Disappearing Doll in a Box Trick
Original OwnerOriginally owned by
Albert G. Walker
(American, 1836 - 1902)
MakerMade by
Albert G. Walker
(American, 1836 - 1902)
Date1858
MediumBox: Faux grained wood with metal hardware.
Doll: Cloth with hand painted face and hair.
DimensionsComponent (height x width x depth of box while closed): 5 1/8 x 7 7/8 x 15 7/8in. (13 x 20 x 40.3cm)
Component (doll height x width from hand to hand x depth of head): 12 1/8 x 6 1/2 x 2in. (30.8 x 16.5 x 5.1cm)
Other (height x width x depth including handle of box while open): 5 1/8 x 7 7/8 x 23 1/2in. (13 x 20 x 59.7cm)
ClassificationsEquipment
Credit LineThe Newman S. Hungerford Museum Fund
Object number2007.4.1.10a-d
DescriptionWooden box (.a) containing a cloth doll. The box is symmetrical, with a drawer in each short end with a brass pull. The pull sits flush with the front of the drawer; each pull is attached to each drawer with three pairs of screws. The top of the side of the box that does not open also has some kind of camouflaged mechanism that resembles a keyhole; a metal tab that matches the faux graining of the box slides up and down over the hole.
On the interior of one drawer (the other is stuck closed), there is a sloping piece of wood behind the front of the drawer. The drawer is constructed of an interior shell within the exterior part of the drawer, and small white metal nails are applied at evenly-spaced intervals. Two small pieces of wood (.c and .d) sit inside the drawer, but they do not appear to have broken off of the interior.
The doll (.b) is made of white cloth and appears to be hand stitched. Her face and hair are painted: brown hair, black eyebrows, blue pupils, and red lips. The outline of her eyes and her nose are penciled in. The doll wears a purple dress with white flowers; it is finished with lace on the collar and sleeves. The dress appears to have been made in two pieces, bodice and skirt, that are loosely stitched together at the waist. A single straight inserted through the dress and into the doll holds the dress closed at the back of the waist. Around her neck, the doll wears a velvet collar, held closed at the front with a single straight pin stuck into the doll. Under her dress, the doll wears a chemise, pantalets finished with lace on the ends, and a petticoat.
On the interior of one drawer (the other is stuck closed), there is a sloping piece of wood behind the front of the drawer. The drawer is constructed of an interior shell within the exterior part of the drawer, and small white metal nails are applied at evenly-spaced intervals. Two small pieces of wood (.c and .d) sit inside the drawer, but they do not appear to have broken off of the interior.
The doll (.b) is made of white cloth and appears to be hand stitched. Her face and hair are painted: brown hair, black eyebrows, blue pupils, and red lips. The outline of her eyes and her nose are penciled in. The doll wears a purple dress with white flowers; it is finished with lace on the collar and sleeves. The dress appears to have been made in two pieces, bodice and skirt, that are loosely stitched together at the waist. A single straight inserted through the dress and into the doll holds the dress closed at the back of the waist. Around her neck, the doll wears a velvet collar, held closed at the front with a single straight pin stuck into the doll. Under her dress, the doll wears a chemise, pantalets finished with lace on the ends, and a petticoat.
Status
Not on view
