Ask the Antiques Expert

By Jeff Hembel, Antiques Appraiser

Our Antiques Expert is here to help uncover the history behind CW readers’ favorite country antiques and family heirlooms.

China Doll
This doll was a gift from a relative. The head and upper chest appear to be porcelain. Can you tell me more about it and its value? R.P., Virgil, South Dakota

A. During the 14th to 18th centuries, doll making was centered in Europe, mainly in Germany and France. These dolls mirrored current fashions and styles. By the late 19th century, dolls had blown glass sleep eyes, and wigs made of mohair or even human hair.

Your doll’s hairstyle—a flattop with curls on the side—helps date her to the 1860s.

This blonde version is a bit unusual—china-head dolls with black hair were more common. We know your doll is a china-head doll because she has a china head molded to her shoulders. Her body is made of cloth with leather arms, and her face is hand-painted.

In the mid-19th century, this doll would have made a great children’s Christmas present, selling for under $2.50. Today, a doll lover would value her at $275-$350.

Curious about your curio? Send a color photo (no ink-jet photos please), along with a description of your antique, to “Antiques Expert.” See our Contributor’s Guidelines. Sorry, but our busy expert cannot respond by mail or telephone to any inquiries. (Note: Formal appraisals of antiques and collectibles cannot be given from photos submitted; estimates provided are suggested values only.)