French or German, Composition Half Doll

This vintage half doll is probably of French or German provenance based on the style of her painted face and her costume. She was quite possibly the lid to a candy box. She stands approximately 13" in height from her cardboard base to the uppermost portion of her forehead. The hollow cardboard base measures 5 1/2" x 2 1/2". Her clothing is silk, lace, velvet (her bodice and cap), and perhaps lawn (petticoats). The bodice has finely embroidered designs and the cap's floral motif is painted. The doll's head, torso and arms are made of composition.

Condition issues:

Clothing is worn and torn in places, including her skirts, petticoats, and blouse sleeves. Her face has marks that may be able to be removed, but I am uncertain. Her neck has a mark visible in the second photo. Her hair has missing paint in a few places, some chipping, and what looks to be a faint hairline crack when observed with a 10x magnifying loupe. Her hair, face and hands have soiling owing to age. Her hands are rudimentarily formed, and it looks as if one thumb has damage to the portion that meets the palm of the hand, but this is only visible upon close examination with a loupe. Finally, the doll is top heavy and must be adjusted so that she is upright and not leaning forward or backward.

This doll, especially her painted face, is in good condition for her age. Oftentimes, dolls from this time period have larger chips and cracks on the face.

I've tried to show these issues in the 10 photographs, but if you need more photos, please do ask as I'll be more than happy to oblige and provide you with more detailed photos. You should know the exact condition of this doll or anything else you purchase from my shop. Also, please use the magnifying function for the photos to see more detail.

Your doll will be sent fully insured via Priority Mail.

Thank you for looking.