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Identification

Antique German-Style Bisque Socket Head Doll, 22-Inch

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The doll exhibits classic characteristics of German bisque dolls from the late 19th to early 20th century, including a bisque socket head, glass sleep eyes, an open mouth with teeth, and a jointed composition body.

Story

Produced in Germany during the late 19th to early 20th century. During this era, the Thuringia region of Germany was the global epicenter of bisque doll manufacturing, supplying heads to both domestic assemblers and international markets. The secondary market for antique German bisque dolls is highly stratified. Common molds (such as the Armand Marseille 390) experience soft demand and trade primarily as decorative items. Conversely, premium makers and rare character faces retain strong, dedicated collector interest.

Maker / Origin

Unattributed

Condition & Value

Visible features indicate a well-preserved composition body and an intact bisque head with functioning sleep eyes and molded teeth. The period-style clothing appears in good order. The bisque head appears free of major cracks or hairline fractures in the photos, though there is some typical grime and wear.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The secondary market for antique German bisque dolls is highly stratified. Common molds (such as the Armand Marseille 390) experience soft demand and trade primarily as decorative items. Conversely, premium makers and rare character faces retain strong, dedicated collector interest. Overall liquidity is heavily dependent on the originality of the presentation and the absence of hidden damage.

Value Drivers

▲ Classic 22-inch size with desirable glass sleep eyes and open mouth

▲ Intact bisque socket head with no visible exterior damage

▲ Complete jointed composition body with period-appropriate clothing

Concerns

▼ Obscured maker's mark leaves the attribution in generic/unbranded territory

▼ Unverified bisque integrity; hidden hairlines would severely depress value

Best Venue

Carefully lift the wig at the back of the neck to check for incised maker's marks. If a premium maker like Simon & Halbig is confirmed, consign to a specialist doll or antique auction. If unmarked or identified as a common mold, list on general secondary platforms like eBay or Ruby Lane with clear, well-lit photos of the face and body.

Upside Potential

If lifting the wig reveals a premium maker's mark (such as Simon & Halbig, Kestner, or Kammer & Reinhardt), the value immediately shifts into the $200-$300+ collector tier.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 1 comp

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Jackson's International Auctioneers
    35-INCH ARMAND MARSEILLE FRENCH BISQUE A15M DOLL
    Much larger size (34-35 inches) and French origin.
    $250