Mother-in-law's doll?
This was in the possession of my mother-in-law DOB 1914 (Hungary/Romania). I don't know if it was hers or might have been my wife's DOB 1948. I could not find markings/signatures on the neck or under the feet, but the doll is covered by too many layers of clothing which I don't know how to undo safely. The clothing is abundant seems of good quality and with many details. The hair seems human hair (is it?). The surface of the body, arms. etc is soft, so not porcelain. It has been sown, so probably not plastic. What is it? The eyelids move.
21" height
Inherited
Yes
Dear Victor,
Thank you for your help and patience.
The presented object appears to be a doll with sleeping eyes made by an unknown manufacturer in the first half of the 20th century. The head was made out of porcelain and the body out of leather.
Comparable objects were recently offered and sold on the international auction market.
This piece is in good condition and no severe damage is visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 80 to 160 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Gregory
.jpg)
Hi Gregory,
I tried as hard as I can to find a hallmark in the region of the neck but I did not find any. I uploaded a photo with the detail of one sector of the neck. The white gauze is glued solidly to the head. When I push away the various levels of clothing I reach another cloth (orange in the photo, with my fingernail touching it) that seems also solidly attached to the body of the doll. I circled carefully 360 degrees around the neck looking at the area between that orange cloth and the white one (on the neck) or the cheeks in the front. I did not find anything that at the naked eye looked like a hallmark - so at least 2 mm. If there is one, where else could it be hidden? I had already searched all the accessible skin and sole of the feet, but I did not undress the doll as I don't know if I can do it safely and/or put the clothing back on.
Please advise.