Vintage German or French Doll
I wish to identify this doll. Perhaps an Antique bisque doll manufactured in the late 1800's. Height: 50cm or almost 20 inches. The owner was born in 1889 in St Michel, a small town in the Loire Valley, France. Perhaps a French doll of that era. I am basing the era on the age of the owner The owner’s life is a story in itself but she managed to store and keep this doll despite travelling to many places around the world during her lifetime. She was 99 years and 2 months when she passed, living in Tasmania, Australia at that time. The doll was gifted to us from the son of the owner. The doll’s surface does resemble human skin somewhat. This doll has a mark on the back of her neck, which I can see and feel, but any writing or other identification is no longer visible (see pic). The doll has a wig (human hair??) and glass eyes. There are two outfits, plus bonnets, shoes and socks which come with the doll (I have pics). The doll is in its original box, but there are no markings on the box to help with identification. The doll has carefully painted features with delicately feathered eyebrows, lightly blushed cheeks and natural looking lips. There is no fingernail polish on the fingers or toenails. The doll has pierced ears and is wearing earrings. Also a bracelet which matches the earrings. The body is jointed (composition body)– moving head, arms, elbows, legs, knees. There are cracks and chips on the body (not the head so much) and the left arm of the doll is damaged. She has all fingers, although one appears to have been repaired. I am looking to identifying the doll and an expected value for selling.
. The owner was born in 1889 in St Michel, a small town in the Loire Valley, France. Perhaps a French doll of that era. I am basing the era on the age of the owner The owner’s life is a story in itself but she managed to store and keep this doll despite travelling to many places around the world during her lifetime. She was 99 years and 2 months when she passed, living in Tasmania, Australia at that time. The doll was gifted to us from the son of the owner.
Inherited
Yes
Dear Judith,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
The presented object appears to be a doll with a biscuit head and a composition body with a height of 20 inches. The joints are moveable and the hair appears to be human. Sadly the hallmarks or production/ model number marks on the bisque head do not lead to a known producer. The composition body and the stylistic of the facial features indicate dating to the early 20th century. A localization is difficult but it is very possible that it could be in France or the German Empire which had many smaller doll manufacturers that produced such toys in good quality.
This piece is in good condition and there is no serious damage visible in the images provided.
A fair market estimation would be between 100 to 250 USD.
This estimate is based on actual recent past recorded auction sales of comparable items. Retail "asking prices" can be higher and may vary.
With kind regards,
Georg
It looks like the letter g - or perhaps the number 9. Then letters lx and perhaps mk?
I have found another marking on the doll - it looks like a D - I can feel the indent. You can see if you enlarge the pics I have sent. The marking is near the hairline of the doll's neck. I have added two pics to show. Not sure if this will assist at all.
Hi Georg
Here are extra images.