A world-record auction price has been achieved for a googly-eyed German antique doll discovered by experts at Hansons Auctioneers.
The star of the firm’s Staffordshire saleroom’s September 9 Toys and Vintage Clothing sale was a Hertel, Schwab & Company Jubilee character doll made in 1916 (lot 263). It achieved a premium-inclusive total of £2,400.
Janet Rawnsley, dolls and teddy bear consultant at the firm’s Staffordshire saleroom, Bishton Hall, said: “It was a world-record price for this rare character doll and we were thrilled by this result. Buyers from all over the world, on phones and online, were keen to secure it and other important lots. The unusual toddler doll has a quirky side glance and blue glass eyes. It came to auction in good original condition sporting a layered dress and baby brooch.”
Hertel, Schwab & Company was founded in 1910 at Stutzhaus, Germany, by doll designers August Hertel, Heinrich Schwab and Friedrich Muller, and porcelain painter Hugo Rosenbush. The firm made high quality, bisque-head character baby and child dolls, some exclusively for the American market.
Other items to do well included lot 255A, another German-made offering. Mein Liebling Beautiful 117 doll sold for £1,400.
More strong results emerged for a 19th century bead house, £670, and tiny Grodnertal wooden German dolls, sold separately to accompany the house, £770.
Tiny miniature dolls (lot 267) and trunks sold for £670 and a small Steiner doll achieved £400.
A white rabbit by R John Wright achieved a staggering £750, a stellar lot from a great American artist, according to Janet.
Teddy bears sparked strong bidding from buyers in the UK and Europe and rarer Steiff models sold well. A Fairytale teddy bear, lot 337, made £536; a Darling leafy Papageno musical bear, lot 355, achieved £585 and a Picasso bear with painter’s cap, lot 380, sold for a premium-inclusive £509.
French dolls, including examples from Jumeau, were popular as always selling for up to £938 each and Brad dolls were also in demand.
Pokémon cards sparked strong bidding. One set, which is heading to the USA, sold for a total of £670. The popularity of Vintage cards continues apace.
Janet said: “It was a terrific sale, one of our best yet. It’s wonderful to uncover remarkable antique finds and unite them with new owners in this vibrant collectors market. We are now looking forward to our next sale and invite entries.”
Note: All prices include buyer’s premium
To arrange a free doll/teddy valuation email: [email protected]
