Are all Kestner dolls marked?
Marks on Kestner Dolls Early Kestner bisque dolls are just marked with a number or a size. Later dolls are usually well marked with the mold mark and Made in Germany; some of the baby dolls are marked JDK. There are many variations on Kestner marks.
How do I identify a doll?
Doll manufacturer marks are typically found on the back of the head or neck. Maker’s marks can also be placed between the shoulder blades, on the bottom of the feet, or on the doll’s clothing tags. If the doll has a wig, the mark might be under it.
Are antique dolls worth anything?
Price: Around $200 to $300 each, if mint; $1,000 to $1,500 for full set mint and all original. In very good condition (missing some of the original outfits; some flaws and crazing), from $100 to $150 each. Comments: Dolls shown have original outfits but are lacking their pins.
What is a German bisque doll?
A bisque doll or porcelain doll is a doll made partially or wholly out of bisque or biscuit porcelain. Bisque dolls are characterized by their realistic, skin-like matte finish. They had their peak of popularity between 1860 and 1900 with French and German dolls.
How can you tell if a doll is vintage?
Most antique dolls will have a manufacturer’s mark on the back of the head, or on the base of the neck. If the doll doesn’t have a manufacturer’s mark anywhere and you still suspect that it could be antique, contact a professional doll appraiser for help.
What are the most valuable porcelain dolls?
Currently, the most expensive porcelain doll ever sold was a bisque doll sold by Theriault’s for $300,000 in 2014. The doll was from a set of 100 created by French sculptor Albert Marque for the Parisian couturier Jeanne Margaine-LaCroix in 1916.
How do you know if a porcelain doll is valuable?
First, make a general assessment of your doll and determine that it is actually made from porcelain. There should be a clear identification name or number on the head, shoulder, neck, or bottom of your doll’s foot. This number can be used for online comparisons or when consulting an appraiser.
How can you tell if a doll is antique?
How can you tell the difference between bisque and porcelain?
What Are Bisque and Porcelain? As mentioned, bisque is unglazed porcelain. Porcelain is created from a paste of clays and water which is molded and then fired at temperatures above 2300 F. After firing, the molded doll head is fired several times more after applications of paints to create the doll’s features.