Antique Armand Marseille 1896 All Original Doll 11" Tall

The perfect German bisque shoulder head is finely modelled and the painted features are excellent with outlined eye cuts, individually painted upper and lower lashes, and single stroke brown glossy brows. The mouth, nostrils, and eye corner accents are a light peachy coral color and the pale bisque indicate early production. The brown spiral threaded sleep eyes are in the original set and are working properly.

Marks: "1896 // C O D 7/0 DEP"

The original pink cloth body has red stitching and lower composition arms (the right lower arm is broken off and missing), and the lower legs are brown cloth to indicate stockings. The body is stitch jointed at shoulders, hips, and knees. There are no holes, tears, or leaks. There is a stain at the waist from a doll stand.

The original human hair wig has a gauze cap and has bangs and retains part of the original set. The sides have been taken down, probably because someone wanted it to look longer. The hair is a medium blonde and is in excellent condition. Re-setting the sides would be very easy indeed.

The costume is still lovely, though the fine silk organdy is shattering as shown. The edges are bound and decorated with cream silk ribbon. Blue ribbons have been added. The original full slip is in very good condition, and pantaloons are pinned on and may be fashioned from something else. The bonnet of blue and cream is lovely. Patent shoes are likely original as well.

If the doll were not missing an arm, she would be valued at $325 to $350 in this size and condition. Because of her missing arm, I have priced her in the bargain category, although finding a replacement arm or a matched set, should not be very difficult.

Item ID: GB-A199