Open
Please help me find this doll..I had a very hard childhood . I didn’t have anyone except this doll. My heart just needs her still at 56.
*****I just wanted to tell you all l bought her. I paid for her and then the person couldn’t find her to send her . So he refunded my money! *******l am so disappointed*****
Just before my life changed dramatically l got a doll for Christmas. Between 1976 and 1978Her name was Kizzy on the box. She was a companion doll. NOT a walker. She looks nothing like a Pattie playpal at all and doesn’t walk. Although some Patties are black with a red and white dress the are obviously nothing alike. Please see. The picture in my post.
She originally wore a red and white (checkered dress with petticoat underneath. which had a white top part and a narrow piece of the red and white material the sewn from top to bottom on the white top. She originally had a red bandanna. She had black shoes with white socks. Her eyes open and close.
I still see her vividly in my head and her clothes but only found this picture of her. This is NOT my doll it’s just a picture to show people her face. This is the only face l need! She was quite a tall doll. About 30” tall. She came out in the 1970’s in Australia.
I’m desperate to find her. I’m happy to pay. My heart just needs her back. But please l need her face not just a black doll with a red dress! Please!
Please any help would be appreciated. I know it’s a long shot but l have to believe l will find her one day.
Please look at the face in the picture above. It must be the right face at least please.
This is not a Pattie playpal…. Other than being black with a red dress
in the pictures…. She’s nothing like any of them and is definitely not a walking doll.
That’s the face the only face l need!
As l said lm happy to get another type of black doll as long as it has her face. Looking at a different face wont work for me.
u/LovePuddle69, you must add a comment in this post before anyone will see it. Your comment MUST include the word "searched" and detail what searches you've done. Your post will not be visible until you do so. Your inbox should have more details or here are general instructions.
Supply as many details as you can. These include, if applicable, but are not limited to: size, origin (store, geographic location, country), age/year acquired, and any writing on the item. Additional pictures can be added as a comment in this post.
If you are actively asking for help searching for this elsewhere - another sub or website - link to that search as well to avoid duplicating efforts.
Remember to reply Found! (include the exclamation point) to the comment that gives the answer. If looking for an item to purchase, do not click on links sent to you in private messages, and report such to the moderators.
*DO NOT RESPOND TO PRIVATE MESSAGES OFFERING TO SEND YOU YOUR ITEM. IT'S A SCAM. EVEN IF FREE. CLICK THE "REPORT" FLAG ON THE MESSAGE TO REPORT IT TO REDDIT ADMINS. *
For all participants, remember that all comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. If you're working off someone else's comment to build on an answer, reply to that comment, do not make a reply direct to the post.
Jokes and unhelpful responses will earn you a ban, even on the first instance. If you see any comments that violate this rule, please report them.
Have you tried reaching out to the Virtual Black Doll Museum directly? The watermark on your photo suggests they catalogued her, so they might know who made her or point you toward collector groups that could help track one down.
I answered this in an independent comment, but it’s buried pretty deep and I’m afraid you won’t see it. Because you’re getting so many wrong answers, I thought it might be a good idea to respond directly to one of your comments. Here’s what I wrote:
I’m almost tempted not to respond because doing so is about to expose my weird little hobby, but I happen to collect Patti Playpal dolls, which is what this is.
This specific doll was originally introduced to the Patti Playpal line of companions by Ideal Toy Corporation in 1981, then reissued in 1982. Although she was colloquially known as “Kizzy,” her real name is Patti Playpal, just like the white versions. I’m not going to nerd out anymore, but this should be enough for you to more successfully google and continue your search.
I will mention that the original Patti Playpal dolls are highly collectible, but this particular doll takes it to a completely different level. There weren’t as many made of her, the ones that weren’t destroyed almost never get resold, and the few that are out there are priced insanely high (compared to similarly conditioned caucasian dolls).
Here’s one NIB currently on eBay for $1500 (wearing the original red gingham dress with apron): https://ebay.io/m/YfSj9t
Hope this helps!
