French Bisque Head Character “Toto” Toddler Doll by Lanternier

Antiques : Dolls : Bisque, French : Character

 

This 17 inch tall French bisque socket head doll, circa 1915, was created by the A. Lanternier & Cie Porcelain factory of Limoges, France. She has a character face with set glass eyes and her original five piece toddler body. The body, with original finish except for on small repair on her tush, is very similar to those on the character dolls of SFBJ. Her bisque has no chips, cracks, or repairs and is quite lovely and of high quality for a late French doll. She has, what I believe to be, her original brunette human hair wig and pate. She is wearing a cotton petticoat and a charming crocheted dress with ribbon trim. She has no underpanties which may account for her rather mischievous expression! I have always enjoyed this mold and this is the largest example that I have ever seen. I have never seen this large head and have never seen one that obviously properly is attached to a French toddler body. She definitely has a personality of her own and makes me laugh when I look at her. She has an open closed mouth with a molded tongue and two molded upper teeth. Her eyes probably originally were sleep eyes but have been set. I did not try to remove all the wig glue from her head as I did not want to create any wig pulls. She is marked “Depose TOTO N6 AL & C Limoges.” This doll is definitely for the advanced collector that enjoys the unique and whimsical.

Item ID: LG28086