Hi Brittany,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The crowned mark you show is that of JD Kestner, who made some of the most important and widely collected antique dolls. The industry-leading doll reference notes that the firm was founded by Johann Daniel Kestner in Waltershausen, Germany, and began producing dolls as early as the 1820s. Early dolls were made of wood and papier-mâché; by the mid-1800s, they introduced wax-over papier-mâché heads. Later, they became famous for bisque (unglazed porcelain) dolls.

The company operated until about 1938, spanning nearly a century of production. At its peak, the factory employed a huge portion of its town—earning Kestner the nickname “King of Dollmakers.”

The doll market is softer now than it has been and while Kestner dolls are still at the top of the market, comparable examples of this size and condition - which appears to be in good condition - have been selling at auction for between $100 and $150. If you're looking to sell this, you might start around $200, the level where a retailer might price a comparable doll.

Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:

An antique Kestner bisque-head doll
early 20th Century
marked on its leather body
29 inches
CONDITION: this doll is in good condition
PROVENANCE: inherited
$ 100-150*
*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