For more than 150 years, bisque dolls have been dressed in finery, sitting down to tea with their friends and loved ones. Now highly collectible, bisque dolls were originally purchased as toys — some for as little as 10 cents.
Often, children were only allowed to play with their bisque dolls for an hour or so on Sundays, or perhaps at Christmas with the gift of a new outfit.
Bisque dolls are a type of collectible porcelain doll that became popular in the 19th century. The term “bisque” refers to the type of ceramic material used to make the doll’s head, hands, and sometimes feet. Bisque is a type of unglazed porcelain that has a matte, slightly translucent finish, giving the doll a realistic and lifelike appearance.
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Here are some key characteristics and features of bisque dolls:
Material: The head, hands, and, in some cases, the feet of bisque dolls are made from bisque porcelain. The body of the doll can be made from a variety of materials, including cloth, leather, or composition (a mixture of wood pulp and other materials).
Realistic Appearance: Bisque dolls are known for their highly detailed and lifelike facial features. Skilled artisans would hand-paint the facial features, including the eyes, eyebrows, lips, and rosy cheeks, to make them as realistic as possible.
Articulation: Many bisque dolls were made with jointed bodies, allowing them to be posed in various positions. The joints were typically made of materials like wood, composition, or cloth.
Clothing: Bisque dolls were often dressed in elaborate and fashionable clothing of the time period they were produced. The clothing could be made from a variety of fabrics, and some dolls even had intricate accessories like hats, shoes, and jewelry.
Collectibility: Bisque dolls are highly collectible today, and their value can vary significantly based on factors such as age, condition, rarity, and the manufacturer. Some of the most sought-after bisque dolls were produced by renowned makers like Jumeau, Simon & Halbig, and Kestner.
Antique and Vintage: Many bisque dolls were produced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, making them antique or vintage collectibles. They are often cherished by collectors for their historical significance and craftsmanship.
Sizes: Bisque dolls came in various sizes, from small miniature dolls to larger dolls that could be several feet tall.
Bisque dolls were popular as children’s toys during their production era, but today they are primarily collected as antiques and decorative items. Collectors value them for their historical importance, craftsmanship, and the artistry involved in their creation.
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Who makes Bisque dolls?
The most popular of all antique dolls, bisque dolls originated in France circa 1840. Better known French companies include Jumeau, Steiner, and Bru.
German companies such as Kammer & Reinhardt, Kestner, and Simon & Halbig began manufacturing bisque dolls around 1890.
The American pottery maker Fulper made some bisque dolls, hiring college students to paint the faces.
Pretty Fulpers do exist, but generally they’re not as valuable. Today the most widely collected dolls date from 1862 to 1920, the year when the most desirable dolls ended production. No one knows how many were made.
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Jumeau dolls – Teatime Favorite
Jumeau dolls are high-quality, collectible antique dolls that were manufactured by the French dollmaker Emile Jumeau. The Jumeau doll company was established in the mid-19th century and became renowned for producing some of the finest and most sought-after dolls of the era.
A Jumeau doll.
Key characteristics and features of Jumeau dolls include:
Bisque Heads: Jumeau dolls typically have bisque (unglazed porcelain) heads, which were hand-painted to achieve a lifelike appearance. The delicate and finely detailed faces of Jumeau dolls are one of their distinguishing features.
Glass Eyes: Many Jumeau dolls have inset glass eyes that could be sleep or stationary eyes, depending on the specific model. These glass eyes added realism to the dolls’ expressions.
Jointed Composition Bodies: The bodies of Jumeau dolls were often made of composition, a material made from a mixture of sawdust and glue. These bodies were jointed, allowing the dolls to be posed in various positions.
High-Quality Clothing: Jumeau dolls were typically dressed in elaborate and stylish clothing, often made from fine materials like silk, lace, and velvet. The outfits were often designed to reflect the fashion of the period.
