Hi Stacey,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

This is an early to mid-20th Century English cloth doll, very likely made by Norah Wellings (1893–1975), who was based in Shropshire and ran the Victoria Toy Works from the 1920s–1950s. Her dolls often have cloth heads with pressed or airbrushed facial details, and a “Made in England” label sewn to the body or clothing hem. Many have painted or stitched eyes like yours, not glass eyes. She made character dolls, sailors, schoolgirls, and souvenir dolls — often with tags describing the doll’s origin or type (similar to the small paper label yours has). Your doll’s slightly rosy complexion and careful facial shading are also strongly characteristic of her work.

At auction, Wellings' dolls usually sell for prices ranging from $75 to $250 depending on the complexity of their clothing and other accessories. Your 16-inch doll would most likely sell for between $125-175.

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

A vintage Norah Wellings cloth doll
made in England, probably 1940s
With painted brown eyes and features, brown hair under a cream-colored canvas(?) cap, red felt ribbon, blue and red gingham knee-length dress labeled "MADE IN ENGLAND", with what appear to be original leather or cloth shoes with ribbons.
16 inches tall
CONDITION: This doll appears to be in generally good condition with some minor wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: Acquired at an estate sale
$125-175*
*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