| 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. |
