Antique PET NAME CHINA-HEAD DOLL/Bertha/c. 1800s/Hertwig & Co./19”/Used VG

Description

Who hasn’t seen at least pictures of china-head dolls?  Some of them are antique, and many are reproductions.
The old ones were made – mostly by German companies (
Germany
was world-famous for its toys!) – from the 1830s until about the 1940s.  The head/neck sections of the dolls are glazed porcelain, and they sometimes have partial limbs of china as well.  Their bodies are usually cloth, wood, or kidskin.  Their size runs from very small to very large, and most are unmarked by the company that made them.
This doll is an exception to some of that.  She’s a very pretty 19” girl who goes back to the 1880s.  She is a “Pet Name” doll from Hertwig & Company; her name, Bertha, can be seen on the front, although the gilt has worn off, and
Patent Applied For – Germany
is embossed on the back (although it may not be easy to see).
She has a very pretty, well-painted face and black hair.  The head has no cracks or crazing.  Her body is original – made of jointed leather, with feet.  She seems to have some small leather patches on some of her joints (if you were 140 years old, you’d have some patches, too).  Her right arm is slightly loose at the shoulder.
She wears her beautiful original silk dress with lace trim.  Her slip and pantalettes are old, but whether they’re original is uncertain.
Bertha would make a wonderful addition to your antique doll collection.
Questions?  Please e-mail before bidding.  Winner will pay for Priority Mail shipping.  I gladly combine shipping for multiple purchases