Set of three Napoleonic Era style Dolls
Three cloth dolls, approximately 7-8”. In good condition (they have been stored for 50 years in a trunk). One has a tag with the label “Toscana” hand written. One is in military uniform complete with feather plumed hat. The other two depict women in local costume of the era. One of the female dolls is slightly larger than the other two. Costumes are complete, including undergarments.
A friend of my mother’ and mine brought these back from his years living in Europe after serving in WWII. He was a man with a fine eye for antiques and had several small statues of Napoleon. He told me these dolls were from the Napoleanic era, and they appear authentic.
Inherited
Maybe
Hi Nina,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The Napoleonic era (I've amended the spelling in the header) was in the early 19th Century (circa 1800-1810); these dolls were made at least 100 years later, not earlier than 1900-1920 and even possibly later.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
Three antique cloth and composition dolls
Continental, unattributed makers, early 20th Century
All with composition heads and cloth bodies. Both side glance dolls (one a soldier, the other a lady) dressed in early 19th Century style clothing made in the 20th Century; soldier's olive green felt uniform labeled "Galafi Made in Italy," with tricorne hat with feather and pink raffia basket.
Third (larger) doll resembles Snow White, with pinafore and black shoes.
Both side glance dolls 7 inches tall; other doll 8 inches long
CONDITION: all appear to be in generally good condition with some wear commensurate to age and use.
PROVENANCE: originally acquired in Europe
$200-300 for the group of three*
*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, and thank you again for using Mearto.
Thanks Nina, you're all set.
Thanks for the appraisal. I gave another couple of dolls to add to this group of three. One is armless and one leg less, I have the separated arms and legs. I’m thinking of putting the whole group up for auction at around 500. Meanwhile I have a large doll and a South American doll I’d like to have appraised. So, 2 questions, how do I auction the group of 5 on this site? And is there a way to bundle the two unappraised dolls into one group to save the extra fee? Is there some perk fir having paid the fee three times, last time?
Hi Nina,
I don't see additional photos added to this group. Typically, once we complete an appraisal, we don't make changes. I only see one appraisal inquiry under this name so you should not have had to pay for 3 appraisals, just one. Did you pay under another account?
Thanks for your reply. I paid three fees as it was a group of three dolls. I have a total of 4 more dolls, two of which are somewhat like the first three ( wearing native costume, small). I will add photos of all of them, if I’m able. I too pictures of each doll from several angles and tried to focus on details. Please let me know how you think I should proceed.
Hi Nina,
I've forwarded your inquiry to our client service to advise.
Thanks,
Delia
Hi Delia, all three faces are semi-hard, not porcelain. The larger, blue female has hard arms and I can bend the fingers a bit, almost like rubber. Otherwise, she seems like all fabric. The soldier is all fabric except for the patent (?) boots. The smaller pink female, with the Toscana tag, is all fabric except for her straw hat. I have included several more photos. I tried to correct the spelling of ‘Napoleanic’ but was unable to edit it. Please ask if you need further information or photos. Thank you.