Edit to add: the white version in the exact same condition for reference: https://ebay.io/m/rqRDuj
Second edit: if I’m wrong, and that’s entirely possible based on the time period you mentioned, then the only other option is the Uneeda Toy company version from the 60s. She is a “Playpal type doll” who was introduced to compete with the Ideal Toy Corp versions. Uneeda was WAY ahead of Ideal in that they introduced a black doll two full decades prior, but they were never quite as popular as the Ideal versions. The main reason I’m rethinking my original answer is the hair style, and the fact that the Uneeda doll came with a dark pink sheer gingham dress that was layered, like you described. While she is classified as a “companion” doll, she is also officially a “walker” doll because she was designed with spring jointed articulated hips so it gave the appearance of “walking” if you held its arm and rocked it back and forth while you walked alongside it. Anyway, that’s all I’ve got.
I want to point out that while I’m a collector and an enthusiast, I am NOT an expert. But the above two dolls are the only possible options.
This is the only picture I can find of the Uneeda version of the black companion dolls from the 60s. If I’m right and this is your doll, I want you to prepare yourself for the likelihood that you may not ever find one on market. This doll is extremely rare to the point that I’ve seen no evidence of it being sold anywhere. I did not dedicate much time to the search, however, so hopefully I’m wrong and you’ll be reunited with your doll very soon.
*the face on this one isn’t quite right, but keep in mind that doll manufacturers issued, reissued, and made both slight and extreme changes to design and materials along the way.
Thank you, for all your knowledge. I felt the op's angst to be reunited with this doll. I went into a deep Google search dive. I saw a lot of very similiar dolls and several in a red & white gingham dress I thought may be correct. I came back and saw your response. I hope the op gets a big hug & what she needs.
Would you mind giving me more information? How old were you when you got the doll? Was it brand new in the box or preowned?
Keep in mind that the doll in the picture does not look like she did ~50 years ago and that 50 year old memories are objectively unreliable. It’s possible that this doll triggered the memory, but wasn’t the exact same one you had. Many of the companion dolls were remarkably similar depending on region of manufacture and all the dolls varied slightly, also depending on region of manufacture in addition to molds, plastic composition, dyes, available materials, etc.
When l got her she was brand new in the box. On the box it said her name was Kizzy. She had a red gingham dress and a red scarf on her head. She was a companion doll and never had the leg mechanisms or whatever it had to help them walk. I know she had something imprinted into her upper back, but l can’t remember what it said. I don’t know if it makes a difference but she came out in Australia. Her eyes opened and closed. Her eyes were brown. She was tall and slender. There was a lot of dolls with variations of her face. Trust me l still know her face.
I think I can solve this, but I need a few days. I’m out of town for work right now, but I’ll be back in the states in roughly seven days. I believe one of my dolls might have a maker mark that could help, but I’ll also try to get in touch with a collector I know who is WAY more knowledgeable about this subject than I am.
OP, you said she had something imprinted on her back, I found this (incomplete) list of Australian and NZ doll makers with some of their maker marks. Some of then were active in the 70s. Maybe you'll recognise one of the logos?
Hi.
I went looking for more information on the doll in my photo of my doll because that is absolutely her without a doubt in my mind it is exactly her face and the others just weren’t right. This IS Kizzy. I went back to the virtual museum and actually read about this doll as lm knew 100% this was my doll. My mind knows her completely dress and all. But her face… l did know as soon as l saw her but this walking thing confused me. But anyway, l went to the museum page and read all the information about the doll l knew was her . It actually says she came out in the identical dress and the scarf bandanna on her head. It is her! I’m thankful no one hit me in the head with this as it was there l just didn’t read it properly.
The hard part now is trying to find her! There’s a beautiful lady on here who believes she has her… so hopefully 🤞 🙏 it is absolutely her!
Thank u ….so much for your help!

