China Head Dolls 101 - Antique vs. Reproduction dolls

1) Antique dolls won't have fine crazing in the glaze that many reproductions have. (note the 3rd head in the 1st photo).                                 Photo courtesy of Dturnersan.

2) The quality of the porcelain body is more like fine china in the antiques. The lesser quality reproductions often are made of a softer pottery material.

3) Antique china's often have small black specks embedded in the glaze, it is dust that settled on them during the firing process, and is known/called "peppering".

4) Paint is applied with a sure quick consistent flow of color on the antique china heads. The reproductions are usually painted in a less polished and more hesitant, fussy way.       

 Photo courtesy of Wildrose55.

5)  Antique china heads are often unmarked. The marks that are found, are simple numbers incised or painted inside the shoulder plate,  or impressed on  the base outside. No names or signatures. If a china head says "Jane Smith 1972" on the back of the plate then odds are 100% that it is a home made reproduction and not an antique china head doll.  See photo of the Japan kits on right.

6) This doesn't distinguish antique from reproduction, but the earlier china's are usually pressed into the mold, later antique china's were poured into the mold and are smoother inside.  Photo courtesy of Dturnersan.

Page acknowledgement and Thanks!

Many thanks to Dturnersan, Wildrose55 & Barb

 for putting these tips together on the China head dolls.

China Head Dolls 101 - Antique vs. Reproduction dolls

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