The listing, ~2~ Early 20th century Minerva dolls, german ~10 days only!!!! has ended.
This is an awesome piece of history!!! who says you cant find a piece of treasure on listia..pfftt!!!
The first doll is an original tin head minerva doll from germany. original tin arms and head (stamped minerva), cloth stuffed body. Tin heads were sold separate from bodies, advertised in many old catalogues, therefore an old cloth hand made body is appropriate.
The most familiar name relating to tin head dolls is Minerva. They were manufactured 1894 through 1925 and perhaps a little longer. Registered trademark in the U.S. by A. Vischer & Co. and in Germany by Buschow & Beck. It is very hard to find the dolls with the original body..usually all that survives are the heads :(
The second is a charming china doll attributed to the German firm of Hertwig and Company. Her hair style is known as a "low brow" and dates her from the 1890s to the early 1900s. She has her original kid leather body and i believe she is stuffed with sawdust., at least her lower body.
Considering they are around 100 years old, they look pretty good for their age!
Although these dolls are now treasured antiques, they were originally made as playthings, and there is a little roughness in the finishing of the both heads~ With a little tender loving care, they could again be as sweet and charming as when some little girl first played with them around the turn of the last century or keep them as they are and cherish their age.
I was going to list them on ebay but really do not have the time or patience and dont really care for what they charge, i know they are worth a lot of money but I also know that listia members know just as much about antiques and old pieces as ebayers...list them yourselves and make some $$$, it is just not for me. All i ask is that these two sisters go to home where they can be cherished and passed down. They have been with me for many years and i think they are an unbelievable piece of history, but they are ready for a new home.