Posted 12 years ago
efficientl…
(2 items)
These dolls were given to me in 1937 from my grandmother. I was told they were French Fashion Dolls from the mid-1800's. They were used by designers to show their designs to prospective buyers. They are 13"-14" high and stand on a stuffed round base.
I am curious to know anything I can about these dolls. I have not found much information. Are they rare? Would you know their value? Your comments and input would be most appreciated.
Nice examples of early mannequins . They appear to have used for a display of garments of different era's . The mannequins likely date more into the late 30's . But some are dressed in mid 1800 style but they clothes were not made in 1800's I think they were made much later by fabric and sewing of them . What a great gift your Grandmother gave you ! they are wonderful .
I also believe them to made in USA but wearing french Fashion style clothes . The French were the fashion for runners in design and they set the style in 1800-1900 as well as today they remain very watched for their newest fashions .
Thank you for your prompt response Manikin. I love hearing more and more about these dolls. Do you know if these dolls are valuable? Someone told me that they may be worth about $100.00 each.
Hi Eff
I would say that would be good estimate in price if they had full bodies much more ( I mean having legs ) and it looks like arms the hands are felt ? can you tell if arm goes all the way up body is it cloth or a wire . The body structure is important that is why I always show mine nude . They are dressed very well and I would sure say 100 is not out of line on price . Mannequin people can be fickle and they will love it and pay anything to get them or not sure next week and they are low in price . I would love to see their faces in a larger photo as one looks different . If you can email me the pics I can see them better on face condition and painting and better give you an idea on them @ manikin 1234@aol.com
Here is some similair to yours not exact but she has listed them 3 times before some sold look at price differences on hers
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sarah-Sairy-Gamp-NURSING-HISTORY-MANNEQUIN-DOLL-early-20th-C-/360447186445?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53ec53960d
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&hash=item53ec335611&item=360445072913&nma=true&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&rt=nc&si=5F3tzIOb48cW3nmnC9eYdLSjHac%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
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http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&hash=item53ec539614&item=360447186452&nma=true&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&rt=nc&si=5F3tzIOb48cW3nmnC9eYdLSjHac%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc she had several so it is hard to say with yours . They would attract a certain buyer as most mannequin collectors love the Art Deco 40's look but there is a market for fashion also
Manikin1234@aol.com
Hi Lisa
I have studied the face on the enlarged one you sent . I am inclined to believe these were not factory produced but commissioned by a doll artist or a doll sculpting class to use as a display for fashion of 1800's for some event . The one you sent has either been repaired or it was not made in a mold . It has had some repainting on it . But They are very unusual and beautifully dressed and yes much nicer than ones I sent link on I was just showing you price if they were just being sold for fashion examples . Yours are much nicer and older . They have damage on cloth and all that hurts value . But if I were selling them and it is hard without holding them in my hands to really look close . I would expect to get from 200-300 for all of them as a group and if they went to auction they could go for more or less . If mine I would start bidding to open at 300 but then you have risk you only have one buyer or you get a 2 people that love them and they would go higher . They are a wonderful collection !
Love them !