Carlson Dolls are plastic dolls dressed in a variety of costumes,
primarily relating to American history, including numerous Native
American Tribal attire and American Period dress, including
specific historical figures. There are also dolls in various
international attires and female dolls for the different months. Carlson also
produced small leather tipis.
I bought one of these on a trip to Mt. Rushmore when I was
about seven, and collected several on subsequent travels
from the mid eighties to the early nineties. I recently found
a few of these dolls at antique and thrift stores, and wanted
to know more about them, but have found very little
information available online about them, other than sales.
There is a mention of them in
this blog. Given the overall
lack of information available on the internet, I have tried
to compile what I know here. If you have any corrections or
additions you would like to make, please
let me know. I usually only update the page every few months, but I do update. If you are interested in selling your dolls,
please consider eBay
or Craigslist; I am not
looking to buy dolls from individuals at this time.
If you are looking to find out how much your doll is worth,
all I can really suggest is looking at completed auctions to see how much similar dolls have sold for. Common Indian dolls
usually go for $10-12 dollars, some of the rarer dolls like the conquistador might go for $30 or more. Most of these dolls
are not worth too much, though. If I see one of these at an antique shop for $20, I generally feel it is overpriced. Please don't ask
me to price your dolls. If you are looking to sell, I suggest listing them on eBay with a low start price, and letting them to
find their own price, so to speak.
I had been unable to find virtually any information regarding
the company which manufactured Carlson Dolls on the internet,
until, because of this webpage, I was contacted by David Carlson,
the son of company founders Ray and Ann Carlson. Carlson Dolls
was started in 1946 by Ray and Ann Carlson in Maple Lake Minnesota.
The plastic dolls featured on this page did not appear until the
early 1950s. Prior to that, the company produced skookum dolls.
These are the dolls which have a plaster head and a painted wooden body,
with a blanket wrapped around it to make it appear the doll had
folded arms. These dolls had several different faces from young to old;
the ladies had a little baby on the back (just the head).
If you see one with a pair of twins, Carlson the only company to
produce that. These early dolls were sold by the Arrowhead Company.
The company also produced Minnetonkaa Moccasins for Arrowhead,
as well as a line of animal salt and pepper shakers.
In the early 1960s they also made stuffed animals and then ski boots.
These other lines fell off due to Japanese imports, and by the late
1960s, the company was strictly dolls.
At the height of their production Carlson Dolls produced some
500 different dolls, and had 100 employees in their three factory
locations (two in Maple Lake, Minnesota and another in Milan
Minnesota), the factory in Milan being used primarily to
produce the Eskimo dolls. After the death of Ray Carlson,
their son Lowell took over the company, with David being in
charge of West coast sales. In 1997, production was closed
down when they could no longer compete with cheaper (and in
my opinion, lower quality) Chinese copies.
Carlson dolls were primarily sold at tourist locations
in the United States, such as National Parks and sites
of historic interest, and gift shops associated with
these locations.
 
7.5" Regular Dolls: These Dolls are about 7.5 inches tall, and
have movable heads and arms. They have soft hair wigs glued to
the head. They have sleepy eyes which open and close.
 
 
7" Child Dolls: These dolls are the same height as the regular
dolls, but have thicker bodies and larger rubber heads with
childlike faces. They have painted on eyes.
 
 
6" Pudgy Dolls: These Dolls are about 6 inches tall, and
have movable heads and arms. They have soft hair wigs glued to the head.
These dolls are typically used for Native American braves dolls.
 
 
5" Small Rubber Doll: These Dolls are about 6 inches tall, and
have movable heads. They have rooted hair and a
rubbery body. They have large heads with painted on eyes. Thier arms are folded, so they do not have shirt tops.
 
 
4" Toddler Doll: These Dolls are about 4 inches tall, and
have movable heads and arms. They have rooted hair and a
rubbery body. They have painted on eyes. Some of the larger
dolls use these dolls as papooses, such as the Oglala Princess.These dolls may have been sold in a small basket bed.
 
 
2" Papoose: These are solid plastic dolls usually used
as papooses on the 7.5" and 11" dolls.Carlson also made Teepee models that included these dolls.
 
 
11"Large Regular Dolls: Carlson also made larger dolls,
many with the same costumes found on the 7.5" dolls, but with
greater detail. These dolls are around 11 inches tall, and
have soft wigs glued to the head. They have faces similar to
the 7.5" regular dolls with sleepy eyes which open and close.
They use the same 2" papooses as the 7.5" dolls.
 
 
12" Large Toddler: These are rubber dolls with large heads that stand about 12 inches tall.They use the same Papoose dolls as the 7.5 and 11 inch dolls.They are not very common.
 
