Posted 13 years ago
mg132772
(2 items)
I just received this doll that belonged to my grandmother. On the back of the dolls head is a "B4" which I believe means that it is a German Bisque doll. The doll does not have the original clothes. Can anyone tell me any more information about the doll such as the age and value?
Can you take a photo of back of her head where the markings are for her . It will say Germany I am sure but also I need to see intials that will be on back of head or a logo . Gently pull up on her head it is on an elastic rope . Not to far but enought you should see Germany or it is under her hair . She is a German Bisque Dolly face doll vs a character face it is on a Composition body . Please tell also how tall she is . The number 4 generally is a head size number . There is more there just need to see it to ID her for you :-) She will date any where from 1890-1910. Some were still being made as late as the 20's and some are earlier . based just on her face I would say that the age is right for her . I need to see makers mark to be sure .
attached is a picture of the back of the head. It is not very clear but the marking on the head is B4 and above that under the wig is Germany. The doll is 22 inches tall. Thanks for your help. I want get as much information as possible on this doll so that when I pass it on to my daughter at some time in the future I can pass on the history.
Your doll from photo appears to be by Franz D. Goebel & his son William Goebel founded their porcelain factory: F & W Goebel in 1876, located in Oesleau, Bavaria to produce porcelain and earthenware objects. By 1892 the company was owned solely by William, who changed the name to William Goebel Porzellanfabrik. About this time they began producing fine bisque dolls of all kinds, all bisque, Dolly Face bisque shoulder heads and socket heads, character bent limb Baby dolls, cabinet sized dolls (abt. 7" tall), half dolls, bathing beauties, ballerinas along with other porcelain objects. Early Goebel objects were marked with a triangle and half moon, after 1900 they began using a crown above the WG initials, as shown below. Goebel also supplied Max Handwerck with some bisque doll heads. Goebel dolls are of good quality.
They marked dolls B4 as well as a few other ways as well as with logo's and some had none as yours doesn't . They registered that number B4 as theirs .
Thank you for all the information. Do you have any idea on the value of the doll. I need to have her arms restrung and there appears to be some old tape around her body that needs to be cleaned. Other than that she looks to me like she is in great shape. I live in South Carolina -- Does anyone know someone in South Carolina that works on old dolls?
To have her restrung should not be to costly . But they have to do whole doll on this type of body . That tape is not hurting her but do not put water on it to clean it ! You can wash her face with a damp cloth with water a very soft cloth . I don't know anyone in your area that does it but I would think she is such a easy fix you should be able to google doll repair for your area . Doll values have dropped in past 2 years with economy but will come back for antique dolls . I will see if I can find one for you to watch close at auction as we are not to give our opinions on value :-)
This one has some troubles and not as nice as yours . watch to see it close and check completed sale to see price . It will give you a bit of a idea
http://www.ebay.com/itm/22-Inch-Bisque-Head-Doll-Marked-Germany-B-4-Ball-Jointed-Body-Needs-TLC-/160819233458?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item257192c2b2
Here is a very nice one that was just listed today like yours :-)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/24-Goebel-German-Bisque-Compo-Body-Great-Dress-/200773716452?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2ebf0bc9e4