Description: Armand Marseille Porcelain Doll Circa 1915-1920. Ref TO.1
Maker: Armand Marseille, Thuringia, Germany
Date: Estimated 1915-1920
History: Armand Marseille was born in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1856 but the family left for Germany around the 1860s. Armand grew up in Coburg(now Bavaria) and purchased the toy factory of Liebermann & Wegescher in 1885 where the production of porcelain doll heads started, the first believed to be in 1890. The company became one of the largest producer of porcelain dolls heads in the world, producing up to 1000 heads per day with a work force of 550 employees by 1893 and producing dolls heads for numerous other companies.
Description: The A.M. 390 doll was one of the most popular dolls the company made and came in a number of sizes. Records show they were already being sold in 1915. All in all, Armand produced over 200 different doll heads. There is a considerable variation in the markings of the heads, usually A.M. and/or Armand Marseille plus made in Germany or just Germany, sometimes with a mold number, sometimes with the size number. They were all hand-painted, they had glass sleep-eyes or fixed eyes, sometimes painted eyes, wigs or painted hair open or closed mouths, usually smiling.
Condition: The dolls head remain in good condition, it has large glass sleep eyes, eyelashes, an open mouth with teeth, and a medium brown wig. A composite articulated body (these were never made by Armand but bought in ) and dressed in a rather worn handmade silk and lace dress with a beaded silk cape. Cotton pantaloons, hand knitted socks and replacement (modern) shoes complete the ensemble.
Dimensions: 60 cm in length
For comparison Google Armand Marsaille porcelain dolls and get some idea of prices in the States and Europe. Remember, this is a large doll!!
Price: R2000.00
Please note, I am NOT a qualified archaeologist/antiquarian and the description I have given is based on research of the subject.
This is a genuine antique. Please remember the classification of an 'antique' is that it should be 100 years old, OR MORE.
Terms: We offer a strict three-day approval period from the date the parcel reaches you. Refunds/credits are based on the cost of the article, NOT including delivery charges. Please advise us within this period whether you would like to return any article for a refund/credit. Although we pride ourselves in our packing, the buyer remains responsible for loss, non-arrival or damage to goods being sent to, or returned.