 
Large Child Dolls: These dolls are around 10.5 inches tall,
and have rooted. They have child-like faces, and with sleepy eyes
which open and close. They carry the same 2" papooses as the
7.5" dolls.
 
 
Very Large Dolls: There were also some dolls in the 18 in range.
These may be mounted on cradleboards as full-size baby dolls, or
dressed in costume. They have more child-like faces than the
regular 7.5" dolls. They have rooted hair and sleepy eyes which
open and close. They carry the 4" toddler dolls as papooses.
 
 
Very Large Porcelain Dolls: These may be mounted on cradleboards
as full-size baby dolls, or dressed in costume. They have more
child-like faces than the regular 7.5" dolls; their skin is
also a lighter tone than the plastic dolls.These were sold at gift
shows but not put in catalogs; these were high end items with a
price mark around $300 retail.
 
 
Purses: Carlson also made several Leather purses with built-in dolls.
The few I have seen have the 6" pudgy dolls in them, but I believe there
may be ones with the 4" of 7" dolls as well.
 
These Dolls come in several different body types:
The dolls with hard bodies were manufactured by Carlson, and in fact, sold
some of their bodies to other companies, who costumed and sold the dolls
under their own labels. Likewise, soft-bodied and porcelain dolls were purchased
by Carlson from outside sources, then costumed and sold under the Carlson label.
The costumes on the dolls can vary greatly; the same dolls may be re-issued
with variations in costume (as in several versions of George Washington) or
may be produced at the same time in many colors or patterns, such as the Pioneer
lady, which may have different hair & eye colors and different dress materials,
even in the same shipment. I have listed variations which I either own or have seen
photographs of, though there are undoubtedly many, many more variations than I could go into here.
This is a list of known Carlson dolls, collected from sales and photos on the
internet, as well as the handful of dolls I have. There are a number of American
Indian dolls from Carlson for which I have no name, so have been listed as
"Indian Doll." There are links to dolls for
which I have photos, unfortunately, I do not have access to all my dolls at the
moment, so have photographed what I can. If you wish to contribute photos or
information on Carlson Dolls you have, please contact me.
Note that there are many dolls which are similar to Carlson dolls, such as Storybook dolls and
other American Indian dolls. I am not looking to add information on dolls form other manufacturers at this time,
as this would simply be too overwhelming.
Doll
Series
Number(s)
Body Type
Known variations
Algonquian Chief Native American   Large Regular Doll White leather garb
Algonquian Princess Native American 10-4W Large Child Doll White leather garb
American Revolutionary Soldier American History   Regular 7.5" Doll Blue & red jacket, tricorn hat
American Soldier American History 8-106 Regular 7.5" Doll Blue & white jacket, red vest, white pants & tricorn hat
Amish Girl American History 8-28 Regular 7.5" Doll Blue & black dress
Amish Boy American History 8-26 Regular 7.5" Doll Black garb
Apache Brave Native American 6-131, 6-133 Pudgy 6" Doll Brown leather garb
Apache Chief Native American 20-131 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown leather garb
White suede garb"
Apache Princess Native American 6-130, 6-132 Pudgy 6" Doll "Brown leather dress
White suede dress"
Apache Princess Native American 20-130, 20-132 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown leather dress
Tan suede dress
White suede dress"
April Girl Other 8-64 Regular 7.5" Doll Yellow & white lace dress
Arapaho Chief Native American 11-83B Large Regular Doll Brown Leather garb
Arapaho Chief Native American 12-19 Regular 7.5" Doll Brown suede garb
Arapaho Princess Native American 12-20, 20-82N Regular 7.5" Doll "White suede dress
Brown suede dress"
Bannock Chief Native American 11-91B Large Regular Doll Brown suede garb
Benjamin Franklin American History 8-121 Regular 7.5" Doll "Violet jacket, red vest & pants
Brown jacket, tan vest & pants
Red jacket, red vest & pants
Brown jacket, turquoise vest & pants"
Betsy Ross American History 8-120 Regular 7.5" Doll "White calico with yellow-brown pattern dress
White Calico with violet pattern dress
Purple & white dress
Dark blue & white dress
Red & white dress
Dark Blue Calico Dress"
Blackfoot Chief Native American 12-4, B-1000-3 Regular 7.5" Doll "Dark brown leather garb
Gray leather garb
Brown leather garb
Tan suede garb
Turquoise leather garb"
Blackfoot Princess Native American 12-6, B-1000-2 Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan suede dress
Brown suede dress
Brown leather dress
Red leather dress"
British General Other 8-102 Regular 7.5" Doll Red & blue jacket, tricorn hat, sword
British Soldier Other 8-101 Regular 7.5" Doll Red & blue jacket, tricorn hat, gun
Buffalo Hunters Princess Native American "50-1000-4
50-1000-6" Child 7.5" Doll "Purple leather dress
Green & brown leather dress"
Canadian Mountie Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Red jacket, brown hat
Central Plains Princess Native American 60-1000-3 Child 7.5" Doll Dark brown leather dress
Cherokee Chief Native American 10-1N Large Child Doll Tan suede garb, black fur
Cherokee Chief Native American 12-23, 8-12-23, A803 Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan suede garb, white fur
Brown suede garb, white fur
Tan leather garb, black fur
"