Markings: Authentic Jumeau dolls are usually marked with the Jumeau company stamp or mark on the back of the doll’s head or the body, which helps in identifying them. Bisque Doll Makers & Doll Maker’s Marks
Various Sizes and Styles: Jumeau produced a wide range of doll sizes and styles, including fashion dolls, character dolls, and bebe dolls. Bebe dolls, with their expressive faces and realistic features, are especially prized by collectors.
Historical Significance: Jumeau dolls are considered significant in the history of doll-making because they were at the forefront of the development of realistic-looking dolls during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Today, Jumeau dolls are highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts of antique dolls. Their craftsmanship and attention to detail make them valuable and cherished pieces in the world of doll collecting. Depending on their condition, rarity, and historical significance, Jumeau dolls can command high prices at auctions and in the antique doll market.
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Steiner Dolls: Handmade Playmates
Steiner dolls, also known as Waldorf dolls, are a type of handmade doll that originated in the early 20th century, inspired by the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner and the Waldorf school movement. These dolls are designed to encourage imaginative and open-ended play, promote creativity, and provide a sense of warmth and comfort to children.
Key characteristics of Steiner dolls include:
Natural Materials: Steiner dolls are typically made from natural materials such as cotton, wool, and sometimes even silk. The use of these materials makes the dolls soft to the touch and comforting to hold.
Simple and Neutral Features: The facial features of Steiner dolls are intentionally kept simple and neutral, often with minimal or no facial expressions. This allows children to use their imagination and project their own emotions onto the dolls during play.
Handmade: These dolls are usually handmade by skilled artisans or crafters. The craftsmanship and attention to detail are important aspects of Steiner dolls, emphasizing the value of human-made objects over mass-produced toys.
Flexible Limbs: Steiner dolls often have limbs that are attached with simple stitching, allowing them to be posed in various positions. This flexibility enhances the doll’s playability and encourages creative play scenarios.
Waldorf-Inspired Philosophy: Steiner dolls are closely associated with the Waldorf educational philosophy, which emphasizes holistic and child-centered education. These dolls are believed to support the development of a child’s imagination, empathy, and nurturing instincts.
Gender-Neutral: Steiner dolls are typically gender-neutral in appearance, lacking specific gender markers like traditional boy or girl dolls. This encourages children to project their own identities onto the dolls during play.
Steiner dolls have gained popularity in Waldorf and Montessori educational settings and among parents who appreciate the focus on natural materials and open-ended play. They are often used in storytelling, creative play, and as companions for children. Additionally, some parents choose to make their own Steiner dolls as a craft project for their children.
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Bru Dolls: Antique French Collectibles
Bru dolls are a type of antique French bisque doll that were produced by the Bru company, a prominent doll-making company in the 19th century. These dolls are highly regarded by collectors and are considered to be among the finest examples of French doll craftsmanship from that era.
Bru dolls were first produced in the mid-19th century, with the most famous period of production occurring in the late 19th century, from the 1870s to the 1890s. They were known for their exquisite attention to detail, high-quality materials, and realistic features.
The heads of Bru dolls were typically made from bisque, which is a type of porcelain, and they had finely painted and expressive faces with glass eyes. The bodies of these dolls were often made of composition or kid leather.
What set Bru dolls apart from other dolls of their time were their sophisticated and intricate features. They often had elaborate hairstyles, delicate clothing, and sometimes even had open mouths with teeth. The level of craftsmanship and attention to detail in Bru dolls made them highly sought after by collectors, and they are considered valuable antiques today.
Bru dolls were produced in various sizes and styles, and they were dressed in a wide range of outfits, including clothing that reflected the fashions of the period. The dolls were typically marked with the Bru logo, which can help collectors identify genuine Bru dolls.
Due to their rarity and historical significance, Bru dolls are highly collectible, and they can command high prices at auction and among doll enthusiasts. They are a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of French doll makers during the 19th century.
