Bleuette, produced by the Societe Francaise de fabrication de Bebes et Jouets (SFBJ), was the mascot of the French magazine La Semaine de Suzette ("Suzette's Week") by Gautier-Languereau from 1905 to 1960. The original version of the Bleuette doll was a premium for subscribers to the magazine. The doll proved so popular that the first run of dolls was sold out before all the magazine subscription orders were filled.

Many issues of the long-running magazine featured patterns young Suzettes could use to sew clothing for Bleuette, totaling over 1000 patterns over the life of the magazine!

Today collectors enjoy displaying both antique Bleuette dolls and the many modern reproductions created by talented artists.

Bleuette's head molds

Bleuette has had many head molds over the years. The earliest molds were bisque, while later ones during World War II and later are of composition. The final Bleuette dolls created in the late 1950s had hard plastic heads.

Some of the markings seen on Bleuette's head include SFBJ 301, SFBJ 60, UNIS France 301, and UNIS France 60. Most of the Bleuette heads can be distinguished by the open mouth with four teeth.

It is particularly important to remember than many dolls with these marks were produced, and not all of them are Bleuette dolls.

Premiere Bleuette

Sometimes called a "Jumeau Bleuette", these first Bleuette dolls were created from molds sold by the Jumeau company. They were sold in 1905 and are 27cm tall.

They are painted in the old French style and are marked "2/1" on the back of the neck. They have blue eyes, a long mohair or human hair wig, and an open mouth with four teeth. These are the only Bleuette dolls to have pierced ears.

SFBJ 6/0 Bleuette

The second version of Bleuette was made using a German mold. They were made between 1905 and 1914 and are marked "6/0" at the back of the neck. This doll also has four teeth in an open mouth.

SFBJ 60 Paris 8/0 Bleuette

This is the third version of Bleuette, produced from 1915 to the early 1930s. These dolls were 27cm tall. In the early 1920s, the eyes in this version were changed from inset glass to sleep eyes. Additionally, the heads began to be manufactured in composition instead of bisque. This version of the doll had four teeth in an open mouth.

This version is also sometimes marked "71 Unis France 149 60 8/0" or "SFBJ 301 1".

Unis France 301 Bleuette

These Bleuette dolls are considered transitional. The earliest dolls from this version were 27cm tall. In 1933, however, Bleuette grew two centimetres to become 29cm tall. This version of Bleuette has sleep eyes. Both mold and painting quality vary greatly in this version.

These dolls are marked "SFBJ Paris" or "71 UNIS France 149". The most common marking is "UNIS France 301".

Bleuette 58

The final version of Bleuette was produced from 1958 to 1960. This version is plastic is a plastic body. She is 33cm tall and is marked "Gege" on the back of the head. She has a closed mouth, blue sleep eyes, and blonde hair.

Bleuette's body

Bleuette is on a fully jointed composition body. Until 1933 she was 27cm tall; due to changes in the manufacturing process her height was then increased to 29cm. Bodies are usually marked "2" on the torso and "1" on the soles of the feet.

Bleuette reference and pattern books

In association with Bookbyte.com.

• Bleuette: The Doll and Her Wardrobe (2004) by Barbara Hilliker. Out of print.
• Pictures of All the Patterns in La Semaine de Suzette: Nous Habillons Bleuette "We Dress Bleuette" 1905 to 1960 by Agnes J. Sura (editor). Out of print.
• J'aime Ma Bleuette : The Dolls and Costumes of Bleuette and Friends by Florence Theriault. Out of print.
• Bleuette: Poupee de La Semaine de Suzette by Collette Merlen. Out of print.
• Bleuette: Her Gautier - Languereau Ads and Catalogues of Fashions 1905 - 1960 by Doris Anderson Lochler. Out of print.
• Bleuette: La Petite Fille Modele (1993) by Billyboy. Out of print.
• Bleuette Clothing Patterns, 1905-1916 (2005) by Louise Hedrick. Buy Bleuette Clothing Patterns 1905-1916.

You might also enjoy these articles:

• "Doll Fashion Illustrators" by Barbara Hilliker in Doll Costuming (September 2002).
• "In Search of Bleuette" by Atha Kahler in Doll Costuming (September 2002).
• "A Nightgown and Robe for Bleuette" (pattern) by Louise Hedrick in Doll Costuming (September 2002).
• "Bleuette, a Witness to French Children's Life" by Samy Odin in Doll Costuming (September 2002).
• "Nous Habillions Bleuette" (patterns) by Mary Lytle in Doll Costuming (September 2002).
• "Bleuette: A Fancy of Childhood from France" by Doris Lechler in UFDC Doll News (Spring 2003).
• "A Tablier Diecoliere for Bleuette" (pattern) by Louise Hedrick in UFDC Doll News (Spring 2003).

Suzette

Model: Resin Bleuette doll by Ruby Red Galleria.
Wig: Global Dolls Sabine sz 6-7.
Eyes: Glasaugen 10mm grey glass.