Antique doll: milliner's model
Antique doll with wooden body, somewhat primitive. Head is in good condition: delicate and detailed face, hair is styled in sausage curls. Elaborate dress is made of velvet, satin, and lace; skirt has begun to disintegrate. One foot/shoe is missing.
My father collected antique dolls 75 years ago via mail order,
Inherited
Maybe
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
It is a beautiful antique doll. Such vintage and antique toys are being offered at auction on a regular basis.
The dolls head appears to be made of painted papermache. From the photos it also appears to have been restored and repainted. The wooden body and the style of both the head and the body sets the age to the last half of the 1800s. The clothes looks newer compared to the age of the doll. Unfortunately there are not that many collectors to dolls and toys today which has affected the prices that have decreased within the past 2-3 decades. However the look of your doll is very charming and it may be the kind of doll that would attract the attention of both collectors and dealers if it came up for auction.
The estimate provided is for a well-advertised specialised online dolls and 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 your fathers 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