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Simon & Halbig Dolls
Simon & Halbig dolls are a type of antique porcelain or bisque doll that were produced by the German doll-making company Gebrüder Heubach, which was founded by Georg Heubach and his brothers in the late 19th century. These dolls are highly regarded by collectors and enthusiasts for their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
A Simon & Halbig doll.
The name “Simon & Halbig” is often associated with these dolls because the Gebrüder Heubach company used the mark “S&H” on many of their doll heads, indicating the collaboration between their company and the porcelain doll head manufacturer Simon & Halbig. Simon & Halbig was a separate company run by porcelain doll head maker Franz Simon and his partner, Heinrich Halbig.
Simon & Halbig dolls are known for their realistic and finely detailed bisque (porcelain) heads, which were often mounted on composition or jointed bodies made of materials like wood, composition, or even kid leather. These dolls were produced in a wide range of sizes and styles, including baby dolls, character dolls, and lady dolls, and they often had sleep eyes, open mouths with teeth, and finely painted features.
Scarce and sought-after: an Oriental Simon & Halbig doll.
These dolls were popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and were exported to many countries, including the United States. Today, Simon & Halbig dolls are considered valuable collectibles and are highly sought after by doll collectors and enthusiasts. Their historical significance and the quality of their craftsmanship make them prized possessions for those interested in antique dolls.
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Kestner Dolls: Antique Porcelain Treasures
Kestner dolls are a type of antique porcelain doll that were manufactured by the Kestner Company, a prominent German dollmaker. The Kestner Company was founded by Johann Daniel Kestner in the early 19th century and became known for producing high-quality dolls during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Kestner dolls are highly regarded by collectors and doll enthusiasts for their craftsmanship and attention to detail.
A Kestner doll.
These dolls are typically made of bisque porcelain, which is a type of unglazed porcelain that gives the dolls a realistic and lifelike appearance. They often have jointed bodies, allowing for a range of poses, and their faces are delicately painted to capture the features of a child or adult. Kestner dolls were made in various sizes, from small pocket-sized dolls to larger, more elaborate examples.
Kestner dolls are known for their fine quality, and they were exported to many countries, including the United States, where they were highly sought after by collectors during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Some Kestner dolls were also made with sleep eyes, which allowed the dolls’ eyes to open and close when tilted, adding to their realism.
Today, Kestner dolls are considered valuable and collectible antiques, and they are often sought after by doll collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate their historical significance and craftsmanship.
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Fulper Dolls: Collectible Pottery Dolls
Fulper dolls are collectible dolls that were produced by the Fulper Pottery Company, a well-known American pottery manufacturer. The Fulper Pottery Company was founded in 1899 and was located in Flemington, New Jersey.
While the company primarily focused on producing art pottery and ceramics, they also produced a line of art dolls, which are now commonly referred to as Fulper dolls.
Fulper dolls were made from clay and featured distinctive, artistic designs. They are often considered a unique blend of art pottery and doll-making. These dolls were typically created in the early 20th century, with production peaking during the 1910s and 1920s.
Fulper dolls came in various styles and sizes, including baby dolls, child dolls, and adult dolls, and were often characterized by their painted features, cloth bodies, and artistic clothing.
One of the most famous types of Fulper dolls is the “Fulper Pottery Baby.” These baby dolls are highly sought after by collectors today. They are known for their delicate and lifelike facial painting, as well as their unique outfits.
Fulper dolls are considered valuable collectibles, especially if they are in good condition with their original clothing and accessories. Collectors are often drawn to them for their artistic and historical significance. Keep in mind that the value of Fulper dolls can vary significantly depending on factors such as rarity, condition, and demand among collectors.
“Character” dolls like this sell for more than typical dolls.
Bisque is simply unglazed porcelain, thus lacking the shiny glaze of a china doll. Doll sizes range from 2 to 42 inches, with most in the 8 to 28-inch range.
The faces of bisque dolls are handpainted (before firing), enhancing their individuality.
Maker and rarity contribute to value.
With certain dolls there are only four or five known. Most collectors develop a collecting pattern or category; one of every company, or all of one company, or only female dolls in fancy clothing.
