Rare Antique German All-Bisque Character Baby Doll, Mold 816-4
Rare Antique German All-Bisque Character Baby Doll, Mold 816-4
Rare Antique German All-Bisque Character Baby Doll, Mold 816-4 — 5.5
A charming antique German all-bisque character baby doll dating to the early 20th century.
Standing only 5.5 inches (approximately 14 cm) tall, this little baby has a remarkably expressive character. The finely modeled face, plump cheeks, painted eyes, closed mouth, and molded and painted hair create the distinctive appearance associated with German character babies of this period.
The doll is entirely made of bisque. The movable arms and bent legs are jointed to the torso, allowing the baby to retain its characteristic natural pose.
Mold 816-4
Of particular interest is the factory marking 816-4. The number 816 is repeated on several parts of the doll and is also known on other all-bisque character babies of a similar type. Only a small number of examples from this series are represented in available sources, making mold 816 particularly interesting for collectors and further research.
The exact manufacturer has not been conclusively documented. For this reason, we intentionally do not attribute the doll to a specific German factory without sufficient supporting evidence.
Condition
The doll is in good condition considering its age. There is a small chip in the neck area — please refer carefully to the photographs, where this detail is clearly shown.
One leg is slightly different in color from the other parts of the doll. The exact reason cannot be determined: the leg may have been replaced at some point, or the difference may simply be the result of more intensive cleaning of the surface. Neither possibility is presented as a confirmed fact.
All condition details, markings, and surface characteristics are clearly shown in the photographs, which form an important part of the description.
Details
- Origin: Germany
- Period: Early 20th century
- Type: All-Bisque Character Baby
- Mold / Model: 816-4
- Material: Bisque
- Height: 5.5 inches / approximately 14 cm
- All-bisque construction
- Jointed arms and legs
- Painted eyes
- Closed mouth
- Molded and painted hair
- Factory markings present on multiple parts
The doll retains the wonderful expressiveness and charm associated with small German character dolls of the early 20th century.
Small in size yet full of personality, this is an appealing collectible example, particularly notable for its unusual 816-4 marking and the limited number of known comparable examples
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of doll is this?
This is an antique German all-bisque character baby doll dating to the early 20th century.
What is the mold number of this antique doll?
The doll bears the mold or model marking 816-4. The number 816 is repeated on several parts of the doll.
What is this antique character baby doll made of?
The doll is entirely made of bisque and has an all-bisque construction.
How tall is the doll?
The doll is 5.5 inches tall, approximately 14 cm.
Is the manufacturer of this antique doll known?
The exact manufacturer has not been conclusively documented. The doll is therefore not attributed to a specific German factory without sufficient supporting evidence.
What is the condition of the doll?
The doll is in good condition considering its age. There is a small chip in the neck area. One leg is slightly different in color from the other parts of the doll, although the exact reason for the difference cannot be determined. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the description.
Is this antique German character doll available for purchase?
Yes. This rare antique German all-bisque character baby doll, Mold 816-4, is available for purchase from Yana Lamar Gallery, specializing in antique and vintage dolls and collectible objects.
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