This is an sale for TWO antique bisque dolls, a larger doll with letters from original owner stating its provenance and an accompanying baby doll. Both beautiful and well preserved bisque head dolls with original outfits.
I'm not a doll expert, but I will attempt to describe as best as I can, including provenance and plenty of photos to make up for my lack of knowledge so you may judge for yourself.
Provenance:
Both dolls are presumably late 19th Century. They were acquired from the original owner a few years ago. She had owned them since her childhood. The larger doll was as a gift from her grandmother back in 1957 but was originally bought in Chicago in 1892. There is an original handwritten note from the grandmother dated 1953 stating this and another note from the mother dated 1957 confirming this and stating the original value of the doll, although not sure if that value is an appraisal in 1957 or the original price in 1892.
Since the notes don't mention the smaller baby doll, I can't be sure of whether they came together or was added at a later date, but the owner had them together all her life.
Condition and description:
Both are in great condition. Well preserved and taken care of.
Both heads are bisque and seem to be free of cracks and repairs. The larger doll still has the hair attached to the head so I am unable to see if there are cracks under it. However, I doubt that considering how well preserved it is. The bisque arms on both dolls are also intact with no obvious crack or chip and so are the legs on the baby doll. The large doll doesn't have bisque legs only the baby one.
Both outfits are in good condition despite the age. Even the ribbons and flower details are still intact. Obviously one can expect some wear and tear due to age but overall great.
The larger doll is wearing a pink satin dress (or satin like - I'm not an expert) decorated with ribbons and flowers with a cloth under layer. All the buttons are intact and so are the flower decorations. The ribbons are mostly there with some wear. She comes with complete good condition under garments, socks and shoes too. The shoes are in great condition with buckles and laces still in place.
The larger doll also has non-moving blue eyes and a slightly open mouth. Her ears have holes in them which I'm assuming are for earrings. There are none though, but I don't know if it originally came with earrings or not. Her hair is still in great shape. It does seem a bit flat so not sure if it originally had a bonnet or not.
The baby doll has a white cloth baby gown that is in good condition with snap type buttons and a bonnet.
I don't know the make of these dolls. I don't see any marks on the baby doll. However, the larger doll has in the back of the head a mark: either a letter (a) or (0) - can't make it out- and a number (6 1/2).
The larger doll is approx. 17 inches tall and the baby one about 8 inches. I am not sure if these are French or German made. I'd appreciate if someone lets me know. Otherwise I'm listing them as "other".
If anyone knows more about this, I'd appreciate the response.
All in all, these are wonderful dolls for any serious collector. They are great condition antique with provenance which is rare to see!!
Since I don't know how much they are actually worth, I'm listing it as an sale to let buyers decide the value.
I hope these dolls can find a home that will cherish them as the original owners had obviously done for probably over 100 years.
Any questions please let me know. I'll attempt to answer as best as I can.
I made all attempt to describe as best I know but due to the nature of this type of antique dolls, they are sold as is and I cannot accept returns.
I have a smoke free house. I will pack well and insure for the full sale value.
FREE Shipping within the USA including insurance. I will use FedEx Ground.
Good luck.