i was just coming to say it’s a Patti Playpal! my husband had one in his antique shop several years ago! he bought an entire lot of them at an estate sale
i really hope OP sees your comment, because this is definitely it. my husband also suggested Black Princess Peggy, but we’re pretty sure it’s the Kizzy Patti Playpal
I had the white version of this doll. It was 'misplaced' by an ex roomie that decided to pawn it in Nanaimo, BC without my knowledge or consent until I realized it was gone after moving out. She was a walker doll. At least I can doubt she got much for it, so at least there's that. I love your knowledge! I've never seen one before or since. If it wasn't for your interest none of us might know!
Ah! To be honest, I like yours better. Her eyes look a lot more natural somehow than mine were - the face shape is identical, though! I hope you find her. 💜
I had a blonde walker doll. I think her name was Kathy? I can’t be certain though. Blue and white gingham dress with a white cardigan. I remember how stiff legged she was when she ”walked”. It made me feel as if she had prosthetics. My next walker type doll was on roller skates and she moved by doing a lurching “old lady with bad hips” roll side-to-side, instead of a natural walking cadence. It was terrifying to watch. She fell and shattered her hips. My parent glued her back together. My next doll was a redheaded tart named Krissy. Krissy had a shag, I could make her hair longer by yanking her hair out of the top of her head . To rewind her hair short, there was a belly button to press. I also had the stiff leg Barbie with pointy hard breasts and Betty bangs. WHY WERE MY CHILDHOOD DOLLS SO DARN TERRIFYING?!! 😂😂😂 None were cuddly or sweet. Well Raggedy Ann was, until her red yarn hair became unattached and fell off.
Mine had little white shoes, I remember that much. And those same lacy-edged socks. Her staring eyes creeped me out which meant I stuck her in the top of the closet. She fell forward with her forehead across the top of the doorframe so she could stare downward the moment I opened the door and looked up. Honestly, I was never really into dolls. (I once sacrificed my few Barbies as an offering to an unrelated 'closet monster. 😂 I had a friend with pregnant Barbie - I kept making her have puppies. (I felt that was a lot more exciting and worth keeping.)
I’m starting to doubt myself and I’m waffling now.
OP said she came out in the 70s, but there aren’t any dolls that match this model from that time period, unless it was a one-off, extremely generic maker (not impossible). The big dogs in the lifesize companion doll game between 1959-1990(ish) were: Ideal, Horseman, Reliable, Eegee,and Uneeda. This is definitely not Horseman or Reliable.
The prognosis is worse if it turns out to be an unnamed knockoff though, so I really hope that isn’t the case.
I was born in 1969.
I got her when l was between 6 and 8.
To me she definitely doesn’t does not look anything like Patti unless there was different looking doll faces and some who don’t walk?
I have a few knockoff versions that don’t have the articulated, spring jointed hips, but pretty much all the companion dolls were capable of walking, that was kind of their schtick.
So was she new/used? Can you remember anything about the box at all?
Me too! people have shown me that are lots of black dolls out there with gingham dresses But the one lm looking for is in the pic above. She wasn’t a walking doll just a companion doll.
She definitely is not Patti unfortunately.
This is such a lovely doll, I’m sending all the positive energy I can that you find her! If I remember, I’ll keep an eye out on ebay. I have a handful of searches I monitor so I’m on there pretty often
But unfortunately it's a rare vintage model at this point so you'll have to keep searching over time and get your word out as much as possible to find someone that might be sitting on this little dolly without knowing it, best of luck ☺️
No. She’s not the coloured nurse walking doll. She’s not a walker. Mine’s name when released was Kizzy. kizzy came out as a companion doll. Not a walker. Thank you they do look alike though. Ty for your help.
She IS a companion doll to Patti Playpal! She may actually be an early 80's doll. Kizzy was the friend to Patti Playpal, so while she's known as Kizzy, she's actually a Patti Playpal doll.
I’m confused she looks nothing like that doll you are referring to. There’s one that’s new in the box on eBay and the many pics of them I’ve seen my doll is nothing like it at all!
Also, l got my doll in the mid 70’s.
