Much Loved c. Late 19th Century Linen Rag Doll with Hand-painted Face and Tailored Wool Trousers

I don't buy old folk dolls because I know a lot about dolls and what makes them valuable; like everything else I buy dolls because they look me in the eye and call loudly to me! As was and is very much the case here. Sewn of linen, with hand-painted face (those glowing white eyes!) and what I believe is raw sheep's wool stuffing.Shirt or coat lost long ago but still wearing these great high waisted wool pants, as well as a cap made of brown velvet with edging I want to call chenille, and which is sewn on tightly. With what looks like one furry brown wool eyebrow, though perhaps it was part of his cap, covering the whole forehead, as of course he also has a pair of painted brows. Late 19th century or so I believe, to my eyes hugely empathetic and full of life now. 

 18 1/2" t; 5 5/8" wide at shoulders. Much loved, with holes here and there to his body and his pants. Stable and sound, not especially fragile, not leaking any stuffing and seams holding tight. He needs a little something to lean against when sitting up as his head flops down a bit at the neck.