Antique C&NW Buddy Lee Advertising Doll

Updated August 31, 2026

Unique selection of an antique “Buddy Lee” advertising doll, perfect for any collector. This buddy Lee doll is dressed in a railroader jean shirt and overalls, specifically promoting the Chicago and Northwestern Line as well as its usual “Lee” branding stamp. The Buddy Lee doll is one of the most iconic and enduring advertising icons in American history. Created as a “silent salesman” for the H.D. Lee Mercantile Company (currently Lee Jeans), these dolls transformed from simple storefront promotional display into highly prized pieces of Americana. In 1920, Chester Reynolds, a sales manager for the Lee company in Salina, Kansas, needed a creative way to showcase Lee’s rugged workwear in shop windows. Rather than using full-sized mannequins, he used a 12.5” doll in which he dubbed “Buddy Lee”. Originally intended strictly for display, window shoppers constantly asked to buy the dolls for their children. In 1922, Lee began selling the dolls commercially as a result. While Buddy Lee is most famous for his classic stripe denim overalls, the character was aggressively cross promoted with other major American brands. One such group was the “Railroaders” from which this direct character is a part of with its branding of the Chicago and North Western Line. The doll itself stands the average height of approx. 13” high and is wearing the denim shirt, overalls and hat. The front of the hat and back of the overalls showcase the typical “Lee” branding patch. The torso of the overalls showcase “Chicago and Northwestern Line” branding. The item is in great shape for its age, only with subtle cracking that is typical for its age. This is most noted by its ears on both sides, the characters hands, and the “shoes” which are actually not clothing pieces but painted elements that are part of the body. It is assumed that this direct figure might be produced somewhere around 1929 based upon an included note that is pinned to the doll. View our full catalog of quality items up for auction at: POGAuctions.com. Tag Words: Chicago & North Western Line, Railroad, Buddy Lee, Lee Jeans, H.D. Lee Mercantile, Advertising Antiques, Americana, American Advertising ZC631 BWB

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