J.D. Kestner Googly Eyed Doll
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GUEST:
This doll was my mother's eighth birthday present. Her parents took her to Sanger Brothers, I think that's what it's called, department store in Dallas, Texas, and this was the doll she picked out.
APPRAISER:
Did she ever tell you why she picked this one out?
GUEST:
She didn't, actually. I think it was because it had such a wonderful smile. And after she was married, her husband would say to her, "I see why you picked out that doll. She looks just like you." Meaning that she had this little tummy, and he thought that was funny.
APPRAISER:
Okay, let's talk about it from head to toe. It's a German bisque doll, it's a googly eye doll. It's got a bisque head, exceptionally large, round eyes. This wig is mohair. Let's turn it around so you can see how it's marked on the back of the head. It's completely marked "Made in Germany by John D. Kestner," and the mold number is a 221. It's very unusual. It's the largest sized googly they made. It looks like what could be the original romper-type suit.
GUEST:
It's not, actually. I bought that.
APPRAISER:
Okay. It's on a papier-maché toddler body. The quality of the bisque is exceptional.
GUEST:
Is it a rare doll? I mean, were these... how widespread were these?
APPRAISER:
It's rare in terms of size and being a googly. Googly are probably some of the most sought-after German characters there are, and especially in this size. They made them in sizes anywhere from ten inches, and this is 16-inch. It's the largest size that they made.
GUEST:
Uh-huh.
APPRAISER:
And they were made, they were popular anywhere from 1900 to about 1920. You said your mom got this doll in what year?
GUEST:
1913.
APPRAISER:
Which fits right in the range.
GUEST:
Yeah.
APPRAISER:
She's in very good condition. What's there not to love about something unusual like this? It's a very impish face. Have you ever had it appraised?
GUEST:
I've not had it appraised. She took it somewhere about 25 years ago, to an event, and I think they told her it was worth at least $700.
APPRAISER:
Wow, okay. Well, I think I have some good news for you. If you look at the size, the exceptional quality, and the very good condition it's in, I think in the auction market today, it would be between $12,000 and $13,000.
GUEST:
(laughing) Amazing. I can't believe it!
Appraisal Details
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