Calling all doll detectives!!

Last night I was treated to a wonderful surprise by a friend. He opened up a roll of bubble wrap and out fell these 6 wonderful antique cloth dolls. The dolls belonged to his wifes mother. However she has no recolection of them from her childhood and was surprised to find them amongst her mothers things after she had passed away. My friends wife's mother lived in the UK. But I'm not sure if that's where they came from. I'd love to find out more about these dolls.If anyone can help with information about these dolls it would be fantastic.

Little red Riding Hood

her clothing has lots of layers from her cape, pinafore, dress and lacy knickers.

Her little straw basket is very well made as are her limbs. Click on the photo for a larger version and take a look at her hand holding the basket.

Little Red's rear

Little Red Riding Hoods, face detail

I just loved the little detail to the socks. I'm thinking that the shoes where painted ontop of the socks with a gloss paint.

the smallest cloth doll in the collection, 4inches

Couldn't quite make out what was used to embellish the fronts of the hand painted shoes and socks. It looked like wire coils.

This doll was about 5inches.

wool hair

Could she be Gretal or a German costume doll?

Beautiful fine sewing on her clothing.

And who is this gentleman?

He looks to be like a hunter or Shakespearean actor.

Very fine needle sculpting on the face. Black velvet cloth was used for the hair.

Just look at how clever these hands where made!

You can just see some wire poking through where the cloth has worn.