Early Modern Pewter Doll

Children’s toys from the Middle Ages and the early modern period are infrequently found, and are usually more or less destroyed. In February, 2024, a complete pewter doll was found in Long Whatton, Leicestershire (East Midlands, England). Astonishingly, the doll is intact – the only known undamaged example of this sort of toy. A partial cast from the same mold had been found nearby previously.

We love the jaunty sway in this little lady’s posture. She looks like she is just stepping forward to dance! Her dress is extensively decorated, both front and back and she wears a tidy hat. She is a very close copy of the original (which you can see in the gallery). We don’t know why she has tucked her arms up, but if you take her gently by her elbows, you can lead her through bransles, basse-danses, pavans and galliards, or anything published in Playford.

Why so long a historical period? No one is sure exactly when this lady was made. The Portable Antiquities Scheme database gives a range of 1500 – 1650 (https://finds.org.uk/database/artefacts/record/id/1153911). It is possible she is even a couple of decades later. What is certain is that she is delightful and that she will be loved by your child, or your costume- or dance-obsessed grown-up friend. Give her a whirl!

Two brief notes:
-The original doll was made of pewter with lead in it. All our pewter is lead free; our doll is cast in an alloy that is mostly tin, with small amounts of copper and antimony.
-Like all our toys, this doll should be kept away from children young enough that they might put it in their mouths.