Antique German Franz Schmidt & Co. Bisque Doll, 21-22 Inches, circa 1905
Antique German Franz Schmidt & Co. Bisque Doll, 21-22 Inches, circa 1905
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Antique German Franz Schmidt & Co. Bisque Doll, 21 Inches, circa 1905
This beautiful antique German doll was made by Franz Schmidt & Co. around 1905. The back of her bisque socket head is clearly marked S & C / Made in Germany / 53.
The doll has expressive blue glass sleep eyes, finely painted upper and lower eyelashes, feathered eyebrows, softly blushed cheeks, and an open mouth with four upper teeth. Her pierced ears are adorned with earrings. Particularly captivating is her beautifully preserved facial painting, with vivid coloring and a gentle, lifelike expression.
She is set on an antique fully jointed composition body and retains her original mohair wig. She wears an elegant peach-colored dress decorated with delicate lace and embroidery. A coordinating hat, light stockings, and black shoes complete her romantic presentation.
Condition
The bisque head is in excellent antique condition, with no cracks or hairlines. There are tiny superficial chips around the pierced earring holes and minor superficial paint flakes beneath the wig.
The antique composition body is complete, with all fingers and toes present. It shows natural signs of age, including localized rubbing, small areas of finish loss, and wear around the joints, particularly on the back and legs.
The original mohair wig shows age-related thinning at the crown. The dress has signs of age and areas of fabric separation at the back. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description.
Details
- Maker: Franz Schmidt & Co.
- Marking: S & C / Made in Germany / 53
- Country of origin: Germany
- Date: Circa 1905
- Height: 21 inches
- Head: Bisque socket head
- Eyes: Blue glass sleep eyes
- Mouth: Open mouth with four upper teeth
- Ears: Pierced, with earrings
- Body: Antique fully jointed composition body
- Wig: Original mohair wig
- Clothing: Peach-colored dress with lace, hat, stockings, and black shoes
- Condition: Beautifully preserved bisque head with natural age-related wear to the body, wig, and clothing
An elegant example of early twentieth-century German dollmaking, this doll is distinguished by her exquisite facial painting, brilliant blue eyes, original mohair wig, and beautifully romantic presentation. She will make a striking addition to a collection of antique German bisque dolls.
This doll has her own specially selected music and a dedicated video on the Yana Lamar Gallery YouTube channel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this an authentic antique doll?
Yes. This is an authentic German bisque doll made by Franz Schmidt & Co. around 1905.
Does the bisque head have any cracks or hairlines?
No. The head has no cracks or hairlines. There are only tiny superficial chips around the pierced earring holes and minor superficial paint flakes beneath the wig.
Is the wig original?
Yes. The doll retains her original mohair wig, which shows age-related thinning at the crown.
Does the doll have a jointed body?
Yes. She has an antique fully jointed composition body with all fingers and toes present.
Does the sleep-eye mechanism work?
The doll is fitted with blue glass sleep eyes. Due to her age, the mechanism should always be handled gently.
Is shipping available within the United States?
Yes. Carefully packed and insured shipping is available throughout the United States.
Is international shipping available?
International shipping is available to destinations supported by the carrier. Any applicable customs duties or import charges are the buyer’s responsibility.
Where Every Doll Carries a Story
About the Creator / Gallery
Meet Yana Lamar
I am Yana Lamar, a collector and restorer who turned a late‑found curiosity for dolls into a carefully curated gallery of antique characters.
I seek dolls that carry quiet stories — France, German, Japan, American - bisque girls, shy companions from attics and trunks — and give them a second life with gentle restoration instead of perfection.
In this online boutique you will not find mass‑market pieces, only a small rotating collection chosen for their personality, history, and the feeling they bring into a room.
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Whispers from Collectors
Thoughtful words from people who welcomed these antique souls into their homes.
“Opening the parcel felt like opening a century‑old storybook. The doll is even more delicate and expressive in person than in the photos, and the description was absolutely accurate. Packaging was careful and elegant, so she arrived safely despite the long journey.”
Anna M., United States
“I have collected antique dolls for over twenty years, and this is one of the most thoughtfully curated boutiques I have come across. Yana answered all my questions with patience and sent extra close‑up photos before I decided. You can feel real love for dolls behind every detail.”
Claire R., France
“The moment I saw my doll on the website, I knew she was special. In real life, her presence is incredible — soft, quiet, and full of character. The outfit is beautifully coordinated, and I appreciate the honest notes about her age and restoration.”
Elena S., Italy
“This was my first antique doll purchase, and I was a little nervous. The entire process was gentle and reassuring: clear communication, transparent condition report, and shipping updates all the way. When I unboxed her, I felt like welcoming an old friend home.”
Julia K., United States
“Every time I visit this gallery, there is something unique and soulful to discover. The dolls, accessories, and rare treasures are presented with such sensitivity that it feels more like an art collection than a shop. I am already looking forward to my next adoption.”
Margaret L., United Kingdom