posted on January 18, 2003 04:53:52 PM new
LATEST INFO UPDATE: I took this doll to an antique doll dealer today. We cut the clothes off (in the privacy of the shop)...He's marked "Germany 5" on the back...we couldn't find any other indentifying imformation. Thanks again for all the information from the TERRIFIC AW-ers...and thought you all would like to know what I found out. If anyone knows anything more, would appreciate the info. The dealer said she thought it was probably made over 100 years ago but couldn't pinpoint a specific date/year.
The grandmother of a friend of mine had an extensive doll collection. This small boy doll (he's 6 inches tall) is made, I think, of bisque. His whole body is bisque...his legs and arms swing. His clothes fit very tightly around his neck and I can't see if there are any identifying marks on him. Does anyone recognize him? Thanks, in advance, for any help.
[ edited by blueyes29 on Jan 20, 2003 11:08 AM ]
posted on January 19, 2003 09:31:39 AM new
He looks French or German. You would have to check very carefully on the lower back of his head or his neck or back to see a mark.
Not sure how you would do that if you are unable to remove his clothes. Check on the front to see how his tie and shirt are put on. Are there fasteners under the tie or is it sewn on tight?
posted on January 19, 2003 09:38:47 AM new
Thanks all...the bow tie is attached with a straight pin BUT the rest of his clothes are sewn tightly...frankly, I don't have a clue how these clothes were sewn on this doll...the stitching is tighter than a drum and I see no way to remove them. I pulled the shirt back as far as I could and could see no marks on his back. I'll try the doll chat on eBay but (no offense meant), I've tried the eBay chat rooms on other occasions and found the folks there to be pretty "clubby" and not much help. Maybe the doll folks will be more helpful. Generally, though, I've found the extraordinary people here on AW to be the most knowledgeable and helpful. Thanks again...
posted on January 19, 2003 05:23:05 PM new
Thanks, Kiara...Nope, the pants don't pull down (they have a stitched-on waistband)...I think the blouse must be stitched together either at the crotch (under the pants) or to the pants themselves as, when I tried to lift the blouse up, the pants kind of moved around too...make sense? I'm still hoping someone will recognize this boy's rather unusual and haunting face...Thanks for your suggestion!
posted on January 19, 2003 07:14:21 PM new
Trust me the doll experts on the ebay msg boards are very helpful and they will give you a good answer. He looks like a Huebach doll to me. But to sell him you will need to take the clothes off. He is worth a bit, of that I am sure. Good luck!
posted on January 19, 2003 09:44:44 PM new
Dolls, I know something about. No, I am not an expert. I remember my great aunts and grandmother having them. Matter of fact, I inherited some of them. I agree,It looks to be german or french from around the early to the mid 1800's like 1850 Pretty good shape for that age though. What is the clothing made of? Linen I bet. Let me know
posted on January 19, 2003 10:07:46 PM new
Thanks again all...I tried to post on the eBay Doll chat line but couldn't figure out how to include photos...it's not nearly as easy there as it is here! I'll check out the Heubach info in the books I have...And, Paloma...his pants are made of blue velvet (and, since this is a "family chat line", I'll not make any more efforts to "expose" him to the world)...his blouse is a heavy cotton or linen with lace ruffles at both the sleeves and neck. And, THANKS for the advice about washing his face. To "fess up", I wet my finger and wiped the side of his face as his complexion is a bit mottled which I thought was dirt. And, the thought of taking some soap to his face crossed my mind. Thanks for alerting me that that's a "no no"! Hopefully, I'll be able to find a definitive identification. Appreciate all the help and good advice!
posted on January 20, 2003 05:12:56 PM new
I'm bumping this up in case any of the kind folks who responded were interested in the latest...thanks again!
posted on January 20, 2003 07:16:22 PM new
Certainly looks German , 1890-1910, possibly Heubach. All bisque [as in MADE of all bisque] dolls were made in the late 19th to early twentieth century.
You can wash the face, it won't hurt it. I wash all my girls faces. Using plain water and a q-tip or cotton ball will usually do the trick.
[ edited by rawbunzel on Jan 20, 2003 07:17 PM ]
posted on January 20, 2003 07:35:38 PM new
The antique doll dealer also said it was OK to wash his face. I still sort of hesitate to do it though for fear I'd do some sort of irreparable damage...
posted on January 20, 2003 07:46:22 PM new
You won't do any damage and then you will be able to see more clearly if he has any cracks in his cute little head.
It's fired on not cold painted. It will be fine. I was nervous the first time I washed a bisque face too.
I even use mild soap sometimes. The doll is made just like any other piece of bisque pottery and was made to withstand children...children always wash a dolls face. It really is ok.
edited to add that since you are nervous to wash him you should do it over a folded towel so you can lay him down gently as you go and also if you should drop him his head or other parts won't break. THAT is what causes damage to bisque.
[ edited by rawbunzel on Jan 20, 2003 07:48 PM ]
, 1890-1910, possibly Heubach. All bisque [as in MADE of all bisque] dolls were made in the late 19th to early twentieth century.