American Character Ricky Jr. Doll from the I Love Lucy Show

by janie on April 14, 2007

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One of my favorite dolls was the Ricky Jr. Doll, a gift for Christmas 1953. He was manufactured by the American Character Doll Company. There were a few different versions of the famous baby of Lucy and Desi Arnaz (Lucy and Ricky Ricardo of the very popular television I LOVE LUCY SHOW). My version (the #2) was 21″ long and all vinyl. He was a wet and drink doll with sleep eyes and molded hair. “Amer. Char. Doll” was marked on his head. He wore a yellow one piece playsuit with a separate white belt that had his name embroidered on it. The birth of this special little baby was a much anticipated event which was filmed in November 1952 and aired in January 1953.

{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }

Alice May 25, 2008 at 7:33 pm

I just purchased him on ebay..21″…yellow suit..doesn’t have the cumberbund with Little Ricky on it tho…no shoes or socks..he is incredibly loveable. What kind of shoes and size would I look for? How did you get the right up from the picture you published? I am frantically searching for info and printing all I can find…I am 61, so I was 8 and my parents probably couldn’t afford this doll for me. I just discpvered him and am so proud to have one. Thanks for any help..do you know if there is a Little Ricky doll club?

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janie May 25, 2008 at 11:26 pm

Thanks for all your questions about Ricky Jr. Maybe another reader will also add some info. You should look for white leatherette shoes that tie in front and white socks. I don’t have my doll anymore…sold him on eBay, but I would suggest that you measure his foot. My guess for shoe size would be approx. 2 3/4″ long and 1 3/4″ wide. It would better to be a little big! You can find some info on pages 54-56 of American Character Dolls Identification and Value Guide by Judy Izen published by Collectors Books 2004 Edition. I found the magazine article in a Life or Post magazine dated June 1953. The very same article is reprinted on page 54 of that book. Check Amazon.com, a local book store or antique shops that sell collector books. I hope you enjoy your new doll and good luck to you in your quest. At this time, I have no knowledge of a Ricky Doll club.

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Sandy Schaff November 14, 2008 at 8:13 am

I loved my Ricky Jr. doll when I was younger but lost him in a fire in the late 50′s. If anyone has the original doll for sale I would be very interested in buying it.

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i love lucy! December 29, 2008 at 6:47 am

Is he for sale? i’d like to buy him, whats the current price market on these?

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janie December 30, 2008 at 9:00 pm

Thanks so much for your visit. This doll was sold a while ago on eBay. I would say that the current value to a Ricky doll in very good condition would be $200-$300. Thanks, I hope this helps.

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m February 2, 2009 at 12:17 pm

I think I may be willing to part with my beloved Rickie Jr, who has been with me since childhood [can probably include the picture of us under the Christmas tree for authenticity, if necessary!] Wearing yellow playsuit, embroidered cumberbund [Ricky Jr.], shoes [in need of repair], sans socks, bottle. Some vinyl darkening, otherwise still very loveable!
Interested buyers pls email mafranklin@juno.com for pictures & price. Thank you.

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janie February 2, 2009 at 9:47 pm

Thanks for you visit. Hopefully, a Ricky Jr. doll lover will email you :) Ebay, Ruby Lane, or other online auction sites might also be selling outlets. Good luck!

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bernadette canela April 26, 2009 at 5:59 pm

Have a doll, no box no clothes willing to sell $250. Contact me beeeah@msn.com

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Belinda Thomas July 23, 2009 at 5:46 am

I have a Ricky Jr. doll with the original yellow and white rompers, no name. They could be used as a pattern to make new rompers. I did have the shoes and socks but misplaced them. The shoes were white plastic, the socks were the net looking nylon type. I received this doll the Christmas after I turned 3, he was baby Jesus in the church christmas play because he’s as big as a real baby. I could barely carry him. He still makes the funny cute sound when you press his tummy. Let me know if you’re interested.

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Karen July 25, 2009 at 4:54 am

I just found a little ricky doll at a resale shop. He is pretty dirty & has a crack in the crook of his right arm. When I saw him, I knew that he was a special doll! He is the 1953, molded head version. I really had to do some looking to find out who he was. Is the doll pretty hard to find?

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SANDI REED July 26, 2009 at 1:42 am

My mother in law just died and left me her original Little Ricky doll. I am willing to sell for $225.00. Please contact me if interested

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Belinda Thomas July 31, 2009 at 7:09 am

You can contact me(Belinda Thomas) at bjthomas51@gmail.com if interested in the Ricky Jr. doll. Thanks.

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Welder August 15, 2009 at 12:37 pm

My mother in law just died and left me her original Little Ricky doll. I am willing to sell for $225.00. Please contact me if interested; My mother in law just died and left me her original Little Ricky doll. I am willing to sell for $225.00. Please contact me if interested;;

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DARLENE December 16, 2009 at 7:16 pm

My Ricky Jr. doll has a white coloring to it’s vinyl body, hands and feet.
I’ve read the comments on this doll and I’m confused. One person who has this doll says it has a magic rubber body. This means it darkens in color. The other adds read a vinyl body. Another add says rubber body with just an engraved 20-7 number on the back of the doll’s head . Is this a Ricky Junior doll? What body does Ricky Junior really have. I want to know if my doll is genuine.

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DARLENE December 16, 2009 at 7:18 pm

Is there anything I can do to take away the whiteness of Ricky Junior doll’s body, arms, and legs to get him back to his original coloration?

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BELINDA THOMAS February 4, 2010 at 11:32 pm

I STILL HAVE THE 1953 RICKY JR DOLL LISTED ABOVE TO SELL. I GOT AMBITIOUS AND MADE HIM SOME BABY BLUE AND WHITE ROMPERS FROM THE ORIGINAL PATTERN AND AN ADORABLE BASEBALL CAP TO MATCH. I’M TRYING TO SELL ALL MY BIG DOLLS SINCE I DON’T HAVE ROOM IN MY TINY APT. I’M ASKING $50.00 PLUS $15.00 SHIPPING EXPENSE. I HAVE PICS IF INTERESTED. THANKS FOR LOOKING.

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Debra Dorsey March 19, 2010 at 2:43 am

I have the 21 inch molded hair 1953 issue of the Ricky Jr doll in the yellow romper with name sash, shoes and socks. He’s squeaker works and he is really beautiful. If anyone is interested please email me at: thetsak@aol.com for pictures. I’ve priced him at $200 plus postage (US and Canada only).

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helen July 26, 2010 at 5:44 pm

Hi!
Just wondering if you still have the Ricky doll and if so can you send me some pictures?
Thanks

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janie July 27, 2010 at 10:56 am

Hi Helen, Sorry to say that Ricky has been sold. Thanks for your inquiry.

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Tammy March 25, 2010 at 5:29 pm

I am wondering if you still have your ricky doll? I seen your post from Feb. 4,2010. Please let me know.

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Tammy March 25, 2010 at 5:30 pm

I’m sorry my last post was meant for Belinda Thomas.

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Tammy April 7, 2010 at 7:20 pm

Looking for Ricky Jr. clothing/shoes.etc. If you know where to find these, please let me know. Thanks

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Barbara May 5, 2010 at 12:45 pm

I have an original Ricky Jr. doll.
Good condition but no clothes or shoes.
Willing to sell for $175 plus postage (US only) Contact if interested.
barbarab8@verizon.net

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