Description
The doll is about 20" high. Her hair is sewn onto a netting material and that is glued onto her head, quite firmly. After careful examination I can not find any country listed as origin. The numbers 7 3/4 & 154 are found just under the lower part of the wig. Further down as in picture there is a CT (?) that is written in maybe pen (?) She has beautiful brown eyes and open mouth with 4 teeth. I tried taking a picture of the numbers but they didn't come out real good. She has a little necklace on her but don't know if that came with the doll or was added by someone. Her socks and shoes can come off, I think. I don't like to pull around on her too much as she is very fragile.
The only thing I know for sure about this doll was that it did belong to my Great Aunt. She slept with this doll most of her life. [Long story :) ]
I would like to have her restored but afraid if would be very costly. Really don't know what to do. Sell her so she can be preserved or leave like she is?
Category
Dolls and Plush Toys
Medium
head, lower arms and hands bisque; body kid leather
Distinguishing marks
7 3/4 than 154 down lower on back CT (CT) there is nothing else marked on doll; no country of origin
Condition
Fair
Size and dimensions of this item
doll is about 20" high
Date Period
around 1890
History
This doll belonged to my Great Aunt. She was born in 1892 and died in the 1970's.
eBay Auction Link
Price Paid (If known)
none estate item
For Sale?
No
Photos
Re: Kestner Bisque doll
Wow, what a beautiful doll. In my unprofessional opinion, I am no expert:
Closed mouth dolls are generally more sought after than open mouthed dolls. However, bisque is expensive and Kestner is a famous maker, so these facts add to the value. She is also a good, fairly large doll, and the demand for old bisque dolls on the larger side, especailly by kestner, is growing.
I believe 154 is her mold number. This is a very popular mold number. You could probably sell her as is for 400 dollars, but if you spend some money on a nice antique or reproduction antique dress she could get up to 600 or even 700.
Definitely leave her as she is..replacing her wig can actually detract from her value. What I would do is, keep her as she is very rare, and get her a nice repro dress and leave her as she is. A doll with her original body and wig are much more valuable than the ones that were restored.
Wonderful doll, congratulations on such a rare item! I am jealous!