16 RARE Antique KESTNER 245 HILDA Wigged CHARACTER DOLL with ORIGINAL Mohair WIG and Pate. This is a incredible example of one of the higher priced and more exclusive character dolls by Kestner; the famous HILDA. KESTNERs mold # 245 of Hilda is one of the most beautiful baby molds ever made. This is the wigged and # 245 version of this doll that was produced in 1915, made by the King of Dollmakers. Hilda is a 16 older infant with a beautifully sculpted. Face and may have emulated one of the children in the family. She has a wonderfully expressive face with round cheeks, open mouth and full lips. Hilda has an expression of wonder as if she is seeing the world with new eyes. You will understand if you have been around older infants and young toddlers who have the expression of joy on their face when experiencing something for the first timelike when they see a garden, feel the soft petals of a flower, see soap bubbles drifting in the air, feel the rush of a train as it rolls down the tracks, and other novel experiences. 16 tall, which is average height for the Kestner 245 version. Very fine quality bisque head. This realistic light pink complexion of the bisque is ideal for depicting an infant or young toddler. Crisp modeling of the head that even details her chin that creates a slight double chin ADORABLE! Desirable, sweet expression of this character face with an open mouth and that look of wonder that is so well done. Just look at how animated her face is with the detailed molding of this character doll that is SO EXCEPTIONAL! Original plaster pate that is still attached to the light blonde mohair wig. Original and STRIKING light sky-blue glass sleep-eyes that are lighter in color than the typical blue eyes seen with most dolls. Great symmetric placement of these eyes from side to side. Open mouth with two (2) upper porcelain teeth THAT typifies her age as an older infant. Fine and detailed painting of numerous upper and lower lashes with gently curved numerous eyebrows that are symmetric above the eyes. Expert and delicate blushing can be found on her cheeks in a medium pink-peach shade. This same color can be found for the nostril highlights and for the lips which form a perfect bow for the upper lip and the curve of the lower lip. Appropriate chunky, bent knee ALL composition baby body which includes five (5) joints (4 joints and a swivel neck). Molding of the body includes fat rolls at each wrist, several rolls around the ankles, and dimples at the knees. To showcase that Hilda was from a wealthier family, the tops of her feet are fat as well and this is created by a line of indentation of the molding at the base of her toes (see picture 8). Securely strung and can easily sit and stand (with doll stand) but is meant to sit. When seated, because of her bent limb body, she makes a small footprint in a cabinet. Dressed in ALL ANTIQUE. Cream-colored, lawn (light weight cotton) drop-waist dress with. Platter collar with thick lace trim surrounding the collar and creating a faux shirt. Gathered material below the waist creating fullness with a pink ribbon covering this gathered stitching. Cream-colored complimentary lace surrounding the bottom edge. Elaborately embroidered cream-colored lawn bonnet that is lined with silk. Cream-colored lace trim around the brim (face opening). Cream-colored lace trim at the back surrounding a highly-detailed rosette lace insertion that creates depth to the back of this bonnet. Medium pink silk rosettes are found on each side and comprise the ties too. White cotton sleeveless onesie with a slit in the back (no closure). PLEASE SEE PICTURES (with expansion capability) TO GET FULL IDEA OF THIS INCREDIBLE DOLL and consider this as a part of her condition. 11 (off to the side of the central marking). Exceptional quality to the bisque with expert and delicate painting of features, pleasant and gentle coloring of all facial features, and crisp modeling. Free of hairlines, cracks, or restoration and has been carefully protected and in unplayed-with condition during my adoption. Occasional old glue spots noted surrounding the top line (crown) of the head. Intact sleep-eye mechanism and nearly closes completely with completely intact eyelid wax. Original intact plaster pate with attached light blonde mohair wig in good condition (only one area of mohair is sparse at the top of the head). Very good and mostly original condition with ALL of her fingers and toes intact with the red outlines depicting the cuticle of the nails and between each digit. See pictures 7, 9 and 10. Nearly ALL of the bodyonly the lower arms appear repainted; otherwise the remainder of the body has original shiny factory finish and are in exceptional condition. See 6, 7, 9 and 10. NO parts of this body have been repaired. Two (2) lines of crazing in the paint about two (2) inches long. Occasional rubs in the paint to both hands on the fingers and back of the left hand below the pointer finger. One (1) ¾ dark linear mark under left elbow. ALL joints are on original stringing and are intact and strongshe is able to easily pose, but the way the stringing and legs are placed, she is meant to sit. I have loaded many pictures and have doubled some so that you could get the best idea of the unique beautiful characteristics of this doll and the condition. I can send additional pictures if needed. The costume that is ALL ANTIQUE, has no odor, comes from a smoke-free and pet-free home and includes. Very good condition to dress that is nearly ALL intact but does have (see picture 4). Some tearing of material along the back closure where hook and eye closures were placed. One (1) small hole in the right collar towards the top of the right shoulder. One (1) small area of fraying on the lace at the top of the right shoulder. Two (2) small stains in the lower part of the back dress. Excellent condition to the bonnetCOMPLETELY intact. Excellent condition to the onesie that is closed by a straight pin (no previous attached closure can be seen). Very good condition to crocheted socks with NO holes or fraying; however, one sock has ½ stain on the sole. This doll is in very good (body) to excellent (head) shape, especially considering her age and rarity. Kestner was well known as the KING of DOLLMAKERS and produced dolls as early as 1816. Because they were expert in making bisque heads, other firms (such as Kley Hahn) had Kestner make their bisque heads. They were in chief competition (in Germany) with Kammer & Reinhardt, Simon Halbig, and Bahr & Proschild. Ever since her adoption, she has been displayed in a seated position in an enclosed cabinet in a smoke-free and pet-free environment. I also have a whimsical antique French plant stand that has a folk art/ arts and crafts look. Nearly ALL of my collectibles have been stored in a cabinet enclosed in glass and wood so that dust or odors should not be of concern. I do not charge for packing materials since I currently have plenty of these– I just charge for actual costs ONLY. ALL SALES are FINAL UNLESS MISREPRESENTED. I would like to thank you for looking at my auctions. The item “15.5 16 RARE Antique KESTNER 245 HILDA Wigged CHARACTER DOLL Baby ORIGINAL WIG” is in sale since Wednesday, July 21, 2021. This item is in the category “Dolls & Bears\Dolls\Antique (Pre-1930)\Bisque\German”. The seller is “nursemidwifemary1″ and is located in Lincoln, Nebraska. This item can be shipped to United States.

• Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
• Skin Color: Fair/Light
• Material: Bisque
• Original/Reproduction: Original
• Doll Size: 16 in
• Type: Bisque Head and Composition Body
• Features: Antique
• Antique: Yes
• Hair Color: Blonde
• Ethnicity: Caucasian
• Packaging: Without Packaging
• Brand: Kestner
• Time Period Manufactured: Antique (Pre-1930)
• Eye Color: Blue
• Doll Gender: Girl Doll