| The charm of half-dolls has endured for over two centuries. As early as 1747 there were records mentioning pincushion dolls, and they became very popular in Europe and the United States until about 1920, and some were still on the market as late as 1949.
Typically, these dolls are waist high with head and arms. Usually a cloth skirt is attached. They were used as pin cushions, decor for a lady’s dressing table, powder box tops, brushes, and tea cozies. Dresser dolls and any dolls with skirts used as covers can be considered half-dolls.
Examples of half-dolls are made of wood and poured wax, although most are made of bisque and china. In Germany they were given stitch holes in the waist area for added needlework.
Pincushions were extremely popular during Queen Victoria’s reign. Sometimes emery powder was used as a stuffing material because it was heavy enough to hold the doll upright, and it would clean the rust off the pins inserted in the skirt! The doll’s sash sometimes contained pockets for scissors, thimble, and thread.
Other half-dolls were used as decorative toppings for teapots, with the skirt used as the pot warmer. These were known as tea-cosy dolls, and were most popular after 1918. Tea-cosy parties were held by women who sewed together, also called sewing circles.
There are generally three categories of half-dolls: the least expensive and easiest to mold have arms pressed close to the sides. These come from a single mold. Mid-range in price have openings between arms and torso. Arms are extended away from their bodies. The most expensive have molded accessories as well as extended arms, and are made using several molds.
Half-dolls were made by several German doll manufacturers: Dressel, Heubach, Kestner, Hertwig and Company and Limbach, to name a few. They were sold at novelty shops, mail-order companies, and needlework shops. Sears Roebuck and Montgomery Ward advertised them in their catalogs.
Half-dolls can be found today at flea markets, doll shows, doll stores, antique shops, and auctions. If you collect, or are tempted to collect these delicate creatures, here are some considerations before you buy:
CONDITION: The porcelain or bisque should be very smooth, without roughness. The paint should be even and finely detailed.
MARKINGS: These will help identify the maker and validate authenticity. Markings include numbers, manufacturer’s symbols, country of origin, and artist’s initials.
SIZE: Larger sizes are the most desirable. Half-dolls range in size from one inch to about ten inches.
RARITY: Look for the unusual, one that isn’t listed in books. After 1880 an extremely large number were made by hundreds of porcelain factories in Europe!
DETAIL: Check for marks of a well-known company, one that is at least five inches tall, has an elaborate hairdo, molded clothes, holding something in outstretched arms. Look for original skirts, jointed arms, and fine decoration with lots of details.
Famous historical ladies were often the subjects for modeling half-dolls. Marie Antoinette, Princess de Lambelle of Savoy, Jenny Lind, and many others. One very sought-after half-doll is La Belle Chocolatier. According to legend, a young waitress named Anna Balfauf, became the bride of Prince Dietrichstein, an Austrian nobleman. Her portrait was painted and displayed at the Dresden Art Gallery. In the portrait, she held a tray with a cup and saucer as if to serve hot chocolate.
One day in 1862, the president of Walter Baker’s cocoa company spotted the portrait at the gallery and decided that she would make the perfect trademark for the company. However, it wasn’t until 1872 that La Belle Chocolatier became the official trademark of Walter Baker’s chocolate products. Even today Baker’s Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate Squares bears this trademark. At Theriault’s auction, the Baker’s Lady, as she is also known, brought more than $500.
Half-dolls have been reproduced, and in general, reproductions are less desirable purchases. However, the Wilhelm Goebel Company made exceptional reproductions in limited quantity. The company produced a series of six dolls, each limited to 5,000 and individually numbered. Each doll is secured to a wooden stand attached to a porcelain base. They are dressed in layers of satin and lace and come with a certificate. Representing famous historical women, they sell for about a third of the original doll’s price. Even though many of the best half-dolls sell at lofty prices, we can still find bargains if we look. They are indeed lovely additions to one’s collection of dolls.
RESOURCES: Article, "The World of Half-Dolls", by Susan Endo, "Doll World" Magazine; Article, "Fully Valued Half-Dolls", by Robert Reed, "Doll Collector's Price Guide" Summer Issue; Article, "Half-Dolls, the Full Story", by Robert Reed, "Doll World", 1993; Article, "Half-Dolls full-length dresses hid household items", by Mary Gorham, "AntiqueWeek", August 9, 1999. |
