The plain linen neckerchief replaced the heavy lace cravat in the last decade of the 17th century. The term 'Steinkirk' or 'Steenkirk' refers to the battle of Steenkirk in Flanders in 1692. Legend has it the officers were in too great a hurry to tie their neckcloths correctly and just poked the ends through a buttonhole. The French won the battle and started this new method of fastening a neckcloth which spread to England and the rest of the continent.
Dolls were widely produced in the 17th century, although very few survive. It is most unlikely that this particular example was the plaything of children. The production is of a high quality, almost all the accessories survive and there is little wear and tear on the dolls and their garments. The two dolls were most probably purchased for the amusement of adults, and as a decorative accessory to a home.