Vintage Petitcollin Celluloid Doll - France 1950s - African Baby 20 cm

This figure represents an example from the French manufacturer Petitcollin, identifiable by the mark engraved on the back of the torso with the number 20, the origin France, and the eagle head logo. Petitcollin, founded in 1860, was a pioneer in the use of celluloid for toy creation, and this African baby model is a testament to mid-20th-century ethnographic production.

Item History: The Petitcollin company is the last doll factory still operating in France. During the post-war period, its celluloid figures gained international fame for their durability and detailed hand-painted finishes, becoming fundamental pieces of European toy history.

Technical Details:
- Period: 1950s
- Technique: Molded celluloid with handcrafted facial painting.
- Size: Height 20 cm (7.87 inches); Approximate width 8 cm (3.15 inches).
- Material: Celluloid.
- Condition: The material is in excellent chromatic condition, retaining its original shine. The red lips, yellow eyes, and relief-molded hair show minimal wear. The joints are connected by internal elastics that, due to the passage of time, have lost tension and require replacement for the doll to regain functional stability.

Appraisal: This is a high-interest piece for collectors of the Petitcollin brand and specialists in mid-century celluloid toys, notable for the integrity of its polychromy.