TOY DOLLS

 TOY DOLLS

TOY DOLLS

BISQUE TOY DOLLS

The first ceramic dolls were produced in the mid-i8th century, hut they did not become popular until a century later when various European factories made dolls with bisque (biscuit, or unglazed porcelain) heads. Most early 18th-century bisque dolls were made in France, but few bear a maker's mark. There are some exceptions, however: dulls made by Madame Barrois often have 'EB' cut into the shoulder plate (moulded in one piece with the head); Mademoiselle Huret, who was respon­sible for the first articulated body, stamped her mark on her dolls and even on their dresses.

For most collectors, the rarity and price of early bisque dolls puts them out of reach: a stamped Huret doll dressed in original clothes may he worth as much as £15,000. However, among the most affordable are small Francois Gaultier dolls which may go for under £500 From about the last quarter of the Ja century, bisque dolls were made in mil larger quantities, in Geraeruu .is well asl France. Factories used n' making moulds in often iderked the heand even individual easier most makers' in moulds were for idealised 'dolLst commhich were turned out in quantity; most French and German dolls from such moulds now change hands tor between £300 and £500. Far more scarce are dolls from so-called 'character' moulds, which were often modelled on real children. Dolls with these heads now fetch very high prices - for example, the £91,000 paid in ig8y for a lyoy kammer and Reinhardt doll bearing the rare mould number 105.

Identifying character moulds means know­ing something about the numbering systems of the various manufacturers. The French early bisque kewpie with arms outstretched, blue wings and topknot, made byJ.D. Kest- ner, would sell for£120-£180.

TOY DOLLS

Among the biggest-selling children's toys of the last 30 years is the Barbie doll. Manufactured by Mattel Toys, the first Bar­bies appeared in 1959, and took their name from the designer's daughter, Barbie Milli- cent Roberts. Many models were produced, all with the same basic shape, but with hair, make-up and clothes to reflect a host of different themes, including air hostess, bride, teacher, chef, even astronaut.

TOY DOLLS

Most collectors concentrate on Barbie dolls from before the 1970s, when the original bulbous-eyed, snub-nosed features began to change and the quality deterio­rated. Later models are not popular in Britain, although in the USA they can be worth several pounds in good condition. Clothes alone,

such as the 'Roman Holiday' outfit,

can be worth as much as £500.

TOY DOLLS

TOY DOLLS

Many different kinds of doll and figurine were traditionally made in Japan, most of them for display or ritual purposes. Although Japanese dolls are currently unpopular with Western collectors, sakura-ningyo,

TOY DOLLS

or 'shelf dolls (made purely for display on shelves), and hina-ningyd (dolls for special festivals) are still worthy collectables.

Sakura-ningyo are probably the most fami­liar to Westerners, many having been exported over the past 150 years. The favourite subjects for shelf dolls were warriors, heroes and beautiful women from the tradi­tional Kabuki theatre. A mid-19th century Japanese warrior might fetch £4oo-£6oo, and dolls made for export at the turn of this century usually sell for £100-£ 150.

Festival dolls were handed down in families from generation to generation. The most expensive had embroidered silk costumes and delicate features, but such a pair of dolls might only reach £200 300 at auction today.