The Wonderful Toni Doll by Ideal
One of my favorite dolls is the Toni Doll manufactured by the Ideal Toy Company. She was designed by Bernard Lipfert (famous sculpter who also designed the Ginny Doll). She was first introduced in 1949 as an all hard plastic strung (jointed) doll that came in 5 sizes: 14″ (P-90), 16″ (P-91), 19″ (P-92), 21″ (P-93) and 23″ (P-94). The larger sizes are much harder to find. Later, in the mid 1950’s, they became walking dolls. The dolls had beautiful painted faces with glued on Dupont nylon wigs that could be platinum blonde, yellow blonde, red, light brown and dark brown. Moveable eyes were blue (brown eyes are very rare). They wore adorable very high quality, tagged school girl type dresses with attached half slip, panties, socks and leatherette center snap shoes. These dolls were associated with the Toni Cosmetic Co. and 20th Century Fox Picture Studio and came with their own Toni “Home Permanent” Wave Kit (curlers and solution). Their little mother could give them a real perm! They were marked on both their head and back to identify them (Ideal Doll/Made in USA) and their particular size (P-90, etc.). To find one of these dolls mint in original box is a true treasure.