DOLL COLLECTOR GALLERY

KESTNER 171

submitted by Betzie Smith; Salisbury, Maryland

I just started collecting dolls this past year, and find myself mainly drawn to the antique dolls.  I began with a few china heads and bought several books about them.  I was so fascinated with their history and charm!  I bought one all original from the 1860's and my mom's comment (she's 80) was "that's the ugliest doll I've ever seen" !  I guess beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder even with dolls.  Since then I have bought two Kestners, one just last week, and the one you see here.  She is my first large doll, mold #171.  She is 33" tall,   and is all original, except for her hair which is a French human hair wig.   Her dress is silk with hand smocking and little rose accents.  Her straw hat is antique and has cloth roses.  I just fell in love with her face, but my husband is scared of her !  I had her sitting in our foyer on my grandmother's needlepoint chair, and he insisted I move her !  He doesn't
seem to share my fondness for these dolls.  I only have sons so I guess they just help add some feminity around the house !  Hopefully, I can pass them on to a granddaughter one day !