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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

5 months 3 weeks 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.

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