Catalogue Title:

       1921 Lenci Sales Samples Catalogue (Showing items available for that year)
                   -- Replica : A modern reprint of the original wholesale samples brochure.  

Details about this publication:

      Replica (with extra suppliments) of the original 1921 offerings to wholesale buyers, for retail toy shops. 
           -- 30 pages, in very good, like new condition.  Flex covers, cloth binding.  
           -- Replica/reprint published 2015 Library Archive Services Co.

Profusely illustrated, minimal text.

Wonderfully reproduced in color showing all sorts of dolls and Lenci items. Includes model numbers and doll sizes. Although original is in b/w, being reproduced in color gives greater clarity, and the loveliness of the original catalogue from which it was made.

A delightful look at fabulous beautiful and rare Italian felt dolls.  Many models never seen before. WOW, what a joy.
   --- An absolute MUST HAVE for the Lenci collector.

Includes the complete original 10 pages from the 1921 catalog, and 6 enlargements of the smaller pictures as well as 10 pages of supplemental related Lenci ephemera, postcards, era adverts. Total of 30 pages.

Ideal catalog for doll artists, collectors, restorers, and antique dealers in finely made Italian felt cloth toys from the early and mid 20th Century.

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.)  -- Source: Wikipedia --

Soft cover, paperback edition in very good condition, with typical slight wear to edges and spine from being moved around the shop, stored flat.

Firmly readable, ideal for reference and collecting.   Very nice.  
            Clean Text.  Very Good condition.  Text is in English. 
            Reproduced directly from the original.

-- Defects: None found. 
                  **** Some sections from the original source may have used smaller text,
                         thus those sections of the reprint may be a little hard to read.                

Modern, undated replica.    -- Facsimile edition

  Enjoy!