Rare Antique German J.D. Kestner 164 Bisque Doll, 21″ — Brown Sleep Eyes, Human Hair Wig & Marked Body

Overview

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.

Key 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

Head & Facial Features

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.

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.

All condition details are shown in the photo.

Costume

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.

Collector's Notes

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.

Gallery Presentation

This doll has a specially created musical composition and a short art video on YouTube.(coming soon)

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