Walking Winnie
Walking Winnie is a larger (xx inches), talking version of Walking Wanda. She is entirely mechanical - no electronics. Her mechanisms and phonograph system are included in the same patent as Walking Wanda (US Patent 2695472). Figure 1 shows her works. The phonograph is visible under her left arm. The speaker is the hockey puck like cylinder. Unlike Walking Wanda, Winnie does not appear to have the "on/off" pin that arrests a governor. Apparently she just starts going once wound.
This doll was acquired from eBay. Her head is vinyl while the rest of her body is hard plastic. Her torso is very brittle and is cracked and broken in several places (Figures 2 & 3). Several pieces are missing. I suspect that the cracking was induced by screwing the torso pieces on too tightly. Figures 4 through 9 document her condition and some challenges that need to be overcome if she is going to walk and talk again. I will give updates on her repairs as time permits. Wanda and Winnie had clothes that were considered beautiful and some of their outfits were designed by famous designers. Winnie was dressed as a little girl or a bride. Winnie: 1953 26 inches very heavy made by Advance Doll and Toy Company wore a sash which said "The Unaided Walking and Talking Doll" hard plastic body with vinyl head available in blonde or brunette rooted saran hair key wind mechanism roller and rachet unremovable shoes swings her arms and head turns as she walks has an internal phonograph mechanism which enables her to talk phrases: Hi, my name is Winnie I can walk, I can talk Mommy please pick me up I'm so tired I can sing too Replacement records could be purchased for 35 cents each or a 3-record album was $1.00 She also came dressed as a bride doll haven't been able to find the original price yet source: Phonograph Dolls and Toys by Joan and Robin Rolfs, First Edition, 2004 Below is a photo taken from a Winnie posted on eBay that shows a body variation that includes a speaker grille in the side. |
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