Distinctive 15” Antique Original Kestner Swivel-Head Fashion Doll

This fabulous German Kestner fashion doll is the one to take home if you are looking for a poupée of fine quality in a unique costume. I can easily imagine her running off to the shops for a pound of sugar and a bag of flour with this lovely red wool brocade cape pulled across her shoulders for warmth! The delicate painting of her facial features and adorable dimpled chin are just super. Not only does she come with her original wig, but a second blond mohair as well. With rare features, brown sleep eyes and a swivel head, and beautiful period costume, how can you go wrong with this precious lady?


***With a layaway plan, you can secure this doll for yourself, while taking your time to pay at your own pace! Give us a call at 718-859-0901, email us, or message us on Ruby Lane for payment details, layaway options, or to simply discuss this darling doll.
She has a bisque socket head and a moulded shoulder plate, with brown sleep eyes, delicately painted upper and lower lashes, finely feathered brows, a closed mouth with gently shaded lips, a dimpled chin and blushed cheeks. She stands at 15” on her original kidskin body with bisque forearms and wears her original gorgeous honey light brown wig, styled bangs with a few loose curls down her back.


She dons a wonderfully crafted antique original winter ensemble consisting of a red wool brocade cape with a purple and white silk fringe accent, over a blue wool dress with a box pleated bodice and white zig zag appliqués with a ruffled lace collar. Underneath, she wears an antique white cotton half slip with pin tucks and eyelet lace at the hem as well a pair of antique ecru cotton pantaloons with eyelet lace at the hem. On her feet are a pair of black cotton knit socks and vintage black oil cloth shoes with bows at the toes. On her chest is an antique gold filled bar pin and on her head is a beautiful antique original crimson silk velvet bonnet with the perfect contrasting ecru lace halo at the brim. Just the outfit I'd put on to walk to the butcher to buy the holiday roast!

MARKS: 5 [incised, back of head]


CONDITION: Generally Excellent! She has a lovely swivel head on a bisque shoulder plate which are both free of any cracks, chips, hairlines, or restoration, with fine bisque, pleasant color, expert painting of delicate features, and crisp modeling of tender and sweet face. The original glass sleep eyes are clear and sleep soundly, with minor wax loss to the eyelids. The original kidskin body is in good, sturdy, condition with some tearing to the right shoulder and typical age soiling to the kidskin forearms. The antique original wig has some loss but is sturdy and holds a natural curl. The costume has a few holes and age wear, such as sun fading to the front, but is otherwise excellent and fits her well. This wonderful petite Kestner fashion poupée of a young teen is so endearing; she looks like she is on her way to the shops with a list in her hand. A charming cabinet-ready darling with that certain “Je ne sais quoi!”


*Please note that the price shown for this doll was calculated by factoring in the doll’s condition carefully. The doll’s condition is described fully in the "Condition" paragraph above. Any damage or flaws are carefully evaluated as to the way they may reduce the retail value of this item. Unless there is some major issue we overlooked in the condition report, we decline to entertain any proposals for price reductions due to a less than perfect condition report. Most dolls that are over 100 years old will have encountered issues over the years and perfection is rare when it comes to antiques.

And find out more about Kathy Libraty’s 30 years of experience in antique dolls in publications and shows like The New York Times, Eyewitness News, The Antiques Road Show, Brooklyn Magazine and many other International media shows featuring Kathy. Just search Kathy Libraty for more information.*** LBY 11/07/26 - DEB