A 100-YEAR-OLD doll – discovered in the home of a former JSPCA supporter who left everything to the Animals’ Shelter in her will – is going up for auction.
During her lifetime, Betty – described as a “lovely” woman by the charity – adopted three cats and attended a number of fundraisers.
Among the collection of items she left to the shelter were a mechanical hand fan, a cookery book, a King George VI coronation medal, a vintage chest, tablecloth sets, and a silver-plated spoon set.
But, by far the most “impressive”, according to the JSPCA, was a German doll made in around 1915 by a company in Köppelsdorf called Armand Marseille, which was known for making dolls with porcelain heads.
Nina Powell, who works for the JSPCA’s animal carer clinic team, was in charge of selling the items. She said: “Betty adopted at least three cats from the shelter during her life and was always popping in to show support and attend fundraisers.”
She added: “The doll was in a vintage chest along with other special items such as letters from her husband, photos and birthday cards plus some Victorian-era children’s clothes.
“When looking through her belongings it was very special to see all the amazing memories she has collected, and to treat them with care and respect was very important to us. The doll was the most impressive but we loved seeing all her photos and the special memories she had kept in pristine condition.”
Ms Powell decided to put the items on a local “buy and sell” Facebook group – but did not expect the reaction they received.
The post about the doll, which had a price tag of £150, garnered significant attention from social media users – and reactions were mixed. While some commented that it was “creepy” and “terrifying”, others lauded the “kind gesture” of selling it to support animals.
After no one came forward to buy it, Ms Powell told the JEP that the charity was looking to put it up for auction instead.
Speaking of the importance of donations and bequeathments, Ms Powell added: “The JSPCA is 100% non-profit; we rely on donations and sponsorships to house and care for aged sick and unwanted pets and wildlife. Gestures like this donation are a lifeline for us to ensure we can keep going.
“A massive thank you to our friend Betty and to everyone who donates adopts and volunteers for the JSPCA Animals’ Shelter. We truly rely on the kindness of Jersey residents to provide this service and help animals in need.”
