Bisque Dolls: Teatime Favorite - 1Earth Antiques and Appraisals Magazine

From childhood playthings to coveted collectibles

AUTHENTICITY
Skeptical of relying on a simple formula for determining authenticity. Every rule has five exceptions (for instance, Simon & Halbig often made heads for other companies as well as their own). The best way to learn is by looking at and touching the dolls, and talking to people who know. For a good collector's reference, we recommend The Blue Book Dolls & Values, by Jan Foulke.

A Jumeau doll.

Although fakes do exist, most aren't very good. Most original bisque dolls were incised with marks on the back of the head, perhaps the maker's name or a series number — and informed collectors can determine true originals. New "reproduction" dolls are clearly sold as such.

CONDITION
Excellent condition essentially means no damage to the head: no cracks, chips, specks, or rubs. A crack might cut a doll's value by half, an eye chip by 30 percent. It's nice to have a really good body too, but you can have some repair on that. Doll hospitals can re-string dolls; the elastic wears out over time. It's always better to have the original wig — some people throw away wigs that are quite acceptable. Original cheesecloth clothes are fine, too. Originality is everything.

CARE
Carefully use of soap or Formula 409 to clean the surfaces of the head. Don't wash the body. Always protect bisque dolls from direct sunlight and dust. For display purposes use standard doll stands, available in catalogues and at doll shows.