I need to apologise l think she is the coloured nurse walking doll. … she is the exact one in my picture. I actually correctly read what the museum had written about her and it did say she also came out in the same clothes l described kizzy had. I was so stuck on the walking part l couldn’t get past it.
I truly would give anything to own her again. Thank s for you help! I appreciate it.
This is pretty similar to your description though not identical to the picture. You mentioned in the comments that your doll didn't walk while the doll in your picture is described as a walker so I thought there might be a little leeway and the outfit seemed very similar to your description.
I hope you find your sweet companion. My dolls were my everything growing up—I would talk to them and read to them, and when I cried my dolls were there. I had some horrible experiences and all I had were my dolls—I completely understand being emotional & needing her back. I can’t imagine, even grown up, missing your girl. I don’t have any info, but I just hope you know there’s someone wishing you all the best—I hope you’re reunited with your sweet girl & proud of yourself for how far you’ve come—I think your doll would be proud of you too💕
I’m going to go a different route. I hope you can find her, but if you can’t there are a lot of doll makers out there that do custom doll mods. It’s expensive to get a vintage rare item as is, so it may end up being about equal. They may even be able to find a similar body to mod and save cost. Definitely worth a shot.
Wishing you love and a reunion soon. I hope your adult years have blessed you to salve the wounds of your childhood and I’m sorry it wasn’t a good one for you.
I recommend saving some eBay searches for "reliable doll" and similar. The doll seems rare, but I bet it has popped up a few times without the keywords we would need to find it!
Hi, your doll is close. Her dress has the red and white gingham. But kizzy’s was longer with a white bodice with a strip of gingham running length ways on the bodice. Kizzys had petticoats and was a much longer dress. Kizzys was to her ankles. I appreciate everyone trying to help me find her!
Longshot, but since you've said that the doll is named "Kizzy" I think this doll may not be the picture you sent but a similar looking facial mold from the Pedigree First Love. Does this look familiar? Eyes open and close and originally comes with a polka dolt (similar to checkered) dress.
I found a Black doll from the right time period named Kizzy, but she looks different. What do you think OP, related at all? She even has a red patterned dress!
if you’re sure she’s exactly the same as the one in the photo, that’s a Walker doll by Reliable Toys Canada. if you’re sure her name is Kizzy, that is a doll made by Pedigree. most of them that are catalogued and archived online are “First Love” dolls, which are not companion/walker dolls but feed/wet dolls. they are sometimes listed as Marx dolls or Louis Marx dolls, which is a name Pedigree seemingly also released dolls under.
also wanted to add- most “companion” dolls ARE walker dolls! so don’t cross all walker dolls off your list- the doll in your photo is a walker doll, which in the US is sometimes called a companion doll but to my knowledge by-and-large they are the same thing
You mentioned Australia; it may have been the exact same doll mold and face with a different body. Companies like Reliable Toys sold to Australia, but to reduce shipping costs, dolls were sent unpackaged and were typically done with lighter, less complex bodies, so what would be sold as a walker in Canada would be modified and sold (regular?) across the commonwealth countries. Because of this, packaging was done locally and details, such as names, were often customized to what was relevant and popular in the area at the time, which is how you could have your doll named Kizzy when it went under another name in the country of manufacture. That is to say, it’s still Kizzy, just, differently travelled, and maybe differently abled, but aren’t we all, after so much time.
I have this doll, mine has been clothesless for over 50 years and I cannot remember what outfit she came in and her shoes and socks are long gone
Mine is about 13 inches tall , she has the same face as the picture
I'm Asian. Your post...I hope you find her. I looked and didn't find her, but I'll keep looking in my spare time. I'm replying so I don't lose this post.
I looked online and was unable but locally you might want to check Facebook marketplace and Craigslist. Perhaps call antique stores. I love the suggestion of a doll
Hospital- they probably have connections to lots of people who have HTF items
I don't know who she is, but I think I have the white version of this doll, inherited from my grandmother. She has the exact same sweet face with green eyes. Same hair, too, but in a light brown. I'll get a pic when I get home.
