Hi Dorothea,

Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.

The numbers on the back of this dolls head - specifically "390" - identify this as having been made by Armand Marseille (sometimes spelled Armand Marseilles), who was one of the most significant and prolific German doll manufacturers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His dolls—particularly bisque-headed child and baby dolls—remain highly collectible today and are considered foundational to the golden age of German doll-making.

Armand Marseille pioneered efficient mass production techniques for bisque doll heads, allowing beautiful and detailed dolls to be produced affordably for the growing middle class. His dolls combined delicate craftsmanship with practical affordability, making them some of the most popular children's toys in Europe and America during the late Victorian and Edwardian eras.

The doll's head is made from bisque porcelain (fired but unglazed), which is attached to a jointed body made from what in the industry is called composition - a mixture of materials (sawdust, glue [often animal-based hide glue], plaster of Paris, cornstarch or flour, wood pulp or paper pulp and sometimes clay or resin additives) that were molded and hardened to create a strong, durable form. This was a common technique from the late 1800s through the early 1950s before plastic took over. It was not uncommon for Marseille to sell his porcelain doll heads to attach to composition bodies by other makers.

While Marseille dolls can command high values (high three-figures or even low four-figures), they are not particularly rare; considering that the condition of this doll is fair, you're looking at a fair market value of less than $150.

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

An antique German bisque porcelain and composition jointed doll
Head by Armand Marseille, body by unidentified maker, circa 1900
The bisque head with painted features, sleeping eyes and articulated teeth and blond hair (marked on the back "390" / A5 / 074) , attached to a jointed composition body
12 inches tall
CONDITION: In fair condition with some wear and losses to the composition
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