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Which dolls are valuable?
Older dolls with paperweight eyes are more valuable; “sleep eyes,” which close as you lay the doll down, were thought of as a new invention (the early Simon & Halbig‘s had them, as did all French dolls beginning around 1910).
Closed-mouth dolls are generally more valuable (open-mouthed dolls displaying teeth came later). Smiling, frowning, or funny-faced “character dolls” usually sell for more than the rounded “dolly face” dolls.
Asian and African-American dolls are rarer and more valuable, as are larger dolls. Although male dolls are more rare, they are not necessarily more valuable. Boxes are rare and enhance value if they accompany the correct doll.
The smallest dolls are all porcelain. Though some older dolls may have carved wooden parts (perhaps the upper arms), most have composition bodies strung together with elastic.
Human hair was used to make many doll wigs, though older dolls had mohair wigs.
Some dolls had only plain cheesecloth clothes, while others sported fine fashions from the great couture houses of the day.
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The doll collector’s market
This is a big collecting category and very competitive. She has seen the bisque doll market rise steadily since she started collecting in 1975. A French Jumeau that cost $900 in 1975 could be worth $4,000 today.
Currently, prices range from $300 to $4,500 and up (to as much as $250,000 at auction). Buy the most expensive doll you can afford, and buy one $1,800 doll rather than six $300 dolls.
Although you can find dolls at antique stores, flea markets and estate sales, serious collectors follow the national doll show circuit. Antique Doll Collector and Doll Reader magazines list doll shows (virtually weekly across the country). Another good source for information is the National Antique Doll Dealers Association web site at http://www.nadda.org/.
Fake Bisque dolls?
Skeptical of relying on a simple formula for determining authenticity. Every rule has five exceptions (for instance, Simon & Halbig often made heads for other companies as well as their own).
The best way to learn is by looking at and touching the dolls, and talking to people who know. For a good collector’s reference, we recommend The Blue Book Dolls & Values, by Jan Foulke.
Although fakes do exist, most aren’t very good. Most original bisque dolls were incised with marks on the back of the head, perhaps the maker’s name or a series number — and informed collectors can determine true originals. New “reproduction” dolls are clearly sold as such.
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Condition of Bisque dolls
Excellent condition essentially means no damage to the head: no cracks, chips, specks, or rubs. A crack might cut a doll’s value by half, an eye chip by 30 percent. It’s nice to have a really good body too, but you can have some repair on that.
Doll hospitals can re-string dolls; the elastic wears out over time. It’s always better to have the original wig — some people throw away wigs that are quite acceptable. Original cheesecloth clothes are fine, too. Originality is everything.
Care for your doll collection
Carefully use of soap or Formula 409 to clean the surfaces of the head. Don’t wash the body. Always protect bisque dolls from direct sunlight and dust.
For display purposes use standard doll stands, available in catalogues and at doll shows.
Further Reading:
Simon & Halbig Dolls : The Artful Aspect by Jan Foulke
Kestner, King of Dollmakers by Jan Foulke, Howard Foulke
The Fulper Book by John Hibel
Blue Book Dolls & Values, 15th Ed by Jan Foulke
Insider’s Guide to Doll Buying & Selling : Antique to Modern, Insider’s Guide by Jan Foulke, Howard Foulke
The Handbook of Doll Repair and Restoration by Marty Westfall
Care of Favorite Dolls: Antique Bisque Conservation by Mary Caruso
Insider’s Guide to German ‘Dolly’ Collecting: Girl Bisque Dolls: Buying, Selling & Collecting Tips by Jan Foulke, Howard Foulke
Paper Doll Portrait : Antique German Bisque Dolls by Peggy Jo Rosamond
Doll Costuming How to Costume French & German Bisque Dolls by Mildred Seeley
Jumeau Dolls : Sticker Paper Dolls by Brenda Sneathen Mattox
The Jumeau Doll by Margaret Whitton
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