Cherokee Princess Native American A802, A801, 12-24 Regular 7.5" Doll "Light brown suede dress
Dark brown leather/ tan suede dress"
Cheyenne Chief Native American 10-83N Large Child Doll "Light blue suede garb
Tan suede garb"
Cheyenne Chief Native American 11-83W Large Regular Doll White leather garb
Cheyenne Chief Native American A815 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown suede garb
Tan suede garb"
Cheyenne Princess Native American 10-83, 10-821 Large Child Doll Brown Suede Dress, Turquiose suede dress
Cheyenne Princess Native American 11-82W Large Regular Doll Black Suede dress
Cheyenne Princess Native American 20-82W Regular 7.5" Doll White leather dress
Chippewa Princess Native American 11-22 Large Regular Doll White leather dress
Chippewa First Man Native American   Large Regular Doll White suede garb
Coast Guard Officer American History   Regular 7.5" Doll Dark blue jacket, white pants, hat
Coeur D'Alene Chief Native American 20-111 Regular 7.5" Doll Light blue leather garb
Colonial Girl American History   Regular 7.5" Doll Orange & green dress
Colonial Lady American History 8-122 Regular 7.5" Doll White & blue floral dress
Colonial American Soldier American History 8-106 Regular 7.5" Doll Blue & red jacket, tricorn hat, white vest & pants
Comanche Chief Native American 12-21 Regular 7.5" Doll Beige suede garb
Comanche Princess Native American 12-22 Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan suede dress
White leather dress"
Confederate General American History 8-110 Regular 7.5" Doll Grey uniform
Confederate Soldier American History 8-109 Regular 7.5" Doll Grey uniform
Cowboy American History 8-13 Regular 7.5" Doll "Black pants, plaid shirt, red vest, tan hat
Black pants, red calico shirt, brown vest, tan hat
Brown fur pants, blue calico shirt, black vest, tan hat
Brown fur pants, white calico shirt, grey vest, tan hat
Black pants, tan shirt, brown vest, tan hat
Tan pants, blue shirt, brown vest, tan hat
Tan pants, yellow shirt, tan vest, tan hat
"
Cowgirl American History 8-14 Regular 7.5" Doll "Black skirt, calico shirt, brown vest, tan hat
Tan shirt, brown skirt & vest, tan hat, brunette
Tan hat & vest, brown vest & skirt, blonde hair
Brown skirt, tan vest, blue shirt, brunette
Tan skirt, brown vest, blue shirt, brunette
Orange Skirt & Vest, orange plaid shirt"
Cree Princess Native American B-1000-6 Regular 7.5" Doll "Red & tan leather dress
Brown & tan leather dress
Black & tan leather dress"
Crow Indian Chief Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Bare chest, black suede pants
Crow Princess Native American 10-4BI Large Child Doll Tan suede dress
Crow Princess Native American 20-104 Regular 7.5" Doll Tan leather dress
Dakota Chief Native American 10-91R Large Child Doll Red suede garb
Dakota Chief Native American   Large Regular Doll Red Suede garb
Dakota Princess Native American   Large Regular Doll Red suede dress
Danish Boy Other 8-49 Regular 7.5" Doll Black & white garb, red hat
Danish Girl Other 8-44 Regular 7.5" Doll Black & white garb, red hat
December Girl Other 8-43 Regular 7.5" Doll Red velevt dress with white fur
Drummer American History   Regular 7.5" Doll "Green Vest, small drum
Blue & white jacket, bass drum"
Drummer Boy American History 8-117 Regular 7.5" Doll Dark blue & gold suede uniform
Drummer Boy of '76 American History   Regular 7.5" Doll Blue jacket; shorter than other dolls
Drummer Man of '76 American History 8-118 Regular 7.5" Doll "Red, white & blue garb
Green vest & white garb"
Dutch Boy Other 8-39 Regular 7.5" Doll Pink satin garb & white vest
Early American Woman (Girl) American History B-1000-26 Regular 7.5" Doll "Red & white checkered dress
Brown & Blue calico pattern dress"
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 10-236 Large Child Doll White fur garb with hood
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 10-238 Large Child Doll Brown fur with yellow trim
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 6-233 Pudgy 6" Doll "White fur garb, black boots
White fur garb, white boots, Paddle"
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 6-235 Pudgy 6" Doll Brown fur garb, black & white boots
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 6-237 Pudgy 6" Doll Brown fur garb, white boots
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 6-283 Pudgy 6" Doll Dark brown coat with fur trim, tan boots
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Brown fur garb with yellow accents
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll White coat with grey fur trim
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 8-237 Regular 7.5" Doll Brown fur garb, white boots
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 8-242 Regular 7.5" Doll Blue velvet garb with white fur trim
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 11-237 Large Regular Doll Black velvet garb with Brown fur trim
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 3-4 Toddler Doll Gray/white fursuit
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American   Very Large Doll Blue fur garb with gray fur trim
Eskimo (Inuit) Native American 18-236 Very Large Doll "Brown fur garb, brown boots
White fur garb, white boots"
Eskimo Papoose Native American 8-EC-6 Pudgy 6" Doll Brown fur wrapping
Eskimo Papoose in Pouch Native American 308 Pudgy 6" Doll "Brown outfit lined in white fur with pouch
Brown outfit lined in grey fur with pouch"
February Girl Other 8-34 Regular 7.5" Doll Red dress with white lace
Fox Chief Native American 11-83N Large Regular Doll Tan suede garb
