something to stand upright.
Will be sent priority with insurance.