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Antique Circa 1900 Armand Marseille “Alma” German Bisque Shoulder Head Doll (Size 13/0) – Rare Closed-Mouth Example
A beautiful early 20th-century German bisque shoulder head by the renowned Armand Marseille of Köppelsdorf, Thuringia. This is the desirable “Alma” model (sometimes marketed alongside or as “Alice Alma”), produced for the American market—most often through George Borgfeldt & Co. Named dolls such as Alma and Alice frequently carry only the model name rather than the more common “AM” initials.
Markings & Identification
Incised on the back of the neck/shoulder plate in script: “Alma” above the size designation “13/0”. The open crown and shoulder-plate construction are classic for these circa-1900 dolls, intended for a kid-leather or cloth body with a mohair or human-hair wig and pate.
Facial Features & Construction
- Lovely pale pink-toned bisque with soft, well-defined modeling.
- Inset blue glass eyes with finely painted upper and lower lashes and delicate arched eyebrows.
- Softly blushed cheeks and a small, closed painted mouth (a more desirable feature than the more common open-mouth versions with teeth).
- Molded ears and a smooth, open-crown head ready for a period wig.
- Shoulder plate with original sewing holes for attachment to a body.
The head is hollow with the characteristic open top.
Condition
This head presents very well for its age. The bisque appears clean and sound with no obvious cracks, chips, or major damage visible. Painted features remain clear and attractive. Minor age-related surface wear or slight toning is typical of 120+ year-old bisque and should be expected; please examine all photos carefully, as they form part of the description. Sold as shown.
Historical Context
Armand Marseille was one of the largest and most prolific German bisque doll-head manufacturers from the 1880s through the 1930s. The Alma line dates to the early 1900s and was popular for its charming “dolly-face” look on kid or cloth bodies. Size 13/0 is a smaller head; complete dolls of this size typically finished around 12–14 inches tall. These heads are highly sought by collectors for restoration projects or display.
This is a genuine antique piece of German doll history—ideal for a collector, restorer, or anyone who appreciates the beauty and craftsmanship of early 20th-century bisque dolls.
Please ask any questions before purchasing. Thank you for looking!
