Skip to main content
Home

Main navigation

  • Free Appraisals
    • Get a Free Appraisal
    • View Appraisals
    • Local Appraisers
  • Classifieds
  • Blog
  • Shows
    • Antique Shows, Flea Markets, & Swap Meets Map
    • Upcoming Shows
User Menu
  • Login
  • Help
  • Register

Breadcrumb

  1. Home

Old porcelain dolls

Profile picture for user jacklyn
By jacklyn, 22 November, 2024
Description

Curious of how old these are and what theyre called ive found so many different things on them with no for sure answer and possibly how much they are worth?

Category
Black Memorabilia
Medium
Porcelain
Distinguishing marks
Little boy has a sticker on his back thats china
Condition
Mint
Size and dimensions of this item
Small
For Sale?
Yes
Photos
Profile picture for user NaidaTheCollector

NaidaTheCollector

7 months 1 week ago

Based on your images and…

Based on your images and with the detail that the little boy figure has “China” marked on its back I’ve come up with the following:

Identification
The First Doll (Girl Figure):
This is a vintage-style Black Americana doll, likely modeled after folk or historical representations.

It features a hand-painted ceramic or composite face and limbs, with fabric clothing that includes a dress, apron, and headscarf. The design evokes an aesthetic commonly associated with early to mid-20th-century depictions of African American domestic life.

The Second Doll (Boy Figure):
This is a similar Black Americana-style doll but marked with a sticker that reads "Hand Painted, Made in China." This indicates that it is a reproduction doll likely made in the late 20th century (1970s–1990s) during a time when such collectibles became popular in global markets.

Historical Context Of Black Americana Dolls:
These dolls are part of the broader category of Black Americana memorabilia. They were originally created in the 19th and early 20th centuries, often reflecting stereotypical depictions that are now considered problematic. By the mid-to-late 20th century, reproductions of these dolls were made as collectibles for cultural or decorative purposes.

The reproductions, particularly those marked "Made in China," were produced for export markets and often sold in gift shops or as nostalgic items.

Materials and Construction:
The first doll appears to be made of ceramic or bisque with hand-sewn clothing, while the second has a similar construction but includes a factory-applied sticker indicating mass production.

Valuation
The Girl Doll:
If this is an older doll (pre-1950), its value could range from $50 to $150, depending on its condition and provenance. If it’s a later reproduction (post-1970s), its value is likely between $20 and $50, as it would not be as rare or historically significant.

The Boy Doll:
As it is marked "Made in China," this doll is definitively a reproduction from the late 20th century. Such dolls typically have a market value of $10 to $30, depending on condition and demand from collectors.

Conclusion
These dolls are likely reproductions intended as decorative or collectible items rather than originals from the Black Americana period. While they hold cultural and historical significance as representations of the past, their late 20th-century manufacture limits their monetary value. If you are seeking a more precise valuation, a professional appraisal might help, especially for the first doll if it has any markings or signs of earlier craftsmanship. Hope you find this helpful.

No votes yet
  • Log in or register to post comments

Today’s Featured Blog

How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners

More Blog articles…

Recent Appraisals

  • antique umbrella holder
  • Mack 1 Appraisal Request
  • Ceramic pottery tray with agate finish
  • Paul Hanson Hand Painted Lamps
  • gone with the wind hurricane lamp
  • Blenko Blue Glass bowl with gold foot 14.5"
  • ROBERT BERRAN OFFSET LITHOGRAPH ADVERTISEMENTS DONE FOR CONN Ltd 1974
  • CLOCKUP PUBLICATIONS #27
  • National Theatre Supply Company Sirryplex projector. a-c motor model # 5ksa47ci, type ksa, frame 4/7, form, c, volts 110, with many pieces and parts
  • Lladro girl with flowers
See more appraisals…

Recent Appraisal Comments

  • Antique Art Nouveau Ceramic Box (Attributed to Carl Sigmund Lube
  • Antique Or Vintage Ceramic Umbrella Stand
  • Any help as to what this may…
  • Painting - Possibly Alfred Fontville De Breanski Jr
  • Has been on the wall of our…
  • Pair of Paul Hanson Hand-Painted Table Lamps
  • Handcrafted Ceramic Tray with Agate Glaze Pattern
  • Hand-Painted Gone with the Wind Hurricane Lamp
  • Blenko Handmade Glass Bowl – Blue with Gold Foot (14.5")
  • Robert Berran Limited Edition Lithograph Set for C.G. Conn Ltd.

Recent Blog Articles

  • How to Start a Collection: Tips for Beginners
  • Beyond the Price Tag: The Hidden Factors That Influence Antique and Collectible Value
  • Beyond the Price Tag: Unlocking the Hidden Stories in Your Family Heirlooms
  • Antiques as an Investment: Beyond the Hype, What's Actually Worth It?
  • Is it Real or Just Really Old? Your Guide to Spotting Fake Antiques (and How to Protect Yourself)
  • Beyond the Dust: Unearthing the Stories Behind Your Antiques (and Why Knowing Matters)
  • Unlocking Time's Treasures: Your Essential Vintage Watch Value Guide

More Blog articles…

© 1995- InstAppraisal™, Inc. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
Privacy Policy, Cookie Policy, Terms and Conditions, End User License Agreement