Item description for Lenci (1938) CATALOG 550+ Felt DOLLS mascots lady BABY baskets TOYS games teaset

Modern Catalog, reproduced from the original trade sample advertisement.

Company/Creator:

      Lenci Company, Torino Italy.
         -- Directors/Creators: Elena & Enrico Di Scavini and Pilade & Beppe Garella,
         -- Garella Group Ars, Ars Lenci

Catalogue Title:

Lenci S.A. Catalog of Felt Dolls, Toys, Puppets, Homegoods, Babydolls, and Other Finely Made Soft Craftwares (1938-1939) Torino, Made In Italy

Details about this publication:

      Reprinting of the original late 1930s trade samples catalog of Lenci toys, dolls, puppets and household goods.
           -- 60 pages, in very good, like new condition. Glossy, flex covers, cloth spine binding.
           -- Replica/reprint published by Portable Trunk Publishers. (undated, modern edition).

Profusely illustrated "Trade Samples Catalog", a guide for collectors that includes some of the rarely seen pieces. Catalog includes dolls, baby dolls, bassinets, toys, handbags, puppets, baskets, games, tea sets and much more Lifestyle Accessories, Mid Century appeal. ~~ Wowza!

A delightful look at the huge range of Lenci creations prior to the demolition of the factory during WWII. The variety is stunning. Over 550 separate items shown, plus a large number of associated items including furniture, flowers, toys and various animals nestled in with the dolls and toys.

Ideal catalog for collectors, designers, prop houses, doll and toy designers, restorers or dealers of specialty dolls, novelty toys and house wares. Reproduced in full from the original trade sample catalog.

Shows model numbers of all items and some of the names of the dolls.

About the company:

Lenci dolls are wool felt dolls that feature heat-pressed wool faces with painted features. They typically have intricately made wool and organdy clothing, adorned with elaborate felt flowers, hats, and/or accoutrements. They are at the top end of the luxury goods market. Today they are considered highly prized collectibles.

The Lenci Company (1918-2001) was established in Turin (Torino) by Enrico di Scavini and Elena (nee Konig) Scavini after World War I, around 1918. They received a patent for their process for pressing the heads in 1919. The Lenci company produced not only high quality dolls, but luxury goods, toys, puppets, and household wares, including decorative ceramics that were primarily sold in the United States, Europe, and Japan. In the company's heyday, they had over 10,000 items in their product line.

In 1933 The Scavini's took on two partners, giving up two thirds of the company. One third went to Bassoli, the company that made the wool felt cloth for Lenci, and the other third went to brothers Flavio and Pilade Garella, who put up the much needed cash to keep the company afloat after the Great Depression. In 1936 the Scavini's sold their remaining interests in the Lenci Company to the Garella brothers. Elena stayed on as its creative director until her husband Enrico died at the end of 1938.

The name "Lenci" originally comes from the family nickname of Elena di Scavina (who is also known as Helen Konig di Scavini.)

The "Early Lenci Period" refers to dolls and other products manufactured when Elena was creative director for the Lenci Company. No cost of time or money was spared to achieve the most exquisite design elements of their product lines and brand. Top illustrators and designers, including Marcel Dudovich, were hired to sketch new styles for doll models and home goods.

-- Source: Wikipedia

Paper / Soft cover reprint edition in very good condition, flex covers, bound, a sturdy book with typical slight wear to edges and spine from being moved around the shop, stored flat. Overall wonderful copy, informative resource. It would make a great gift for the fan in your life, even if that's you.    Stored flat.

Firmly readable, ideal for reference and collecting.   Very nice.   Clean Text. Very Good condition. Text is in English/Italian.
            Reproduced directly from the original. Modern, undated reprint. -- Facsimile edition

-- Defects: General wear from being moved around the shop. Otherwise none found.
                 ** With any trade catalogs, some of the text may be small, so it could be a little hard to read, or original paper
                          quality was low. ** Please see our photos, that show the quality of the pages.

Enjoy! Connecting people to the books they want to enjoy if what we love to do. Thank you!

Location: From inventory, Lenci 1938 Catalog