Antique French or German Bisque Porcelain Head Doll, circa 1900
We're unsure if the doll contains any manufacturer identification. The clothing feels incredibly fragile so we're hesitant to attempt to remove any clothing ourselves for fear of damaging the fabric and buttons. The doll belonged to my grandmother. The dolls eyes are brown. Hair and shoes are original. The dress is very old, but not the original. Arms, hands, and legs are all movable.
21 inches tall.
Inherited
Yes
Hi Houston,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
Given the high quality of the face, I'm certain it was made in either France or Germany, by one of the primary makers Bebe Bru or Bebe Jumeau, Heinrich Handwerck, Kammer & Reinhardt, Kestner or Armand Marseille. It was not uncommon for these makers to make just the head; the bodies may have been made more locally. The "3 1/2" is a model number for the body and there were several makers who used that number, though none in the size of this particular doll.
While there can be some difference in value between those various makers I've mentioned, you risk damaging the doll be lifting the wig or removing the shoes (occasionally there are maker's names on the bottom of the feet) so I've evaluated this as an unattributed but fine French or German doll. To give you a basis for comparison, most dolls of this size that are not quite so finely made typically sell for less than $150 at auction; if we could determine the identity of the maker it might be worth as much as $400-600 or $500-700.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
A fine antique bisque-head doll
unattributed German or French maker, circa 1900
The fair-skinned doll with yellow hair in ringlets, brown eyes, painted features, and wearing a pale pink dress with cream lace trim (made in Japan, labeled), cream ribbon belt, knit stockings and black Mary Jane shoes. Composition body marked "3 1/2."
21 inches tall
CONDITION: This doll appears to be in good condition; value assumes no breaks or repairs. Clothing is old but probably not original to the doll.
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 300-500*
*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
Thank you, Houston, for the additional photos and comments. I've completed the appraisal but let me know if you have questions, comments, etc.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend,
Delia
Hey Delia,
I'm sorry to reply back to your last comment after such a long delay. I had a brief question about your appraisal. You dated the doll circa 1930's. Does that cover a span of time, or would that indicate the doll was created/sold around that date. We do not believe this doll was manufactured in the 30's. The original owner would have been in her mid 30's with a nearly adult grown child by that time.
It may not make a difference, but I wanted to double-check. Especially we should consider seeking out a local appraiser to put their eyes on it.
Thank you for any guidance you might might offer. My mother is considering selling and I just want to make sure she doesn't get taken advantage of in a collectors market.
Good morning, Houston,
Thank you for confirming the doll's history; *most* of these surviving dolls do date to the 1930s but were made as early as 1890 so your family history confirms it's earlier than that. I have revised the date to say "circa 1900" since you don't know precisely when this was made and I don't want to suggest it's earlier than it really is by giving a broad range. If you'd prefer I change this to a more specific date I'm willing to do so as it won't increase (or decrease) the doll's value.
Have a great day and weekend,
Delia
The rest of the body appears to be made from the same composition material as the hands and arms. I could not locate any marking on the doll's head or shoulders. I did find a tag attached to the wig and a small red stamp reading "3 1/2" on the lower back of the doll. I've included images of the wig tag, stamp, and an image of the dolls torso.
Due to the age of the dolls shoes I didn't want to remove them. Under the wig and the feet are the only places I haven't looked for any kind of maker's mark. If you need me to check the feet just let me know.
Thanks,
Houston