Posted 11 years ago
jtbunny
(2 items)
I just found this little sweetheart at an antique shop yesterday. I was thrilled because I believe it to be an early S&H head, but I'm not sure about the body. The bisque color and texture match perfectly. The head has what looks like a tiny "17" low on the neck, but the body has no marks. It is a peg jointed body, which seems early, but it is chunkier than most of the early S&H or other dolls. I've checked all the books I have and have seen a similar face on a more slender body with shoes, that's it. I would like to know opinions about the maker (S&H or other) and whether that body is original, or what the body should be.
Thank you!
How tall is she ? Also can you pull head up a bit to see if there is a letter under 17 ? Or country of origin ? I am a bit perplexed by the quality of bisque as it seems to have many pox in it . It is not unusual to see them maybe one or 2 or a black speck from dirt in slip when poured but she has many. She does appear to be antique by photo but I am almost want to hold her to be sure . She has been restrung and body seems correct as color is exact match . A swivel head and closed mouth is desirable in these all bisque dolls . Could you take a pencil and gently wipe it across mark so it shows up better ? I will await your reply . If she was cleaned it would be eaiser to know about body also .
Thank you for your response. She is 7" tall. I have cleaned off all the glue on the head and wiped her down, she does have a grainier bisque quality than my other S&Hs. And when magnified to this level those little black kiln specks are more noticeable, but still more one might expect. With the pencil on the mark I can't tell if it is an 11 or a 17, but no other marks. Thank you again.
Let me know if you need more or different photos, I added two of the face close up.
The chip on her is new on top of body since it is so white . I would venture to say she is all original pre 1891 before McKinley Act . I just have a problem with bisque unless she was buried or under water for a long time . I have never seen SH use such a poor quailty bisque which has me questioning age . Sorry I can not confirm . In this case a person needs to be holding her to be sure she is that old . Love her !!!!! Her swirl eyes are a clue to a possibility SH made for French market
Now didn't you post another bisque doll on a walker body ? I was going to reply to it and it is gone . Was that you ?
Thank you.
on the all-bisque, I compared her bisque to a very early S&H lady doll on twill body and it is actually very similar, that also has a bit of a rougher texture with some very fine pitting. I know that doll is 1870-early 1880s. I sent photos off to Jan Foulke for her opinion, too. I want to say she is all original, as you do, but lots of opinions are good. I'll post when she replies.
yes, the other doll on a walker body was my post. I took a good look and think that the original head from this body was broken off and someone replaced it with a different head. I think this head could have come on a similar body, but as I look underneath the head I think I see where another head should have fit and then broke out, and someone simply placed this head above the connecting area. REal bummer, as it was purchased from someone very reputable.
Thank you so much for your opinion on the all-bisque!
Your S &H on a walker body was correct ! That is why I was surprised it was gone when I went to reply . S&H made these heads for France who put on the walker body . The head is meant to sit high so it could move because she is a walker . Very nice doll ! With high value on her . Would love to see her back on CW to share with others . I can't see what you are seeing what makes you think a head broke off body . Does she have original stringing ?
I will look for a walker that I can post like yours ok .
I will re-submit. I was trying to sell her and someone had me convinced it was the wrong body, so I was going to let her go for much less than I had her listed for. watch for the relist here.
I photographed the mystery girl next to an early S&H lady on twill body and a small S&H on twill body. The bisque on the larger doll and the mystery are similar, both have some speckling, which might indicate that the mystery is also very early. The shape of the two smaller heads is similar.