c.1881 Wax Two-Faced Baby Doll - FRITZ BARTENSTEIN - Antique German Double-Face

Description

c.1881 Antique German
19" Double-Faced Baby Doll
Fritz Bartenstein
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FEATURES AND DETAILS...
]
This is a lovely and unusual doll patented by Fritz Bartenstein in Germany, 1880.
For more information on his work, search Google for:
bartenstein doll reference
It comes dressed in a frock/gown, bloomers, and baby bonnet.  I don't know whether they are original to the doll, but they are antique and show age issues, so they very well may be.
The head is wax, with lovely glass eyes, and it is mounted in its original metal hood.  The body is cloth, and the forearms and legs are composition, as is the doll's shoulder plate.
The doll has its original dual pull-string mechanism as patented by Fritz Bartenstein.  The crier still works.  The pull strings do try to rotate the head, but as pictured, the top swivel point for the head is missing, so you cannot properly operate it with the strings.  You can rotate the head by hand.
Besides the missing swivel at the top of the head, there is also a crack in the wax at the neck, and a missing chip from the composition shoulder plate.  Also possibly a repair to one hand.  See photo.
Overall, this is a rare doll in beautiful antique condition
, from a non-smoking environment
.
The above is my good-faith attempt to disclose all noteworthy issues. Keep in mind that vintage/antique items always show their age. (Don't we all!?)  It would be impossible to mention every tiny detail, so please expect that
there will be something
about this item (or lot) that's not perfect and may need touch-up.
PLEASE SUPERSIZE ALL PHOTOS, AND ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE BIDDING/BUYING.  I'LL BE GLAD TO ANSWER.
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ALL ABOUT SHIPPING...
]
DON'T OVERPAY FOR SHIPPING:
U.S. purchasers, you can choose from various
shipping options
in this listing.  Shipping costs vary dramatically depending on your Zip code, so choose the one that best suits your needs.  I never inflate shipping to make hidden profits.  If you believe the shipping is too high,
please message me
with your Zip code, and I'll be glad to double-check it for you!
SHIPPING UPGRADES:
At our discretion, we may upgrade your shipping to a
different service
at no additional charge to you ... provided it's rated the same (or faster) than the service you chose.  If you
do not
wish to have your shipping choice upgraded,
please message me
as soon as you complete your purchase.
INTERNATIONAL
SHIPPING:
By default, international shipment is through eBay's Global Shipping Program, which means the shipping rate (cost) is determined by eBay -- outside my control.  BUT ...
If you live in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, or U.K.
,
message me
to see whether there
may
be a cheaper alternative using Priority Post -- depending on the size and value of your parcel.
COMBINED SHIPPING:
I will gladly combine shipping if you contact me
and request a
combined invoice
before paying
... and provided the items can travel safely in the same box.
WHAT, NOTHING TO COMBINE!?
Click here to visit my
eBay store
:
"Saddle Mountain Treasures"
(opens in a separate window/tab) ... where you'll find more top-quality antiques/collectibles/artwork/dolls/and more!
- Significantly not as described:
A
major
flaw or discrepancy vs. what was stated in the listing.
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RETURN POLICY ON DOLL LOTS...
]
It is with deep regret that -- after 14 years selling on eBay, and with 100% positive feedback -- I've had to change my return policy on dolls to "NO RETURNS, AND NO PARTIAL REFUNDS."
As often happens, it's the few bad apples out there who ruin it for the rest of us. These dishonest people will buy a doll, then try to improve or restore it ... not knowing what they're doing. And then, when they realize they've ruined the doll, they return it saying it was defective.  Or else they keep the doll and demand a "partial refund" based on the alleged defect -- which is another trending scam on eBay.
I sell these dolls for a living so,
my sincere apologies to you
-- the honest majority of eBay buyers -- that I can no longer afford to accept doll returns.  (Of course,
shipping loss or damage
is a different matter; that is fully covered by insurance.)
BUT HAVING SAID ALL THAT ...
I do bend over backwards, attempting to disclose any noteworthy condition issues I can find or think of. But these are antique and vintage dolls -- so, please understand that
they won't be in brand-new condition
. There will always be some minor indication of their age, and it would be impossible to itemize every single pinhead-size stain on the outfit, or hairline scratch on the body.  Please expect these types of conditions with old dolls.
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