Doll:Peddler Doll with Yarn

Peddler dolls first appeared in the 17th century in Europe but became most popular in the 1800s, when, ironically, the number of peddlers diminished. English artisans offered peddler dolls in both female and male figures each with the familiar red cloak, black hat, and an array of miniature pots, pans, books, buttons, stockings, and other goods. Many peddler dolls of the 19th century were made by Victorian women who took up home crafts of all kinds with a passion.