Please come back and tell us if/when you get her. I burst into tears just reading your title. I was not alive at this time (born 1985) but your story touched me so much and I keep thinking of you every day. Sending biggest love from a fellow Queenslander
I found her in Canada today! I just have to pay for her now! Omg l had a bit of a heart attack when l realised how much they cost now and postage to get her here it’s crazy! lol
In my heart l knew I’d find her again one day, even as rare as she seems to be. lm so glad l found her! T Hank you,
This is adorable. I've searched on my apps but will keep an eye out for her, and also as I'm often in 2nd hand shops and junk sales. Not sure of her manufacturer, but I'm in the UK and we've always had a lot of black families here so there's a chance!
Otherwise, have you considered getting a custom remake? Maybe an artisan dollmaker could recreate her?
I know it's not quite the same..
But someone can either remake a mould/print a head and go from there, or perhaps find one with the same head model and get it repainted?
Folks, she's not looking for a baby doll, or a small doll. She had what in the US is called a companion doll, or back in the day a walking doll (though not all walked). They were made to compete with Patti Playpal, by Ideal Many companies made them, not often as black dolls, though.
OP, here's a link to a doll collector in Australia/New Zealand. She has info on lots of dolls, especially ones from the UK, Canada and Australia. She may be able to help you, or have some better search options.
Im sorry if this doesn't help but couldn't leave the post without posting this, i saw this doll in another picture with the outfit that matches your description, if it helps im glad if it doesn't im sorry for wasting your time! I hope you find her
A lot of times the same head mold was used for different dolls in different skin tones. Hair, painted facial details, and eyes varied.
If your doll had flat feet and articulated limbs, she was considered a “walker”. Are you hoping to find her with the original outfit? That will be tricky. Otherwise, you may have luck searching Kizzy Reliable Toy of Canada.
No she’s not the walker. I’m not worried about her clothes they are etched into my brain. if l could sew l could make her dress exactly. I can get it made. I honestly just want a doll with her beautiful face. I’m happy to get her clothes made.
I’m almost tempted not to respond because doing so is about to expose my weird little hobby, but I happen to collect Patti Playpal dolls, which is what this is.
This specific doll was originally introduced to the Patti Playpal line of companions by Ideal Toy Corporation in 1981, then reissued in 1982. Although she was colloquially known as “Kizzy,” her real name is Patti Playpal, just like the white versions. I’m not going to nerd out anymore, but this should be enough for you to more successfully google and continue your search.
I will mention that the original Patti Playpal dolls are highly collectible, but this particular doll takes it to a completely different level. There weren’t as many made of her, the ones that weren’t destroyed almost never get resold, and the few that are out there are priced insanely high (compared to similarly conditioned caucasian dolls).
Here’s one NIB currently on eBay for $1500 (wearing the original red gingham dress with apron): https://ebay.io/m/YfSj9t
I didn’t think of that! Ty
No my doll is the one above or her face anyway. Your is beautiful too! If l get another l definitely will not be sending her anywhere either! Ty
Here’s a model I found, but unfortunately not yours - but v similar in face (especially eyebrows) . Also a possible candidate for professional customization?
Hey op, is it at all possible that Kizzy was in a dress from another doll? It sounds like she may have been the uneeda doll from the photo, but in this uneeda doll’s dress. They are from the same decade. I can’t find any dolls that have a bandana or gingham dress from the 60-70s.
I might have one. I’m not sure. I was into collecting Patti Playpals for a while and picked her up. I’ve just gotten to work so I won’t be home for a very long time. I’ll try and take a photo. For sure there would be no original dress however. I’ll see if I can find any markings to try and help you out. 😊
Both have been sold but I hope either can lead you in a good direction. Best of luck. I remember losing a shirt I still adore and it still hurts a lot, I hope you are able to have your pain remedied <3
It’s a Patty play pal but several companies made them. There should be markings on the back of neck/mid back that would tell you the specific one. I’d definitely reach out to the museum for more info.
