At an estate sale in Dubuque, Iowa, a Collector of Victorian curiosities discovered a small porcelain doll with glazed hair and a crumpled gown that looked like it belonged to a later date in time (1940s?). The doll was in remarkably good condition, minus some grime, a dark pen line on its arm and normal dulling to the glazed features. He purchased it on the spot. Being in general need of re-stuffing (the old fabric crumbled like sawdust when handled), the Collector took it to a doll restorer, returning in two weeks time for pickup. Carefully looking over the restorer’s work, the Collector was satisfied and paid the agreed upon price. The restorer wrapped up the doll in tissue paper and the Collector was on his way home. It was late in the evening and the Collector set the doll, still wrapped in tissue, on the buffet to deal with at a later time.

That evening, as the Collector was full in sleep, he felt he was visited in his dreams by a woman dressed in prairie costume, white calico and lace trimmed. Her face leaned forwarded, hidden behind falling hair. She said nothing. She moved not at all beyond a slight twitch to her elbow which he could see was held behind her back. A slow cold crept up his body, starting at his toes. And then she was gone. Assuming it was a dream, the Collector eventually fell into a deep sleep.

Unwrapping the doll the next morning, the Collector noticed the dark pen line was still evident. Annoyed at not noticing it at the shop, the Collector decide to call the doll restorer to inquire if there was anything to cover the stain, or perhaps dye it? The apologetic restorer suggested he bring it right back in, straight away. Back at the doll shop, the restorer felt stumped at missing the stain, “For such a stubborn stain, I should test it to ensure I’m using the right solvent.” The restorer went to a back room while the Collector waited.

Returning back with a look of concern, the restorer said, “Sir, this isn’t a stubborn stain, it’s dried blood. I’ve wiped it away now.”

Disturbing? We’ve seen worse.