TOY TREASURES.

Otago Witness, Issue 3742, 1 December 1925, Page 38

TOY TREASURES.

A REMARKABLE ASSORTMENT. We have been shown some specimens of the dolls and toys manufacturer by Messrs Dean, of “ rug book ” fame. A glance at these is sufficient to inform the most casual observer that the day of w'orld supremacy for German toys is over; nothing that the Continent of Europe has produced can vie with these beautiful toys on any grounds. Messrs Dean’s productions are prettier, more durable, lighter,- softer, anti in every respect more pleasing than any we have seen of foreign manufacture. It is hard to select from such a number of pleasing patterns any that are of more outstanding merit than the rest, but we would call particular attention to the “Posy” dolls, which are among this season’s novelties. At the prices asked for them these beautiful and tastefully dressed dolls offer extraordinary value. They are entirely made of strong soft woven fabrics, and are consequently free from the risk of breakage that is inseparable from dolls made of china and various compositions. They have fair curly hair and charming faces of an Anglo-Saxon type, refreshingly different from the stereotyped doll face of Germanic origin that we have borne so patiently for half a century or more. The dolls are charmingly dressed in brightcoloured felt dresses and hats, each designed in sympathy with the flower after which it is named—e.g., Rose, Violet, Poppy, etc. “Baby Bunting” is a highly practical as well as charming toy. In addition to the pleasing qualities of plush toys like the teddy bear, it has the great advantage which dolls have over all other toys: that of being human in appearance, and therefore seeming to possess a soul. For this reason it is the ideal plaything for a little boy. One of the many secrets which children seem successfully to hide from nearly all their elders is that little boys are just as fond of dolls as are little girls, and that it is only the fear of ridicule which prevents them from avowing their fondness and gratifying it in public. “ Baby Bunting ” bridges over the imaginary gulf, and is accordingly a first favourite with boys. Another toy having similar claims and meriting a similar success is the Gnome. This is a soft, cuddly personage, jointed by a most ingenious patent process so that it can be made to adopt and remain in any possible or impossible attitude, and is equally appropriate as a plaything for either a boy or a girl. . “Smiler,” a toy dog in velveteen, is a creature after our own heart There aie no living dogs quite like Smiler, but now and then an inspired humourist among the black and white artists has sketched for our delight something of which we aie vaguely reminded by this comical lithe beast. ■ It is not only by the crazy comicality of his face that Smiler makes his appeal: he has all the requirements that go to make up a popular plaything Ihe toy is made of velvety material, stuffed with soft and springy down; too’ light to fatigue, and too squashy to bruise the smallest of toddlers; it is highly recommended to bachelor uncles who want to “ play safe ” when selecting their presents. In “Princess” dolls we have a range ill regal splendour of colouring worthy of its name, the rich deep-toned velvet dresses being set off by snowy fur borders. These dolls are light and soft to handle, and hare pretty faces, with a wide variety of expres sons THe series includes a total of seven sizes, tho largest being quite an out-size in dolls, 36in in height. The prices are extremely moderate for such handsome and rich-looking dolls. These are the outstanding lines in a remarkably complete and comprehensive range, embodying something for every taste and for every purse; not only the prosperous are catered for by this enterprising firm. The child must be poor indeed and alone in the world for whom there is nothing on the Christmas tree of Dean’s Rag Book Company (Limited). There are dolls, little and big, dressed and undressed; large walking animals, little cuddly animals, some smooth, some lurry, some white, some coloured, strißed, spotted, patched, pied, and plain. , , We are given to understand that the rag dolls which were originated by this firm still form a very important part of their output, which we can well believe. Probably no better dolls are to be found in the world at their price than the series comprising “ Playtime dolls, Bobiche, “Doris,” and “Wendy. The “Peep-bo” dolls, which laugh or cry, sleep or wake at will are an ingenious invention giving a semblance of life by a very simple contrivance. The famous rag books, from which the company takes its name, form a collection of which anv publishing house might well be proud. Almost every artist of noto in the world of illustrators has contributed something to this series; such names as Cecil Aldin. Harry Rowntree, Hilda lowham, and John Hussall are in themselves a guarantee of excellence for the pictorial part of the books. Tho peculiar advantages of the books for the purpose they are intended to serve are known all over , the world. They ore practically indestructible, can be washed and ironed when, they got grubby, and in spite of their brilliant colouring tho baby can put them in his mouth, after the fashion of balnea the world over, and chew them to his heart’s content without danger of poisoning.