This "Elizabeth" doll was given to the donor's mother in 1906 when she and her family were living in Walla Walla, Washington. She was rescued from a house fire in 1916 and then, in 1938, was gifted to the donor and her sister on Christmas, and brought with them when they moved to Seattle. The doll was well-loved by them, and both their children and grandchildren played with her. "Elizabeth" is a fairly common type of German "dolly-face" doll of the period. What sets her apart is her 36 inch size. Many bisque head dolls of this size are damaged from play. Despite her many years and generations of childhood play, this doll is undamaged except for a thigh replacement.

Handwerck dolls were made in Germany beginning in 1876. Their bisque doll heads were designed by Handwerck, but made by Simon & Halbig and are of high quality and fine workmanship.