Porcelain Dolls from Petticoat Lane A larger picture is behind the small image.
BRU
Bru Jne. & Cie. 1866-99. France. In 1866, a penniless Leon Casimir Bru married and, with the help of his wife's family, as an unnamed partner, established a wholesale business in his home. His wife, who had been a shroud maker, turned her talents to the costuming of dolls.

In 1877, Bru Jne. & Cie was dissolved, the partner repaid and Leon Casimir and wife went into business on their own. The new business was called Bru Jeune.
It should be noted that the Bru firm never actually made the doll heads, but bought them from other manufacturers including Jumeau.

In 1883, Leon Casimir sold out to Henri Chevrot. Where Leon Casimir produced fashion dolls, Henri changed the look of Bru dolls and introduced the era of the "bebe" and produced expensive luxury dolls catering to an upscale market.

In 1889, the Bru firm was sold once again. This time to Paul Eugine Girard, then later taken over by his son, Eugene Frederic. Dolls produced during this period are marked "Bru Jne R" and appear to be of a poorer quality.

In 1899, Bru Jeune was sold to S.F.B.J.

The pictures above are examples of a 24" and a 28" Bru Jne 13. .

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S.F.B.J. The Société Française de Fabrication de Bébés & Jouets
In 1899, several of the major French doll manufacturers joined together in order to compete with the German doll industry. Up until now, the French had been catering to the upper classes with their luxurious dolls, but Germany had captured a large share of the market with their simpler styles. Now, the S.F.B.J. was producing dolls that could be called "character" dolls. They continued to produce dolls until the 1950's.

S.F.B.J. 236..Laughing Jumeau

This example shows 2 different body styles. The standing boy is 26" and the baby is on a 5-piece bent-leg baby body.

S.F.B.J. 252...Le Boudeur (sulking baby) more commonly known as "Pouty".

This Pouty is 26" and is dressed as a young girl. To be more authentic, she should be on a bent-leg baby body.

S.F.B.J. 251.

The 251 is a sturdy 26" and can also be dressed as a young girl or on a bent-leg baby body.

S.F.B.J. 247...Twirp.

Twirp is 26" and is dressed as a young girl. Like the other S.F.B.J.'s, she could also be on a bent-leg baby body.

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Last updated: April 13, 200