This Yale football player doll has a celluloid head and a stuffed velveteen body.

Celluloid is a type of early plastic. It was first used for dolls by the French in the 19th century, then adopted by the Germans and in the 20th century, by Japanese and American doll makers. While it showed great promise as a doll making material due to its low cost, light weight and moldability, celluloid is an extremely flammable substance. There were many tragic accidents both in the factory and with children at home. Once other types of plastic began to be developed, celluloid was abandoned.

Celluloid dolls are somewhat fragile and are found found dented, cracked or shattered completely.

Copyright 2006 by Zendelle Bouchard.