Posted 13 years ago
loveolddolls
(1 item)
I bought this doll at an estate sale today and I would love to hear from anyone with knowledge about this type of doll or advice on restoring her. Her head is bisque and quite dirty and her body needs to be re-strung. The body is composition and shiny, and the head is not. I know she is a J.D. Kestner and the back of her head says Made In Germany 241 / 15 and J.D.K. The base of the neck has a 13 on it (does this mean 13" doll?) She came with a wig that appears to be human hair and is been hand stitched to a black mesh-type material.
I probably paid way too much for a nude doll that needs so much work ($150), but I really loved her facial features and do not intend to resell her. She has all her fingers and toes and her head is in remarkable condition. I'm only interested in restoring her and finding period clothes for display in my guest room. I would appreciate any advice! Thank you so much!!
I found a website for you, I believe the 241 is the mold # of the doll and 15 is the size
http://dollreference.com/jd_kestner.html
http://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/5160302
A doll like this one fully restored is around $2,800.00 to $3,200.00
Wow! Thank you so much! Since I posted this, I have learned that the body that came with her is a "character baby" and the only pictures I can find of this mold are on a "kid body." I don't know if her body was replaced, or if the dollmaker produced both body types with this doll head. Either way, she is beautiful and I'm now looking for period clothing for her on E-bay. Thanks again for your comments, as they were very helpful!
your welcome, I love her eyes. Glad it helped