Oh, gosh that is the exact same doll I had,it is French Jumeau,not sure of the spelling.
Mine had a papier mache body with jointed arms and legs as originally they were little fashion mannequins for couturiers.
Her hands would have been very elegant ,which made dressing her as a child’s doll very difficult.
I got mine about 1941 or 2 when I was evacuated during the war.
Second hand of course as toys were hard to get and Mum ( aka FatherChristmas ) got me some little treasures .I did not know and would not have minded that they were not new.
She was named Miriam,as I had a little boy doll and he was Moses as he slept in my auntie’s sewing basket so to me like Moses hidden in the bullrushes in a floating basket from the Egyptians,Miriam was Moses’ big sister.
Closing eyes,and tiny teeth peeping in her mouth.Real hair .
A red white and blue “ target “ trade mark on her back and a number on her neck.
Strung together by very strong elastic cord.
Tiny little kid shoes.
I think a Jumeau Head has been used.
Made specially for the purpose you have,her arms also in porcelain unlike my full length doll which had the jointed papier mache limbs.
As to what ex servicemen made ,well I have a little sewing stool,opening lid and four small bun feet.Upholstered but now recovered by me but over the original fabric.
Label says:-“ Made by British ex Servicemen at the British Legion Village”.
The original fabric is classic 20/30s Art Deco.
I think small,items of furniture, toys, pegged rugs etc would be made by the ex soldiers ,sailors.
AlsoI think a type of woven furniture,Lloyd Loom, which was wire covered by twisted paper and woven . We had a chair and washing basket with a hinged opening and glass top.Very handy, painted in pale green with a little gold paint brushed on the corners. They were wedding presents to Mum And Dad .1933, it went out of fashion but is now very collectable.
I think the factory employed ex servicemen.
It is lovely to see “ Miriam “ again.
Thankyou,
Viktoria.
PS The Star and Garter Home was for retired stage people but stage people who hsd served in WWI would be there of course too.