I think you can date the doll by the face. I believe these type were popular in the 40's, 50's and early 60's. I remember them from when I was a kid in the 60's and there were a lot of different types. If the face is made of composition (which has the feel of paper mache) it would be a little older, where as a plastic face would be later and rubber falling somewhere in the middle of those two. Do you think the clothes are original or a later addition? Are they part of the body or sewed onto the body? The "bric-a-brac" gold wavey trim on the hat makes me think that this doll was revamped into a clown outfit by an artsy-craftsy previous owner. Take a look at the hair- does it appear to be mohair (natural coarse goat hair that has been died and is kid of frizzy) or is it yarn or polyester? These can all help to date the doll. Can you see any stuffing poking out? If it is straw-like material, that would be excelsior, which would date it to a little earlier, natural cotton came next and then fiberfill later. Sawdust was used on early dolls also. If at all possible, get under the clothing and see what the body is made of, and look for any sign of a tag.
