Posted 13 years ago
csmm2013
(1 item)
I was given this doll over 50 years ago when my grandmother died. At that time, an antique dealer told my parents that the only other doll like this was in the Smithsonian . I would love to gather as much information as I can about this doll as I prepare to again pass it along in the family. I've no idea about the worth of this doll, other than the sentimental value. Thanks for any help!
Would appreciate any knowledge about my doll's history. Thanks!
Hi your Wonderful China doll 1850's is called a " Covered Wagon Brown eyed China " Brown eyes are rare to find and always sought after by China collectors . China dolls are named by hair style . How tall is she ? You have a valuable doll !
Most China head dolls are unmarked, some have a mold number on the back of the neck or shoulder plate, thus it can be impossible to pinpoint the doll maker, so most dolls are described and identified by the type of hairstyle. As hairstyles changed over the long history of China head dolls, dolls changed too, which gives a clue to their dating
There one more on market but collectors who have them tend to keep them . I have seen several . I do have a post of a Covered Wagon but Blue eyes .
PS These were Made In Germany
If you have more questions I will be happy to answer . Make sure head has no cracks or breast plate . Is her body original very old cloth ? Many times bodies have to be replaced on these old girls since fabric breaks down . Now when picking her up always hold her head as you can see she is merely sewn to body and these threads and material can give way and head can fall off so handle with care . She has been redressed at some point and her hands lead me to think she has a replaced body . Let me know her size ok
I am always upset when I hear a Doll dealer or Antique store telling people stories she is not only at Smithsonian if they even have one there ? . She has a high value in China's however prices have come down in past years . Part of her value is in size also . Stunning doll and I love her , China's are my first love in dolls and then Mannequins :-)
I did forget to mention she is also called pink tint some China's are very white in color . :-)
Here is one that sold recently . Yours is nicer . Do not be confused by face painting on china's as a Covered wagon can have several looks depending on artist . Your's has a serene look similar to mine .
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Antique-1850s-Kestner-Brown-Eyed-Covered-Wagon-China-Doll-/160971979880?pt=US_Dolls_Bears_Toys&hash=item257aad7c68&nma=true&si=CFbDLpL8ahPKA%252Fo6pszHGKBS2yQ%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557
Here is mine notice yours is pinker which is desired in China's as well as rarer Brown eyes . Most China dolls have Blue eyes but a few of them had brown .
http://www.collectorsweekly.com/stories/42546-1850s-china-doll-german
Thank you so much for the interesting information. It will be wonderful to pass along to my daughter as I pass this on to her. To answer your question, the doll is 20 inches long. I do believe the hands and feet were replaced prior to me receiving it. The body, as far as I can see appears very old and may be original. It is hard to tell under the dress and petticoat. There are no cracks in the head or shoulders . Yes, she is beautiful.
Your daughter will appreciate her history and her beauty . Not all dolls are created equal and yours in one of those special ones . It does not affect price to much with replaced arms because of her being a harder to find China with Brown eyes . Remember about head support I actually tie mine on I am not sure if yours is just glued or also sewn on but either could let loose . And dropping her head would be a dreadful for you . Thank you for sharing her ! Glad CW could give you the help you requested always welcome to come back anytime :-)
THIS IS LOVELY!