15” German Bisque Paper Mache Doll
My wife and I have had this in our collection for quite some time and we know nothing about it. It measures approximately 15 inches tall and looks to have German type clothing. The hair looks to be mohair. The body has wires tied off on the waist on each side. The doll looks to have pierced ears. Overall, the body looks to be all cloth except for the waist which when touched, feels like a type of paper mache. The face is cracking...possibly paper mache as well.
Unknown
Auction House
Maybe
Dear Cliff,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry. So that I may best assist you, can you please upload a few better images of any possible marks. Is the head marked on the back of the neck? Is the head made of bisque or papermache?
Thanks
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
It is a beautiful doll. Such vintage and antique toys are being offered at auction on a regular basis. The doll may be German as you suggest however without any marks, labels or tags it is very difficult to say where it origins from. It was made in the first part of the 1900s when these materials were used for making dolls and other toys. The condition of the doll is what your would call fair. It does show some signs of having been played with and also wear and tear from age. The head could be made of composition or clay - it is hard to tell from the photo. The flaking on the face will unfortunately decrease the value of the doll. For the past 2-3 decades prices of antique dolls have decreased and today most collectors and dealers buy German or French dolls with porcelain heads that are in mint condition.
The estimate provided is for a well-advertised specialised online toys auction, where I believe the doll has the best chance of realising its fullest potential. However, there is no measurement for the sentimental value you might attach to the lovely doll. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and vary.
Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I’m happy to help.
Thank you
I uploaded a few more photos of the face and back of the head. There are no markings anywhere on the body and clothing. The back and front of the head has spots where it is flaking. Not sure if it would be bisque/porcelain or paper mache. It does not seem to be a very hard surface.