About This Doll
This vintage souvenir doll depicts a British ceremonial guard in a scarlet tunic and tall black bearskin-style hat. Its small scale and brightly contrasting costume give the figure a distinctive decorative presence.
Measuring approximately 20 cm tall, the doll has a plastic face with rosy cheeks and red lips. Blue-grey eyes appear open in the upright photograph and closed in the reclining views.
Expressive Sleepy Eyes
The supplied details describe a working open-and-close eye mechanism, often called sleepy eyes. This movement adds character to the otherwise formal uniform and upright silhouette.
Fine painted brows frame the eyes, while pink shading brings colour to the cheeks. A narrow black chin strap curves beneath the face, connecting visually with the dark hat above.
The photographs show both eye positions, although the mechanism has not been independently tested. Its working condition is reported by the owner.
Scarlet and Gold Uniform
The red felt tunic has a flared lower edge and gold-coloured braid running down the front. Gold-coloured shoulder tabs and a smooth belt introduce additional highlights against the scarlet fabric.
A small striped decoration on the chest suggests miniature medal ribbons. These costume details create a ceremonial appearance without establishing a particular regiment or exact uniform specification.
Dark navy trousers extend beneath the tunic, with red stitching visible along the side. Their simple shape contrasts with the brighter, more detailed upper costume.
A Tall Black Hat
The tall black hat has a textured, pile-covered surface and a small red fabric accent. It is described as bearskin-style, without identifying the covering as real animal fur.
The hat’s slightly irregular outline gives the figure a softer appearance than its military subject might suggest. Together with the painted face, it creates an engaging souvenir character.
Period and Manufacture
The doll is supplied as a 20th-century European souvenir, with a possible mid-century attribution. No maker or specific manufacturing country is established.
The uniform includes visible stitching and applied trims. The extent of hand assembly has not been independently confirmed.
Condition
Good overall vintage condition is reported. Close-ups show felt pilling, loose fibres, wear to the gold-coloured trim and small marks on the hands.
The hat covering has a tousled appearance, and some braid ends appear loose. Please review the front, rear and detail photographs for surface wear and costume finishing.
Key Details
Object: British Royal Guard-themed souvenir doll
Period: 20th century; possibly mid-century
Origin: Europe
Materials: Plastic body and face, felt clothing and gold-coloured trim,
Costume: Scarlet tunic, dark navy trousers, gold-coloured belt and bearskin-style hat
Features: Open-and-close eyes,
Dimensions: Approximately 20 × 8 × 3 cm
Condition: Good vintage condition; felt pilling, loose fibres, trim wear and hand marks
SKU: 2C137
Why It’s Special
The combination of sleepy eyes and ceremonial dress gives this small doll a playful contrast. It makes a characterful addition to a souvenir display or vintage costume-doll collection.
One Royal Art
At One Royal Art, we curate distinctive vintage objects, celebrating their individual character and clearly describing their condition.
