Porcelain Dolls from Petticoat Lane THE FRENCH ANTIQUE DOLL GALLERY Please note. None of these dolls are owned, nor have ever been owned by me. They are shown here for reference only. Please click on the thumbnail image to see a larger picture.

French Doll Manufacturers
Bru--1866-99...Some of the most highly prized dolls today are the Brus. Bru dolls are noted for their quality workmanship and unique features, such as their distinctive facial molding and graceful hands. The Bru factory was run by several generations of the Bru family before passing into other hands, and then in 1899, it became a part of the S.F.B.J. (Societe Francais de Fabrication de Bebes and Jouets).

Bru. Circa 1895.

Bru Jne R. Circa 1895.

Bru. Circa 1885.

Schmitt.
Circa 1880.

Schmitt--1863-1891...Schmitt began business as a wholesaler of toys and evolved into a manufacturer of porcelain. One of the innovations used by Schmitt was placing layers of wax over the surface of the porcelain and even some of the composition heads. This was supposed to make the dolls more attractive to the public.







Jules Nicholas Steiner--1855-1891...Steiner produced dolls in Paris and specialized in mechanical and talking dolls as well as regular jointed dolls. The quality of these dolls varied over a period of years. They seem to have been produced in a series, which is indicated on the dolls' heads. The most common are the "A" and "C" series.

Steiner "A" Steiner Circa 1885.

Steiner Bourgoin "C" Steiner. Circa 1895.

A. Thuillier--1875-1890...Most dolls from this manufacturer are characterized by a somewhat wistful expression. These are some of the most sought after and prized dolls in today's market. The dolls were made with kid, wood and composition bodies.

	Anton Thuillier A-14-T. Circa 1885.		Anton Thuillier A-12-T. Circa 1885.
	Anton Thuillier A-7-T. Circa 1885.		Anton Thuillier A-8-T. Circa 1885.

Jumeau--1841-1899...Jumeau was a prolific doll maker with one of the largest doll making factories in the world. Jumeu produced everything that was necessary to complete his dolls and by the late 1880's was producing several hundred thousand dolls a year. Jumeau also patented mechanical and talking dolls.

	Jumeau. Cody (Long Face) Jumeau Circa 1885.		Jumeau Long Face "Cody". Circa 1885.
	Jumeau. Tete Jumeau Circa 1880.		Jumeau Bebe Jumeau. Circa 1885.
	Jumeau. Circa 1883.		Jumeau. Cody (Long Face) Circa 1885.
	Jumeau. Tete Jumeau Circa 1880.

S.F.B.J.--1899-1925...Societe Francais de Fabrication de Bebes and Jouets is the French society for the manufactur of dolls and toys. This group was made up of many of the major doll makers of the time who joined forces to produce a doll more competitive with the German doll market. Many of the dolls produced by this group are character type dolls which had become exceptionally popular.

S.F.B.J. S.F.B.J.236 Laughing Jumeau. Circa 1912.

S.F.B.J. Laughing Jumeau Circa 1912.

S.F.B.J. S.F.B.J.238 Circa 1912.

Gaultier--1860-1930 (Changed from Gautier in 1875)...Gaultier made porcelain heads and parts. The initials F.G. were commonly marked on the shoulder plate of the lady dolls. Outstanding lady or fashion type dolls, as well as children, were produced. Gaultier became a part of the S.F.B.J. in 1899 but continued to produce some dolls under its own name.

Halipeau. The "H" Doll Circa 1890.

Halipeau. The "H" Doll Circa 1890.

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Last updated: April 1, 2000