Rare Antique German J.D. Kestner 164 Bisque Doll, 21″ — Brown Sleep Eyes, Human Hair Wig & Marked Body
$850.00
Sale price
$850.00
Regular price
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Rare Antique German J.D. Kestner 164 Bisque Doll, 21″ — Brown Sleep Eyes, Human Hair Wig & Marked Body
$850.00
Sale price
$850.00
Regular price
Antique German J.D. Kestner 164 Doll, 21 Inches — Uncommon F Germany Marking and Brown Sleep Eyes
This exquisite antique German doll by J.D. Kestner, mold 164, dates approximately to the early 20th century, circa 1900–1910. She stands about 21 inches / 53 cm tall.
The doll has an especially beautiful and expressive face with delicate painting, softly blushed cheeks, and deep brown glass sleep eyes. The eye mechanism works properly, allowing the eyes to close smoothly when the doll is laid down. Her open mouth reveals small teeth, while the refined facial modeling gives her a gentle and lifelike expression.
The back of the head bears the factory marking:
F Germany 164 10 1/2
The Kestner 164 mold is well known among collectors, while examples bearing the less commonly encountered F Germany marking are of additional interest. This variation appears less frequently than the more standard markings associated with mold 164.
The doll retains her plaster pate, an important and desirable feature associated with early Kestner dolls. Her look is completed with a beautifully styled human hair wig, which complements her soft facial type.
The bisque head is mounted on a fully jointed composition body. The body bears the red factory stamp:
Germany 3
The marked body adds further collector appeal. It retains good structural integrity, stability, and mobility, allowing the doll to hold natural display poses.
She is presented in a beautifully coordinated light-colored ensemble with delicate lace trim. Stockings and shoes complete the presentation, making her ready for display in an antique doll collection.
Condition
The bisque head is in excellent condition, free of cracks, hairlines, and chips.
The facial painting is well preserved, the brown glass eyes are clean and expressive, and the sleep-eye mechanism functions properly.
The plaster pate is present, and the wig is made of human hair.
The composition body is in good condition, with natural age-related rubbing, minor surface wear, and light loss to the painted finish consistent with the age of an authentic antique doll.
Details
- Maker: J.D. Kestner
- Mold: 164
- Country of origin: Germany
- Period: circa 1900–1910
- Height: approximately 21 inches / 53 cm
- Head: bisque
- Eyes: brown glass eyes
- Eye mechanism: fully working sleep eyes
- Mouth: open, with teeth
- Pate: plaster
- Wig: human hair
- Body: fully jointed composition body
- Head marking: F Germany 164 10 1/2
- Body marking: red Germany 3 stamp
- Head condition: free of cracks, hairlines, and chips
- Body condition: good, with age-related rubbing and surface wear
- Clothing: light-colored ensemble with lace trim
- Shoes: included
This doll is a particularly attractive and well-preserved example of the classic Kestner 164 mold. The less commonly encountered F Germany marking, marked composition body, preserved plaster pate, human hair wig, and expressive brown sleep eyes give her additional collector appeal.
This doll has a specially created musical composition and a short art video on YouTube.(coming soon)
All condition details are shown in the photo
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