Fox Chief Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Tan suede garb
Fox Chief Native American 18-1W Very Large Doll White Leather garb
Fox Princess Native American 11-408 Large Regular Doll Brown leather dress
French Boy Other 8-75 Regular 7.5" Doll White garb, red hat & sash
French Trader Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Yellow shirt, brown vest & pants
Frontier Lady American History 8-18 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brunette, brown & peach patterned dress
Dark blue calico dress, pink calico pinafore
Brunette, white & brown patterned dress
Brunette, dark green dress & white calico pinafore
Brunette, dark blue & white calico dress /pinafore
Brunette, Blue calico dress & blue gingham pinafore"
Frontiersman American History 8-131, 8-9 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown leather garb
Tan suede garb"
Gay 90's American History 9-16 Regular 7.5" Doll Black & White Dress
George Washington American History 8-103 Regular 7.5" Doll "Uniform Dark blue jacket, white trim & pants, tricorn hat
Black jacket with lace trim, violet pants & tricorn hat"
George Washington - General American History 8-116 Regular 7.5" Doll Blue & white uniform with sword
German Boy Other 8-58 Regular 7.5" Doll Yellow shirt, brown skirt & tan pants
German Boy Other 8-59 Regular 7.5" Doll Yellow shirt, brown vest & tan pants
Girl Scout American History 8-78 Regular 7.5" Doll Green & white uniform
Hawaiian Girl Native American 50-20 Child 7.5" Doll Flowered top, green grass skirt
Hawaiian Girl Native American 8-20 Regular 7.5" Doll Flowered top, green grass skirt
Hiawatha Native American 8-205 Regular 7.5" Doll White & turquiose garb
Indian Brave Native American 5-10 Small Rubber Doll Brown Suede Pants
Indian Chief Native American 18-1 Very Large Doll Dark brown suede garb
Indian Doll in Blue-gray Dress Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Gray leather dress
Indian Doll in Brown & Blue Dress Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Brown & turquoise suede dress
Indian Hunter in Brown Garb Native American 20-133 Regular 7.5" Doll Brown suede garb
Infantry American History 8-129 Regular 7.5" Doll Tan leather garb with fringe, tricorn hat
Iroquois Chief Native American 12-13 Regular 7.5" Doll White leather garb
Iroquois Princess Native American 12-14 Regular 7.5" Doll White leather dress
January Girl Other 8-33 Regular 7.5" Doll White velvet fur-lined dress
Jenny (pioneer girl) American History 8-150 Regular 7.5" Doll Brown gingham dress
John Alden American History 8-61 Regular 7.5" Doll "Black Suit
Blue-gray suit"
July Girl Other 8-66 Regular 7.5" Doll Red, white & blue dress with lace skirt
June Girl Other 8-23 Regular 7.5" Doll White Wedding Dress
Kiowa Eagle Dancer Native American 20-100 Regular 7.5" Doll White leather garb with feathers
Lady of 76 American History 8-124 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown & White Calico Dress
Blue, Red & While Calico Dress"
Laguna Chief Native American 803 Regular 7.5" Doll Brown leather garb
Lapland Boy Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Dark blue garb with red & yellow trim
Lapland Girl Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Dark blue garb with red & yellow trim
Mandan Chief Native American 12-11 Regular 7.5" Doll Tan leather garb
Mandan Princess Native American 12-12 Regular 7.5" Doll "White suede dress with red eagle
White leather dress with red eagle
White leather dress with blue eagle"
Mahican Chief Native American CW-1151 Large Regular Doll Tan suede garb
March Girl Other 8-63 Regular 7.5" Doll Green satin dress
Martha Washington American History 8-104 Regular 7.5" Doll "Light blue & white dress
Blue & white dress
Red & white dress
Peach & white dress
Yellow & white dress
Purple & white dress
Lime green & white dress
Periwinkle Satin & white dress
Light blue calico & white dress
Dark blue & white dress
Black Calico & white dress
Yellow & white dress
Dark blue/teal floral print dress"
May Girl Other 8-32 Regular 7.5" Doll Pink & white lace dress
Mescalero Apache Chief Native American A809 Regular 7.5" Doll Tan suede garb
Mescalero Apache Princess Native American A808 Regular 7.5" Doll Grey & tan suede dress
Mescalero Chief Native American 12-3 Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan leather garb
Light blue leather garb"
Mescalero Princess Native American A807, 12-4 Regular 7.5" Doll "White leather & turquiose suede dress
Grey suede dress
Gray leather dress"
Mexican Boy Other Regular 7.5" Doll Black pants, White vest red sash & straw sombrero
Minitaree Princess Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Tan leather dress, blue beads
Minnehaha Native American 8-206 Regular 7.5" Doll White suede dress
Minuteman American History 8-123, 8-9 Regular 7.5" Doll "Red vest, brown jacket & pants, tricorn hat
Red vest, blue jacket, tan pants & tricorn hats"
Miss Liberty American History 8-66 Regular 7.5" Doll Red, White & Blue Lacy Dress
Missouri Princess Native American B-1000-4 Regular 7.5" Doll "Light brown leather dress
Dark brown leather dress
Red-brown leather dress"
Mohawk Brave Native American 6-31C Pudgy 6" Doll "Blue leather garb
Magenta leather garb"
Mohawk Brave Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan leather garb
White leather garb"
Mohawk Princess Native American 5-30, 6-30B Pudgy 6" Doll "Turquoise leather dress
Brown suede dress"
Mohawk Princess Native American 12-14 Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan suede dress
White leather dress"
Mohawk Warrior Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Tan suede garb
Molly Pitcher American History 8-126 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown & yellow dress
Blue patterned dress"
Mono Chief Native American A811 Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan leather garb
Brown leather garb"
Mono Princess Native American A810 Regular 7.5" Doll Brown leather dress
Monticello Guard Native American 8-106 Regular 7.5" Doll Blue & red jacket, tricorn hat
Moravian Girl Other   Regular 7.5" Doll "Blonde with green dress
Brunette with yellow dress"
Mountain Chief Native American 12-17 Regular 7.5" Doll Dark brown leather garb
Mountain Princess Native American 12-18 Regular 7.5" Doll Dark brown leather dress
Navajo Brave Native American 6-13 Pudgy 6" Doll "Green shirt, white pants
Maroon Shirt, white pants
Yellow shirt, white pants"
Navajo Chief Native American 10-15 Large Child Doll Maroon velvet short & white leather pants
Navajo Chief Native American 11-15 Large Regular Doll Purple shirt, white pants
Navajo Chief Native American 8-31, B-1000-19 Regular 7.5" Doll "Maroon shirt with white pants
Purple shirt with white pants
Black shirt with white pants"
Navajo Chief Native American 18-13, 18-13R Very Large Doll Maroon shirt with white pants
Navajo Princess Native American 10-13 Large Child Doll Turquoise velvet shirt & maroon velvet skirt
Navajo Princess Native American 11-13 Large Regular Doll Turquoise shirt, maroon skirt
Navajo Princess Native American 6-14 Pudgy 6" Doll "Maroon velvet top with velvet turquoise skirt
Turquoise velvet top with velvet maroon skirt
Maroon velvet top with velvet purple skirt
Maroon velvet top with velvet dark green skirt
Orange velvet top with velvet dark green skirt
Black velvet top with velvet maroon skirt"
Navajo Princess Native American 8-1, B-1000-18 Regular 7.5" Doll "Yellow top with green skirt
Maroon velvet top with velvet turquoise skirt
Maroon velvet top with cloth turquoise skirt
Black velvet top & purple satin skirt
Maroon velvet top with cloth turquoise skirt
Pink velvet top with purple velvet skirt
Black velvet top with maroon velvet skirt"
Navajo Princess Native American 18-12B Very Large Doll Turquoise velvet shirt & maroon velvet skirt
Naval Officer American History 8-113 Regular 7.5" Doll Dark blue uniform
Nez Perce Chief Native American 12-7, A823 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown suede garb with tipi
White suede garb with tipi
Brown suede garb with fringe"
Nez Perce Princess Native American 12-8, 12-8N Regular 7.5" Doll "White suede dress with tipi
Dark brown & red dress
Brown suede dress with tipi"
Norwegian Boy Other 8-45 Regular 7.5" Doll "Red shirt, black pants
Blue shirt, black pants"
Norwegian Girl Other 8-46 Regular 7.5" Doll Red shirt, black pants
October Girl Other 8-62 Regular 7.5" Doll Orange dress, mask & lantern
Oglala Chief Native American 12-1, A817 Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan leather garb
Brown suede garb
Brown leather garb"
Oglala Princess Native American 12-2, 18-2W, 20-62W Regular 7.5" Doll "White Leather dress
Brown Leather dress
Brown suede dress"
Oglala Princess Native American   Very Large Doll White Leather Dress
Oglala Sioux Princess Native American A816 Regular 7.5" Doll White Leather dress
Old Crow Chief Native American 20-106 Regular 7.5" Doll Black leather leggings
Osage Chief Native American 11-91N Large Regular Doll White leather garb with lots of beads
Osage Chief Native American "20-91A
20-91W" Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan leather garb, beaded eagle
White leather garb with lots of beads"
Osage Princess Native American 10-628-L, 10-62R, 10-62 Large Child Doll "Light blue suede dress
Red Suede Dress
Brown Suede Dress"
Osage Princess Native American   Large Regular Doll Tan suede dress
Osage Princess Native American 20-62a Regular 7.5" Doll Tan leather dress
Paiute Princess Native American 20-108 Regular 7.5" Doll Tan suede dress, baskets
Papoose in Pouch Native American 3-1 Toddler Doll "Tan leather dress, dark brown suede with tipi
Tan dress, red leather pouch with arrowhead
Red suede dress, brown leather pouch with eagle"
Papoose on Cradleboard Native American 18-25-SI Very Large Doll Tan suede wrapping, blue beadwork
Paul Revere American History 8-114 Regular 7.5" Doll "Dark brown jacket, tan vest & pants
Dark green jacket, tan vest & pants"
Pawnee Hoop Dancer Native American 20-102 Regular 7.5" Doll White leather garb
Penobscot Chief Native American 20-75B Regular 7.5" Doll Brown leather garb
Pequot Chief Native American 20-75W Regular 7.5" Doll White leather garb
Pequot Princess Native American 20-76W Regular 7.5" Doll White leather dress
Pilgrim Boy American History   Pudgy 6" Doll Gray & white garb
Pilgrim Boy American History   Regular 7.5" Doll Gray & white garb
Pilgrim Girl American History   Pudgy 6" Doll Gray & white dress
Pilgrim Man American History   Regular 7.5" Doll Black & white garb
Pilgrim Woman American History   Regular 7.5" Doll Dark blue & white dress
Pioneer Boy American History 8-9 Regular 7.5" Doll Tan suede garb
Pioneer Woman/Girl American History 8-12 Regular 7.5" Doll "Red & white dress
Brown & yellow dress
Blue calico dress & yellow apron
Yellow calico dress & blue apron
Dark calico dress & blue apron
Dark calico dress & orange apron"
Pirate Other 8-115 Regular 7.5" Doll "Red jacket
Green Jacket"
Plains Chief Native American 50-1000-3 Child 7.5" Doll Tan suede garb
Pocahantas Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll White suede dress
Polish Boy Other 8-79 Regular 7.5" Doll Black, white & red garb
Polish Girl Other 8-80 Regular 7.5" Doll Black vest, white shirt, red skirt
Powhatan Princess Native American 12-10 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown suede dress
Brown leather dress"
Priscilla Aiden/ November Girl (pilgrim girl) American History 8-60 Regular 7.5" Doll Gray & white dress
Pueblo Chief Native American 8-7 Regular 7.5" Doll Borwn suede garb
Purse Doll Native American 6-16 Pudgy 6" Doll "Tan leather
Brown leather
Light blue leather
Red leather
Pink Leather"
Rain Cloud Princess Native American AC-PJ-6 Regular 7.5" Doll Blue leather dress
Robin Hood Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Green leather garb & feathered cap
Sacajawea Native American 11-202 Large Regular Doll White suede dress with blue bead accents
Sacajawea Native American 8-202 Regular 7.5" Doll White suede dress with blue bead accents
Sacajawea Native American   Very Large Doll White suede dress with blue bead accents
Santa Other 8-24 Regular 7.5" Doll Red & white fur garb
Scottish Boy Other 8-71 Regular 7.5" Doll "Green tartan kilt
Red tartan kilt"
Scottish Girl Other 8-70 Regular 7.5" Doll White shirt w/ red tartan skirt
Seminole Princess Native American 11-16 Large Regular Doll Red, yellow & black cloth dress
Seminole Princess Native American 6-18 Pudgy 6" Doll Yellow, blue, red & black dress
Seneca Chief Native American A-805 Regular 7.5" Doll White Leather Garb
Seneca Princess Native American A-806 Regular 7.5" Doll White & Brown Leather Dress
September Girl Other 8-68 Regular 7.5" Doll Pink satin dress
Shoshoni Chief Native American 10-83T Large Child Doll Turquoise suede garb
Shoshoni Chief Native American 11-83T Large Regular Doll Turquoise suede garb
Shoshoni Chief Native American 20-83, 20-83T Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown suede garb
Turquoise suede garb"
Shoshoni Princess Native American 10-82T Large Child Doll Turqoise suede dress
Shoshoni Princess Native American 20-82, 20-82T, 12-9 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown suede dress
Turquoise suede dress
Tan Suede dress"
Sioux Chief Native American 10-41W Large Child Doll "White leather garb with blue beads
White leather garb with red beads"
Sioux Chief Native American 20-23W Regular 7.5" Doll White leather beaded garb
Sioux Chief Native American 18-1B Very Large Doll Tan suede garb
Sioux Medicine Man Native American B-1000-1 Regular 7.5" Doll "Turquoise fleece blanket
Plaid fleece blanket
Red fleece blanket"
Sioux Princess Native American 10-40B Large Child Doll Brown suede dress
Sioux Princess Native American 11-40w Large Regular Doll White leather dress with blue beading
Sioux Princess Native American Regular 7.5" Doll White suede dress
Sioux Princess Native American 18-2B Very Large Doll Brown suede dress
Ski Boy Other 8-87 Regular 7.5" Doll "Blue suede & white fur garb
Red suede & blue fur garb"
Ski Girl Other 8-88 Regular 7.5" Doll "Red suede & blue fur garb
Green suede & white fur garb
Black suede & pink fur garb"
Snake Dancer Native American 20-107 Regular 7.5" Doll Bare chest, white leather skirt
Spanish Boy Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Black pants & hat, white shirt
Spanish Conquistador Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Black & colored striped garb
Storybook Girl Other 6-64 Pudgy 6" Doll Floral dress with white lace trim, boquet
Storybook Girl Other 6-65 Pudgy 6" Doll Blue dress with white lace trim
Suede Tipi with Eagle Design Native American FW 9-10 Tipi
Swedish Girl Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Blue & yellow dress
Tepee Chief Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Brown leather garb with red & white beading
Thomas Jefferson American History   Regular 7.5" Doll Black jacket & vest, purple pants
Toddler Indian Doll Native American 3-6, 3-2 Toddler Doll "White leather dress
Brown leather dress
Brown suede dress
Red leather dress"
Uncle Sam American History 8-65 Regular 7.5" Doll Red, white & blue garb
Union General American History 8-108 Regular 7.5" Doll Dark blue uniform
Union Soldier American History 8-107 Regular 7.5" Doll Dark blue uniform
Wahpeton Chief Native American 12-15 Regular 7.5" Doll "Brown suede garb, black fur bedroll
Tan leather garb, black fur bedroll"
Wahpeton Princess Native American 12-16 Regular 7.5" Doll "Tan suede dress
Tan leather dress"
Welsh Maid Other   Regular 7.5" Doll Red & white dress with black hat
West Point Cadet American History 8-112 Regular 7.5" Doll Grey shirt, white pants
Wichita Princess Native American A820 Regular 7.5" Doll Brown leather dress
Winnebago Chief Native American 10-1R Large Child Doll "Red suede garb
White suede garb"
Winnebago Chief Native American 11-1B Large Regular Doll Brown suede garb
Winnebago Chief Native American   Regular 7.5" Doll Tan suede garb
Winnebago Princess Native American 10-4N,10-4,10-4BL, 10-4-W Large Child Doll "Tan suede dress
Purple leather dress
White leather dress"
Winnebago Princess Native American 11-4B Large Regular Doll Brown suede dress
Winnebago Princess Native American 20-62N Regular 7.5" Doll Tan suede dress
Woodland Indian Brave Native American 6-1000-3 Pudgy 6" Doll Brown leather garb
Woodland Indian Princess Native American 50-10 Child 7.5" Doll Brown leather dress
Woodland Indian Princess Native American 6-1000-6 Pudgy 6" Doll Brown leather dress
Wounded Soldier American History 8-119 Regular 7.5" Doll Blue & gold jacket
Yakima Chief Native American 805 Regular 7.5" Doll Brown leather garb
Zuni Princess Native American 8-4 Regular 7.5" Doll
 
There are many, many dolls out there that are very similar to the Carlson brand dolls, many of which are often misidentified as Carlson dolls. There vary greatly in quality and design. Some were made in America, often by Native American people. Many others are imitation Chinese imports, which often use fake leather, and less authentic design, incorporating bright colors.
These are two brands which are most similar to Carlson, though they do not have nearly as many kinds of dolls, and seem limited to Native American Indian styles only:
Made by the Cherokees Dolls
These dolls use a similar mold to the standard 7.5 inch Carlson dolls. Their costumes are not of the same quality or detailing of Carlson Dolls; cute dolls, though. These came with a wooden heart shaped stand, and a paper tag stamped with the name of the person who assembled the doll. I am not sure what dates these were made, but bought several from around 1987-1992.
Heritage Dolls, A Division of Sunbell Corporation
These dolls have a similar face to Carlson dolls, and good quality and detailed costumes. These were sold boxed, and may have also been sold unboxed. These dolls may have either come with a rectangular stand, which was either clear or transparent brown, or have a rectangular cardboard tag stand attached directly to the feet by glue or staple. The packaging for these dolls indicates that they were Reservation Crafted by the Oglala Sioux.
I am not sure when these were made, but do know I bought one in South Dakota around 1987. These have slimmer legs than the Carlson mold, and no molded shoes on the feet.
These are non-Carlson dolls which I currently or have owned. While I am NOT currently adding info on non-carlson dolls from outside sources, I have included the few I own or have owned.
 
Doll | Series | Orgin | Body Type |
---|---|---|---|
Eskimo Doll | Native American | Heritage Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Eskimo Hunter Doll | Native American | Heritage Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Indian Doll in White Leather Dress | Native American | Heritage Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Iroquois Indian Doll | Native American | Heritage Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Sioux Buffalo Chief Doll | Native American | Heritage Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Sioux Indian Dancer Doll | Native American | Heritage Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Indian in Turquoise Dress | Native American | Made by Cherokee Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Indian in White Dress | Native American | Made by Cherokee Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Navaho Indian in Purple Dress | Native American | Made by Cherokee Dolls | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Girl Doll in Flower Dress w/ Hat | Other | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Girl Doll in Pink Dress | Other | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Indian Chief in Tan Garb | Native American | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Indian Doll in White Dress w/eagle | Native American | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Indian in Buckskin Garb | Native American | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Indian in White Leather Garb | Native American | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Indian in White Leather Garb | Native American | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Santa Fe Indian Doll | Native American | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Scottish Boy Doll | Other | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Scottish Girl Doll | Other | Unknown | Regular 7.5" Doll |
Special Thanks
Extra special thanks to David Carlson, the son of Ray and Ann Carlson, who provided invaluable information about the company. Thanks David!
I would also like to thank Eric Yu, who generously sent me the Blackfoot Chief doll!
Thanks to Sherri Lynn Greenwald for information on the Ski Girl in pink and black garb.
Thanks to Stephanie Yarolin for the information on the Nez Perce Princess in red & brown garb.
Thanks to Jill Stanton for the information about the Frontier Lady in the dark green dress.
Thanks to Linda for the information on the Confederate General.
Thanks to Jann Dagg for the information about the very large Fox Chief and Oglala Princess dolls
Thanks to Donna Hulen for the information on the Zuni Princess & Eskimo dolls.
Thanks to Angela for the photo photo and info on the Cheyenne Princess large child doll.
Thanks to Kevin Ameele for the info and photo on the January Girl.
Thanks to Noel for the info & photos on the very large Sioux Princess and Indian Chief dolls.
Thanks to Ellie for the photos and info on the Lady of '76 and the Mandan Princess photo.
Thanks to Michelle W. for the info & photo on the Indian Hunter in Brown Garb , 20-133.
Thanks to Suzy W. for the photo on the Early American Girl.
Thanks to Ester for the info on the Purple Bestsy Ross dress.
Thanks to Catalina for the photos of the large Oglala Princess Doll.
Thanks to Codi B. for the photos of the Eskimo Toddler Doll
Thanks to Nancy M. for the info on the Algonquian Princess Doll.
Thank you to Janice C. for the photo of the Amish Boy Doll.
Thank you to Courtney K. for the photos of the Polish Girl, Eskimo & Cowgirl Dolls.
 
This page went live August 26th, 2010. This page last updated June 12th, 2019.
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