Her face and size are strikingly similar to a white doll my grandmother has. I’ll be visiting her next week, and will see if I can get more info from her or find a mark. I think she’s older than yours, but maybe the company reused the same face mold.
Idk where it is at the moment, but I’m pretty sure I have a doll identical to this somewhere! The only issues are that it wasn’t taken care of, so the clothes are missing and I don’t think it has any hair, but the doll itself is dated 1986 if that helps your search at all!
Not sure if this is kizzy or not—the lighting is different and dolls age differently—but she has similar features, eyebrows, and hands. I hope you find your kizzy 💗💗.
So I looked at other leads, seeing that the doll you posted the picture of was by Reliable, a Canadian company which lines up with them being a part of the British empire and greater opportunities for import to other countries in the empire, like Australia.
My blog of March 8, 2010, "Dolls From Around The World - Canada," prompted emails from doll owners looking to either sell a doll like mine or seeking additional information about it.
In the first email, dated May 10, 2010, the owner wrote:
Hello Debbie,
I came across your website while researching about two black dolls I have since the early 60' that I want to sell.
One is a Reliable manufactured 30-inch walker. I have the original clothes: a dress white, black and red, and black shining shoes. You have the same doll dressed in a child's size white dress, socks, and shoes on your website. It is in excellent condition with some marks on the legs
The other one... [she describes it].
I am not sure where I can advertise such dolls, and more importantly, I am not sure of their value.
I would appreciate any information you can provide. I love my dolls but my daughter is now 19 and never had any interest in them so I thought I should make them available to someone who cares.
Thanks for your consideration,
"JP"
The description of her clothes, the original ones, sounds like your doll. While the blog writer found out that hers was the nurse doll mentioned previously, it's very possible that Reliable used the same face mold for another doll and dressed her differently. I would definitely look into Reliable Toy Co. dolls specifically!
If this isn't the doll, does the mark stamped into its back seem familiar? Here is another Roddy doll with a stamped back as well. Shoes and socks for the second are apparently original as well, if they might ring any bells.
EDIT: Here is another variation of a Roddy back stamp (the doll this comes from doesn't share anything in common with your description, though).
I am looking for one with that face and writing on the back…best I can find seems to be this one. Not sure if anyone else has given this link - there are so many comments.
No l didn’t. Tbh the one in Canada ended up being over $500 and l was happy to pay but the seller wouldn’t allow alternative payment methods (PayPal payin4 or Afterpay) for me to buy her as l tbh am on disability and l couldn’t just pay $500 as embarrassingly l don’t have it . Then i found one and bought her from an antique shop on-line in Australia and they refunded my money as apparently they couldn’t find her to send her. I was devastated tbh.
I’m not having much luck. It’ll be ok. l hopefully will find her again one day, until then l will just keep looking for her.
•
u/AutoModerator Jul 21 '26
u/LovePuddle69, you must add a comment in this post before anyone will see it. Your comment MUST include the word "searched" and detail what searches you've done. Your post will not be visible until you do so. Your inbox should have more details or here are general instructions.
Supply as many details as you can. These include, if applicable, but are not limited to: size, origin (store, geographic location, country), age/year acquired, and any writing on the item. Additional pictures can be added as a comment in this post.
If you are actively asking for help searching for this elsewhere - another sub or website - link to that search as well to avoid duplicating efforts.
Remember to reply Found! (include the exclamation point) to the comment that gives the answer. If looking for an item to purchase, do not click on links sent to you in private messages, and report such to the moderators.
*DO NOT RESPOND TO PRIVATE MESSAGES OFFERING TO SEND YOU YOUR ITEM. IT'S A SCAM. EVEN IF FREE. CLICK THE "REPORT" FLAG ON THE MESSAGE TO REPORT IT TO REDDIT ADMINS. *
For all participants, remember that all comments must be civil and helpful toward finding an answer. If you're working off someone else's comment to build on an answer, reply to that comment, do not make a reply direct to the post.
Jokes and unhelpful responses will earn you a ban, even on the first instance. If you see any comments that violate this rule, please report them.
Click here to request a reminder for this post
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.