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1894
MCLAUGHLIN COFFEE XXXX Z9 PAPER DOLL & COSTUME SERIES 5-4 (U.S.A.)
The McLaughlin XXXX coffee paper dolls are classified as Z-Cards in the American Card Catalog by Jefferson Burdick. Specifically, they are a Z-9 issue as they are a coffee and food insert. From 1894 to 1900, these dolls were distributed in envelopes labeled for children in every one-pound package of their coffee. This 5-4 series was distributed in October of 1894. There has been debate as to whether the ball featured on this particular costume is actually a basketball. I (personally) consider it to be a basketball after my own research and juxtaposition of evidence. You can read an article where I take a deep dive into the subject HERE. If it is a basketball, then this would be the first basketball collectible that was ever made.
Measurements: Figures approx. 5" tall, outfits approx. 3" tall
