Antique Kestner 171 German Bisque Doll 29” Brown Sleep Eyes c.1880s
Antique Kestner 171 German Bisque Doll 29” Brown Sleep Eyes c.1880s
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Antique German Kestner Mold 171 Bisque Doll — 29”
A beautiful and impressive antique German Kestner Mold 171 bisque doll from the Victorian era, dating to approximately the 1880s. Standing an impressive 29 inches (approximately 74 cm) tall, she is a substantial collector doll with a wonderfully expressive face and beautifully preserved antique character.
The bisque head is in excellent antique condition, with no cracks or hairlines. There is a tiny chip near the eye, as well as a small amount of old glue residue from the wig attachment. All condition details are shown in the photographs.
She has beautiful brown sleep eyes, an open mouth with four visible teeth, finely painted feathered eyebrows, and painted lower eyelashes. These delicate details give her face a particularly soft and lifelike expression.
The doll wears an authentic mohair wig. Her head is marked:
L 1/2. MADE IN GERMANY. 15 1/2. 171.
She has a jointed composition body with “Germany 6” stamped on the back. The condition of the body, hands, and legs is clearly shown in the photographs.
Clothing
She is beautifully dressed in a high-quality Victorian-style ensemble. Her undergarments show a few small age-related holes. Wonderful leather shoes and an elaborate Victorian bonnet complete her charming antique presentation.
Condition
The doll is in excellent antique condition overall. The bisque head has no cracks or hairlines. There is a tiny chip near the eye and a small amount of old wig glue residue. The undergarments have a few small age-related holes. Please refer to the photographs for the condition of the composition body, hands, and legs.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they are an important part of the condition description of this antique doll.
Details
- Maker: Kestner
- Mold: 171
- Origin: Germany
- Period: Circa 1880s
- Height: 29 inches / approximately 74 cm
- Head: Bisque
- Head Marking: L 1/2. MADE IN GERMANY. 15 1/2. 171
- Eyes: Brown sleep eyes
- Mouth: Open mouth with four visible teeth
- Wig: Authentic mohair wig
- Body: Jointed composition body
- Body Marking: Germany 6
- Clothing: Victorian-style ensemble, undergarments, leather shoes, and bonnet
- Head Condition: No cracks or hairlines; tiny chip near the eye and minor old wig glue residue
With her impressive size, Mold 171, expressive brown sleep eyes, authentic mohair wig, and beautiful Victorian presentation, this Kestner is a striking example for a collection of antique German bisque dolls.
FAQ
Who made this antique bisque doll?
This antique German bisque doll was made by Kestner and is identified as Mold 171.
How old is this Kestner Mold 171 doll?
This Kestner Mold 171 doll dates to approximately the 1880s and represents the Victorian era of German dollmaking.
How tall is this Kestner doll?
The doll stands approximately 29 inches, or about 74 cm, tall.
Does the bisque head have any damage?
The bisque head has no cracks or hairlines. There is a tiny chip near the eye and a small amount of old glue residue from the wig attachment. These condition details are shown in the photographs.
Does this Kestner doll have sleep eyes?
Yes. The doll has beautiful brown sleep eyes that close when the doll is placed in a reclining position.
What markings does the doll have?
The bisque head is marked “L 1/2. MADE IN GERMANY. 15 1/2. 171.” The composition body is stamped “Germany 6” on the back.
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