# 3151n - 1997 32c Classic American Dolls: "Maggie Mix-up"

US #3151n
1997 “Maggie Mix-up” – Classic American Dolls

• Pictures the “Maggie Mix-up” doll created by the Alexander Doll Company from 1960-61.
• Part of the Classic American Dolls set – the first time photographs were used instead of paintings or drawings for a large US set with different stamp designs

Stamp Category:  Commemorative
Set:  Classic American Dolls
Value:  32¢, First Class Mail Rate
First Day of Issue:  July 28, 1997
First Day City:  Anaheim, California
Quantity Issued:  105,000,000
Printed by:  Printed for Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. by Sterling Sommer of Tonawanda, New York
Printing Method:  Offset
Format:  Panes of 15 (Vertical, 5 across, 3 down)
Perforations:  10.9 by 11.1
Tagging:  Large tagging block over all 20 stamps, covering the stamps to the edges

Why the stamp was issued:  To commemorate the “Maggie Mix-up” doll produced by the Alexander Doll Company in New York from 1960-61.

About the stamp design:  The stamp pictures a photograph of the doll against a blue paper background.

First Day City:  The First Day of Issue Ceremony was held during the annual membership meeting of the United Federation of Doll Clubs at the Anaheim Hilton and Towers Hotel in Anaheim, California.

About the Classic American Dolls set:  The USPS issued the stamps to commemorate American dolls that “reflect the tradition, heritage, culture, and artistic style from various geographical regions of this country.” 

Each stamp design pictures a photograph by Sally Andersen-Bruce.  Each doll or pair of dolls is shown in front of a blue paper background, tying the stamp designs together.  The names of each doll are printed in small type below the bottom frameline of each stamp, across from the 1997 year date.  They’re also listed in the horizontal selvage at the bottom of the pane of 15.

The set marked the first time photographs were used instead of paintings or drawings for a large US set with different stamp designs.

History the stamp represents:  During the 1950s, children fell in love with the child fashion doll.  Small – typically seven and a half inches tall, and made of a new material – plastic, the dolls were created by companies including Madame Alexander and Vogue.  Vogue’s “Ginny,” was like Alexander’s “Maggie Mix-up,” one of the most popular play dolls.

The new dolls were virtually indestructible, portable, affordable, and fully accessorized.  From ballgowns to school dresses with jewelry, shoes, hats, and purses to match – they had it all.  Many examples survive decades later, due to the excellent craftsmanship of this golden age of American doll making.  They evoke a multitude of fond childhood memories as dear and silent confidantes who never told a secret, got angry, or betrayed the friendship of their little owners.

Maggie Mix-up was one of the line of “Alexanderkins” made by Madame Alexander, a prominent American doll maker.  Made only in 1960 and 1961, she is somewhat difficult for collectors to find.  With sweet, freckled little girl features, she was a classic American doll from the era.