Anyone who is a lover and collector of Raggedy Ann and Raggedy Andy stories and dolls is very aware of their very lovable and chubby mammy, Beloved Belindy. The wonderful children’s books written by Johnny Gruelle (1880-1938) from 1918 to the 1940′s feature Belindy in many episodes. The actual 18-19″ cloth doll was first manufactured by the Volland Co. In 1938, Georgene Novelties acquired the rights to manufacture the dolls and then in 1962, Knickerbocker offered a slightly different version of this very sweet doll. The chubby tummy doll was made of brown cotton with painted face and no hair as she wore a kerchief on her head. She usually wears a solid red jacket, flowered skirt with an apron. My doll pictured is a handmade version of the doll. I am not sure of the age (probably not old, but designed from the early 1940′s pattern). In more than twenty years of collecting Raggedy dolls, I have not been successful in finding an early manufactured doll. Due to their rarity, prices for the Vollands, Georgenes, or even a Knickerbocker can be a bit high for this collector! Someday I may find a REAL one!! I can dream of finding one at a yard sale!! 
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I think I may have found an original Beloved Belindy. She looks like the one in your photo but has a stamped (and faded) imprint beneath her kerchief. It was my mom’s doll and she doesn’t want it any more.
My sisters and I are trying to figure out who gets what doll and are doing so somewhat on value. I can send you a photo if that would help.
Aside from the stamp imprint is there any other tags that I should be looking for?
Rachel,
I would love for your to email me a photo. It sounds like a Georgene Belindy, but I would like to make sure. Thanks for your visit.
Hi Janie I just bought a bunch of dollls for $5 each at a yard sale one of the dolls is a Beloved Belindy doll with a tag in the back of her that reads 1965 beloved Belindy and the word Knickerbocker on the back of the tag, Can you tell me if this is a collectors item please and thank you, If you would like a picture I could send u one please email me back at lamb-padres@hotmail.com