��This Is What to Know About Half Dolls Half dolls are just that generally the upper half of a human figure with out legs. Half dolls were created with out legs so that they could be attached to one thing useful very typically, pincushions, but also whisk brooms, tea cozies, and many items that could grace a ladies dressing table, such as powder boxes. Years of ProductionThe vast majority of half dolls had been produced between 1900 and the 1920s, despite the fact that some have been developed earlier than that and some later. Some half dolls are still reproduced nowadays. Firms That Produced Half DollsMost half dolls were created in Germany by firms such as Dressel & Kister, F. W. Goebel, Ernst, Bohne & Sohne, Heubach, Hertwig, Karl Schnider, and a lot of other people. Japan also flooded the marketplace with economical models. Sizes of Half DollsMost half dolls are among two and six inches tall, though there are smaller and also a couple of larger examples. Materials and Characteristics of Half DollsHalf dolls are generally produced of porcelain (glazed bisque, sometimes known as china) even though there are also models made in unglazed bisque. Half dolls have also been produced out of composition, wax, and several other components. Marks on Half DollsHalf dolls are frequently found unmarked, marked Germany or "Created in Germany," or with a 4- or 5-digit mold number. Models from Japan can be marked "Japan" or "Produced in Japan". Only a few businesses such as Dressel & Kister and F. W. Goebel would sometimes mark half dolls with their company's distinctive mark. Costs of Half DollsEasy, crudely painted half dolls from Japan or Germany with close arms are priced at no more than $20 to $30. A very good German half doll with arms away or nice detailing and clothing can be valued at $100 to $300-plus half dolls with elaborate hair and uncommon accessories can bring many hundred dollars. Some Dressel & Kister or Ernst, Bohn & Sohne half dolls can be several thousand dollars. Chocolate ladies on the market can differ from $400 to $two,000-plus depending on the maker. How to Identify Desirable Half DollsThere are so numerous thousands of designs of half dolls created and so couple of very good reference books obtainable, that many doll collectors throw up their hands in aggravation and really feel that half dolls and their values are almost impossible to decipher. That is not true with a keen eye and a handful of simple information about half dolls and half doll pricing, any collector can start off to recognize the fascinating region of half doll collecting. The complexity of the mold used to make the half doll is quite crucial. The more complicated the mold utilized, generally, the much more beneficial the half doll. Simple half dolls with arms "close" to the torso (no separation of arms from the torso, created with two mold pieces) are typically the least expensive. Next are half dolls with "open and returning arms," which show some separation in between the arms and the torso. The most desirable have "arms away," which have arms modeled fully away from the physique of the half doll and which generally need complex molds. The painting of the half doll also contributes to value differences. Delicately and precisely painted half dolls are worth more than these with crude painting. Even though most crudely painted half dolls were produced in Japan, many price range models have been also made in Germany, so obtaining a half doll marked "Germany" is no assure of quality. The third key factor in half doll desirability is the type and complexity of the modeled clothing and hair as well as the accessories the half doll is holding. A lot more complex clothing (ruffles, hats, and feathers) and far more complicated hairdos add to the value. Also, is the doll holding an accessory? A popular accessory that increases the worth of half dolls significantly is a "chocolate tray" with a pot of hot chocolate and a cup. Other desirable accessories can consist of delicate grooming things, tiny animals, flowers, and flower baskets. pencet poker