If you're familiar with porcelain dolls, you've probably heard the name Armand Marseille before. Even if you haven't, you're about to learn a lot more about what makes him so distinctive in the doll world. Let's start with the French Huguenots. Marseille's relatives were banished from Russia and immigrated to Coburg, Germany. In 1885, they started a porcelain factory and at the appropriate time, the son, Armand, began making bisque porcelain doll heads. They were of very high quality and were well marked. One of the first dolls he produced was the 370--it featured a fixed neck, bisque lower arms, sleep eyes, a kid leather body, and an open mouth with teeth. The next most common doll made by Armand was the 390--it had a jointed neck, composition ball-jointed body, sleep eyes, and an open mouth with teeth. To compete with other manufacturers, he created ethnic versions of his dolls and sold them in limited quantities during the 1910s. The 1920s saw a Dream Baby with molded hair and cloth curved bodies. Marseille dolls are fairly easy to find and are relatively inexpensive. Given the age of the dolls, it is surprising that this is the case. Be sure though, before you buy one, that it bears the marking of the artist, A.M. You'll treasure your new Marseille doll and be grateful that you know the story behind the designs--there's something to be said for background information increasing the value of an item. |
