Featured Hand carved DOLL (1950s?) (German?) cloth base. KEEP OR DONATE?

Wasn't sure which category to use for this item...

$5 at an estate sale, it's not my normal thing to buy, but I got some pretty nice OTHER items and when the seller offered this for $5, I took it.

Family history says that this was mailed from Germany. The way she is carved looks somewhat modern to my eye, the upturned nose, etc., maybe even as late as 1970s. That wouldn't jive with other things from the house though, most items 1960's at the latest. Her skirt looks vintage (1950s? Earlier?) held together with with some kind of spring mechanism.

Likely no one is going to be able to say who made this, but my question is whether there is ANY Ebay market for something like this. I realized after I got home one of her finger's is broken off, so there is damage. Thoughts? I could always list and just see what happens. Remind me what you call dolls that just have the torso and head, is there a special name for that? Thanks.

 

Pictures coming...

 

Donate? Try Ebay?

 

Half doll. I think that's the term you're looking for. She's a sweetie. Whoever carved and painted it did a really nice job on her face and hair.

 

Her hair do and crinoline are consistent with 1950s.

Debora

 

I have no idea about these things. But this is nicely done and shows good craftsmanship. I would think it’s very much a vintage collectible and has a market (even with the minor damage) I would have definitely tried to sell it (if I didn’t want to keep it)

 

Thanks Laura, Debora and Boland. Maybe worth listing then. I'd love to see it go to someone who would appreciate it. Thanks!

 

2 thoughts,both probably wrong...she looks like Rosemary Clooney and could it be a Santos figure ? What is she holding in her hand ?

 

I was wondering the same thing. It looks like a candle holder to me. Could be a wine cup.

 

Can't help you, but I love her! I've never seen anything like it.

 

She could represent a specific German or Austrian actress of the time.
Maybe Romy Schneider? She was hugely popular because of her title role in the "Sissi" films, the first one of which was released in 1955.

If you list her on ebay, make sure it is set on the EU as well as the US.

 

Can the goblet be removed from her grasp? That she's a Sissi doll is an interesting idea. Her costume is a bit humble but could be meant to evoke the mid-1800s. Is her cage crinoline completely circular or does it extend in one area?

Debora

 

I think she could be modeled after Romy Schneider, but not in her role as Sissi, because she doesn't have long hair (which Sissi was famous for).
I mentioned the Sissi movies because those made her famous and extremely popular in Europe.

 

Romy in the second Sissi film, with Sissi's famous long hair with diamond stars:


Romy as Romy:

 

Thanks for the additional responses. She definitely could be modeled after one of these actors.

As for the item she's holding I think it is a cup. As far as I can see, it cannot be removed. Here is a photo where it looks like you could just slip it out, but it's a tight fit and I think I would snap a finger off if I forced it. There is a little smooth spot on the base of the cup where it's possible base and top were connected after the fact, not sure.

That cage crinoline (thanks for that descriptor!) does go all the way around.



I'll put this up online --- will report back!

 

Wanted to give follow-up.

Thanks to encouragement from this thread, I did not donate this doll. I wound up listing this doll, and happily she sold for $80!

The story gets even better. Earlier the buyer had written me and asked if the base was "a tea cozy" to which I replied, "I don't think so, but I'm not sure."

Buyer wrote me the most lovely note, and so I think this doll won the jackpot with this buyer:

Dressing this little lady in antique doll clothes I already had. She is beautiful !!! I have bought a basket and in it she will be carrying antique grodnertal miniature dolls and a jug to fill her cup while she peddles her wares. Also, she definitely is a tea cozy and I'm thrilled as I collect them and have many. Now she has a lot of friends !! I am very happy.

Was such a pleasant sale, and many thanks for the advice I received here.

 

That is great news, Lucille.

I can just picture it.