Hi David,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

Waltershausen (in Thuringia, Germany) became a major hub for doll manufacturing in the 1800s and early 1900s because of its existing wood-working, toy, and porcelain industries. Skilled artisans there were already making toys, wooden figures, and small carved objects, which evolved into sophisticated doll production as demand grew.

Before WWI, several well-known makers were producing dolls — especially bisque head dolls, which are among the most collectible today. Armand Marseille is perhaps the most famous of the Waltershausen makers; he is known especially for bisque head dolls with jointed composition bodies. His company produced millions of heads — their marks (like “A.M.” and mold numbers) are very common on antique dolls; popular models include the A.M. 390 and character dolls.

Simon & Halbig (who partnered with other makers) were based in nearby Thuringia and worked with many Waltershausen body makers. Their highly detailed bisque heads were often combined with bodies made in Waltershausen.

Kestner (J. D. Kestner) was another respected German maker whose dolls are highly collectible; he made both bisque and kid leather dolls.

Not to be forgotten, Heinrich Handwerck & other smaller firms were also producing dolls.

"1916" was a number used on dolls made by Simon & Halbig while "6-1/2" was used on Armand Marseille dolls of this size. I suspect you have a doll that combines a bisque head by Simon & Halbig on an Armand Marseille jointed composition (body).

The doll market has contracted a bit, with leading collectors aging out of the field. Recently dolls of this size, vintage and condition have been selling at auction for less than $300 and if you're looking to sell this, you'd likely maximize your return by selling through a specialty doll auctioneer, like Theriaults.

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

An antique bisque and composition doll
Simon & Halbig with Armand Marseille, Germany, first quarter 20th Century
With brown hair and sleeping eyes in a painted bisque head (marked to the back), the jointed composition body dressed in a (probably later) red jumper with five white buttons, with leather booties.
24 inches long
CONDITION: This appears to be in good condition
PROVENANCE: Inherited
$ 200-300*
*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