Joel Ellis formed The Vermont Novelty Works in the 1850s in Springfield, Vermont. The company invented and patented jointed dolls and doll carriages. This African American example, created in 1873, was a special order. He is made of wood, with jointed arms, legs, and body, and is dressed in a black velvet jacket with matching trousers. The doll was dressed by Mrs. Lucy E. Henry and the chair was made by “Sol” Amidon.