This endearing Sonneberg Belton-type bisque doll, dating to around 1880, reflects the elegant French-style dolls of the period such as those by Jumeau or Bru. She features a bisque socket head with a flattened solid dome, blue spiral-thread glass eyes, a closed mouth, and unpierced ears. Her wig appears to be antique-either human hair or mohair-styled to suit the period. Her composition and wood eight-ball jointed body retains its original paint and finish but shows surface wear, cracks, and age-related paint loss, particularly on the limbs and torso. Please review all photos for details. The head is incised “8” and shows a barely noticeable professional overpaint on the back and left side. She wears an antique brown pleated dress with blue velvet collar and cuffs, a matching bonnet, lace-trimmed undergarments, and antique leather shoes with metal buckles. The dress has scattered holes and small worn areas consistent with age. A charming metal “BEBE” pin adorns her collar, adding a sweet finishing touch. Height: 15 inches. Head: Bisque socket head, flattened dome. Eyes: Blue spiral-thread glass eyes. Wig: Appears to be antique, either human hair or mohair. Body: Composition and wood, eight-ball jointed, straight wrists. Markings: “8” incised on back of head. Clothing: Antique dress with wear and holes; matching bonnet; lace undergarments; antique shoes with buckles. Accessories: Original “BEBE” pin on collar. Professional overpaint on back and left side of head. Age wear, cracking, and paint loss on body. Holes and small areas of wear in dress. Shoes show age wear but remain intact. Origin: Sonneberg, Germany, circa 1880. Why it’s collectible. Belton-type dolls from Sonneberg represent a fascinating chapter in 19th-century German dollmaking, when artisans sought to emulate the refinement of French Bebes. Their serene faces, fine bisque, and transitional wooden/composition bodies make them beloved among collectors of early bisque dolls. Photos are part of the description and provide the most accurate representation of condition. I have more antique toy and doll items listed so please check out my other auctions! Please check out my other auctions and add “ELSZEN” to your favorite sellers. Your one-stop shop for Vintage Hollywood, World’s Fair Memorabilia, Antique Dolls, Paper Dolls, and Children’s items, Victorian Paper and Advertising, Unusual History items and MORE!