"Jolly Boy" and similar style sailor dolls were made popular in the late 1920's by Norah Wellings. They were later produced by Peggy Nisbit during the sixties and into the eighties. These cute little sailor boys were novelty souvenirs for various cruise and Navy ships. Over 100,000 were sold by crews on the dockyards during Navy week. Cunard, as well as other cruise companies sold them to passengers to commemorate their trip. The name of the vessel was printed on the hat band.
Reminiscient of the kewpie dolls with their smiling faces, "Jolly Boy's" by Wellings and Nisbit are sought after collectibles.
Source: norahwellingsjournal.blogspot.com
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