VTG 50s /60s HANS VOLK German DOLL XL 21" Brunette/Blue HV53 EUC EAR IRON

Description: Incredible, oversized ( almost 21") Hans Volk international doll in full regional costume has been meticulously crafted with staggering attention to detail. The doll was made in the late 50s/ early 60s, when the German company, started in 1922 by puppeteer Hans Volk, was passed to Hans' daughter, Lotte and her husband, Otto. The forward -looking couple modernized production, introduced blow-molded plastic technology, and developed their International Line featuring extra-large dolls ( 53 cm or almost 21") in traditional German costumes. I have rarely seen this level of detail in a commercially-produced piece. The hard plastic doll has a soft, vinyl head with intense blue sleep eyes ( one is slightly reluctant), deep brown/black Saran hair, and tightly strung limbs and head. She is well balanced and stands easily on her own. Her floor length , midnight dress is severe, almost-nun-like. Crafted of what feels like wool gabardine, it is finished with a rolled hem (!). There is a square bodice with a smocked, nude insert, smocked, fitted waist and lace-trimmed puff sleeves. The skirt is finished in quality black eyelet trim and opens to a silky floor length black petticoat , under which is a shockingly lively pink daisy print slip and a lemon yellow teddy. The doll wears flat, black plastic Mary Janes with comfy-looking, fuzzy black ankle socks, which I am assuming is a synthetic approximation , as these were traditionally handcrafted in angora). Her bodice appears to be pinned in back, and not meant to be opened, so I have left that unexplored. The stunningly bejeweled doll wears an elaborate, starched white eyelet bonnet, a faceted jet choker with a gold tone inset, a floral, embossed metal crest, gold tone hat pin and a lengthy gold chain , but without a doubt her most remarkable embellishment is her prominent , elaborate hair ornament. This piece, from which dangle club -shaped ( as in the club suit of a deck of cards ) ornaments accented with tiny pearl-like beads , spans her forehead and emerges at her temples with two jaw -dropping, springlike coils. Called an oorizjer ( "ear iron") , this accessory is specific to the Frisian region, a culturally distinct area on the Dutch/ German border. Traditionally worn as it is on this doll , it goes under a lace mantilla and is meant to hold the bonnet in place. As Friesian farmland was productive and rich, the ooizjiers worn by wives of successful burghers became more and more ornate as time went on. I have not seen this replicated in doll world before; it feels very special. I have included some reference to this unique style below The fresh, clean doll is in EUC with no apparent flaws, other than the one eye that doesn't always open when she is held erect. This eye also has a slight mark on the lid ( shown in pictures). Collectors of vintage, German, or International style dolls will definitely want to consider this exceptional, , respectfully - preserved example. Beautifully costumed , historic doll will be carefully packaged and shipped USPS Ground Advantage from Los Angeles. * information about the Oorizjer ) can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oorijzer

Price: 85 USD

Location: Los Angeles, California

End Time: 2025-01-21T21:44:12.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD