This doll belonged to my great- grandmother. She was born in 1890. The doll has open and shut eyes, a kid body and is marked "1500 3 1/2 Germany on get upper back. She has a heart shaped sticker on her chest that says Jubilee Kid-body. Good condition. No crackling.
26"
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Jubilee kid-dolls, popular in the early 20th century, were handcrafted dolls made from kid leather, a soft and durable material. These dolls often had intricately painted faces and movable limbs, making them highly sought after by collectors. Known for their realistic appearance and fine detailing, Jubilee kid-dolls were prized as luxury toys. They reflected the craftsmanship of the era and are now cherished as valuable antiques in the world of doll collecting.
I've looked through the hands-down bible and go-to reference for doll appraisers: "Antique Trader's Doll Makers & Marks, A Guide to Identification" by Dawn Herlocher (1999) and think that the head was probably made by Simon & Halbig in Germany from the mid-19th century, who were renowned for their high-quality bisque heads and lifelike features. These porcelain-head dolls often had expressive faces with finely painted details and glass eyes, making them popular among collectors for their craftsmanship and historical significance.
If the doll's head is from the 1890s as you suggest given it's history in your family, the body would be a later addition (circa 1930s-40s), which brings the value of this down. If it had its original kid-leather body and wig, a late 19th Century doll of this size would be worth $2,000-3,000; in its current condition, it is worth $600-800.
If the head and body are original to each other, that would date the doll to the 1930s or 40s (it's not uncommon for family recollection to muddle the dates), in this case, the value of the doll would be $800-1,200.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique bisque porcelain and kid-leather doll
with German bisque-head and shoulders attributed to Simon & Halbig marked "1500 / 3 1/2 / Germany" attached to a kid-leather body made and marked by Jubilee, (body circa 1930s-40s); head possibly as early as 1890.
The blond-hair, blue sleeping-eyed doll with painted features and composition arms and legs, on a white kid-leather body by Jubilee, with muslin top and pantaloons,
26 inches long
CONDITION: Kid-leather body, bisque head and clothing all appear to be in good condition.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$600-800*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, or questions/concerns, and thank you again for using Mearto.
~ Delia
Jennifer,
The detail photograph of the hair helped tremendously and I've amended the appraisal to not only eliminate any question about its authenticity but have updated the value to reflect this has its original hair.
Thanks for the note and have a great weekend.
Delia
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for sending in the additional requested photo. Please see my comments about the possibly disparate age of the body and head; I'm happy to amend the value if you think the doll could be from the 1930s/40s instead of the 1890s.
Have a great weekend,
Delia