Dawn Dolls

Dawn dolls were released by Topper Toys in 1970, and although only produced for three years, Dawn is probably the most popular of the smaller fashion dolls. Standing only 6 ½ inches tall, Dawn has a hard plastic body with a twist waist and bendable rubber legs, long blonde hair, blue eyes and long rooted eyelashes. Initially her friends were Angie, with long brown hair and brown eyes (although some have been found with green or blue eyes), Glori, with long red hair and green eyes and Dale, a black doll with short black curly hair and black or brown eyes (although some have been found with green eyes). Other dolls were introduced to the line over the years. Three male friends were introduced in 1971. Gary is a brunette with blue eyes, Ron is a blonde with blue eyes and Van is a black doll with black hair and brown eyes. All the male dolls have painted hair.
As well as the standard version of Dawn, new versions were released. These included The Dancing Dolls - when an arm is moved the dolls head and torso twist making the doll

dance, the Head to Toe dolls - the dolls had short hair and attachable hair pieces, the Model Agency dolls - dolls in evening wear, complete with jewellry and modelling portfolios, and the Majorette dolls - when one arm is moved the other swings in a marching motion.
Dawn is making a comeback with re-productions of the original dolls being released by Checkerboard Toys. Dawn, Angie, Glori and Dale are back in re-productions of their original outfits and boxes.

Identification:

Dawn and her friends carry a stamp on the back of the head consisting of a number or series of numbers and a letter (e.g. K10). There are several variations in these head markings. The dolls are marked on the buttocks with a copyright date (e.g. © 1970) followed by 'Topper Corp Hong Kong'. The male dolls have no head markings but carry the same markings on the buttocks as the female dolls.

Accessories:

The dolls were sold in several outfits in the three years they were available and almost 100 separate outfits were released for Dawn and her friends. All of the outfits had names and were very well detailed.
Dawn also had several accessories including cars, an apartment, a beauty parlor, disco and fashion parade stage.

Restoration:

It is hard to find played with dolls in good condition. The knee joint breaks quite easily so that the legs no longer 'click', the hair is easily damaged and the lashes are easily pushed back into the head. The dolls are prone to uneven fading and green/blue spot on the legs (see restoration page).

Reference:

       The new re-production Dawn can be purchsed in Australia through The doll and Toy Gallery. Contact Mary info@glamgal.net or write to The Doll and Toy Gallery, PO Box 256 Box Hill Victoria 3128.

       www.dawnandherworld.com/index.html - contains information about the new release of Dawn and her friends as well as Vintage Dawn. Lots of info and links to other resources.

       www.mcn.net/~starbase/dawn/ - contains information about the book 'Dawn and her world. A collector's identification and price guide.' By Joedi Johnson. Also sales list and want list.