Hi Angie,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
In 30+ years of appraising, fixing and selling dolls, I've never seen another doll fashioned in a kneeling position; typically, praying dolls have their hands clasped angelically in front of them with their eyes closed. It's likely this is a unique example, probably hand/homemade by someone who was not a doll maker, for their child. It is stuffed with cotton batting that has, over time, hardened.
The chair is definitely not original to the doll so I have not included it in the appraisal.

Without identical examples to compare values, I've looked at other unique cloth dolls of similar size made around the same time - 19th Century - that this one was and what those have sold for at auction; though there are quite a few variations in my findings, the values usually range from $100-200. Because yours has a fairly substantial and visible tear in its head, its value is less: $75-125...but if this has been in your family for generations, it's likely its sentimental value to you and your family is quite a bit higher, though its impossible to quantify that.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique homemade or folk art cloth praying doll
19th Century
The figure with purplish yarn hair, thread eyes, painted features and white hair ribbons dressed in a lace-trimmed linen dress, in kneeling position.
11 inches tall
CONDITION: With wear, staining and losses throughout, commensurate to
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$75-125*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.

Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia