Name: Miss Peep
Made by and When: Cameo Doll Products, late-1950s through the 1960s
Material: Vinyl with hinged joints at the upper arms and upper legs
Marks: Head is marked U__/ CAMEO © (The underscore represents illegible characters.)
Height: 15 inches
Hair, Eyes, Mouth: Sculpted and painted dark brown hair, brown inset eyes, closed mouth
Clothes: Original pink flannel romper, matching hat, and original Miss Peep wrist tag (see gallery photos of wrist tag).
Other: Representing a lifelike (for the times) newborn baby, Miss Peep was sold in the late 1950s through the 1960s. Black and White versions were made; the White version was more common. Most versions have hinged joints at the hips and shoulders that allow the arms and legs to rotate completely as well as move back and forth. (See the gallery photos.) A version with regular flange joints was also made. The design for Miss Peep was later licensed to another company after Cameo closed, as the doll was advertised under the name Baby Wendy at least as late as 1973. It is unknown if a Black Baby Wendy was produced. (Portions of this description, which have now been archived, originated from VintageDollCollector.com.)
A 1970s version of Miss Peep is described on page 111 of Black Dolls an Identification and Value Guide 1820 to 1991 by Myla Perkins (Collector Books, 1993) as, “Miss Peep,” 15″ tall. Vinyl head with stationary brown inset eyes, molded, painted hair; vinyl squeaker body with hinged legs and arms. All original in white robe trimmed in pink. Marks: USE 53 CAMEO, on head; CAMEO, on body. Early 1970s. Collection of Julie Perkins Scott.”
The manufacturer’s wrist tag of the doll in this installation describes Miss Peep’s movements as, “She flops her arms; hug (press) her body — she coos; pinch her arms — she cries.”
Gallery
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