German Armand Marseille dolls, in production 1885 to 1930s

Armand Marseille was born in Russia but founded a factory in Thuringa, Germany which began production of dolls in 1885 and continued through to the 1930s. Marseille's dolls were made of bisque, a type of porcelain that was popular for doll-making in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The dolls were known for their quality and attention to detail, and were produced in a wide range of sizes and styles to suit different tastes and budgets. Many of Marseille's dolls were made to look like infants or young children, with plump cheeks, curly hair, and bright, expressive eyes. Other dolls were made to look like adults, with more sophisticated features and elaborate costumes.

Marseille's dolls were popular in Germany and around the world, particularly in the United States, where they were sold by major retailers such as Sears, Roebuck and Co.

During World War I, more... Marseille's production was disrupted, but the company managed to survive and resumed production after the war. In the years that followed, Marseille continued to produce high-quality dolls, although the demand for bisque dolls began to decline as new materials such as plastic became more popular.

Armand Marseille dolls are highly prized by collectors for their historical significance and artistic value. Many of Marseille's dolls are considered to be among the finest examples of bisque dolls ever produced and can fetch high prices at auction. Despite the fact that production ceased over 80 years ago, Armand Marseille dolls continue to hold a special place in the hearts of collectors and doll enthusiasts around the world. less...