Original Body Example Photo Only!	Head Example Photo Only!
	Head Example Photo Only!

Exstremaly Rare Vintage Circa 1858's / Greiner Patent Heads 23” Papier Mache Head Doll with Original Label pat. 1858

This is a lovely American made doll by Ludwig Greiner of Philadelphia was made from 1858 - 1884. The papier Mache head of this doll has some re-paint and has it's original paper label on the back of the shoulder plate. Her label is: Greiner's Patent Heads No. 7 Pat. March 30, 1858. This label is the most desirable of the Greiner doll heads. She has the right amount of wear on her head: some wear to the hair. Her painted blue eyes are in great condition, with no missing paint. She is on a later date cloth body. The doll is 23" tall and does sit in a chair very nicely or still is a nice cabinet sized doll.

LARGE 1858 PATENT DATE GREINER NO.7  PAPIER MACHE DOLL. Marks: Greiner’s Patent Heads No. 7, Pat. March 30th ’58. 23″. Papier Mache shoulder & head with center-parted black hair waved behind ears into deep comb-marked curls, painted features, blue eyes, upper lashes, tapered brows, closed mouth, accented lips. She Originally Had old cloth body with leather arms, antique cotton chemise and pantaloons, corset, old black high-button cloth boots. Commentary: Ludwig Greiner, circa 1858; Touched-Up finish with nice complexion, light craze and wear to tip of nose, sturdy body. Sold For $475 at Frasher’s Doll Auction.

The maker of these dolls, Ludwig Greiner, was an immigrant from Germany who settled in Philadelphia in the 1830s. He was listed as a “Toy Man” in an 1840 Philadelphia directory. His patent was one of the earliest doll patents. The early paper labels glued to the doll heads read "GREINER’S IMPROVED PATENT HEADS Pat. March 30th ‘58". His patent called for cloth to reinforce the paper Mache. The paper Mache recipe was one pound of white paper cooked and beaten, then add one pound each of dry Spanish whiting and rye flour, then add one ounce of glue. The original patent was extended in 1872. After his death in 1874 his sons carried on the business until 1884. Dolls ranged in size from 13 to 36 inches in height.

Product Details

USA, Antique Greiner Doll has the original label on the back of her shoulder plate, with a patent date of 1858. The Cloth Body is vintage, but a later date. She Has Had Some Touch-Ups in Her 166 Year Old Life Time!

Total length of the item is approximately 23” inches.
Width at the widest part is approximately 7” inches.

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About this item

Age: For Adult Collectors 

Contents: (1) Doll Head and Cloth Doll Body

Box Measures: No Original Box
 
Weight: 1 Lb. 3.5 Oz.

Brand: Greiner Patent Heads No. 7

Manufacturer: Ludwig Greiner of Philadelphia

MPN: No. 7

UPC: N/A

Made In: USA

Year: late 19th century - Circa 1858

Condition: Head In Good vintage condition ( She Has Had Some Touch-Ups in Her 166 Year Old Life Time ) - She has a newer cloth body - In original and in "as found" condition - No Original Box - Sold As Is - What You See Is What You Get - See Photos & Video for any Issues! 

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Freshwater Creek Pickers takes great care to provide you with high-quality items in the best possible condition. While many of our beautiful pieces have had charmed lives, some are well loved and may exhibit some wear, or a manufacturing blemish. This is typical of vintage and antique treasures. We will mention any major imperfection to the best of our ability. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or to request more images. Photographs are also part of the description & at times can cause items to appear larger than they are. The color on the item may vary slightly from the color on your screen due to monitor color restrictions. 

NOTE: Due to the nature of antique and vintage items, all items are sold "AS IS" and sales are final, we do not accept returns. If you are unsure about an item and need additional photos or have any questions, please notify us prior to making your purchase. We would be happy to hear from you. Thanks again for looking!

 WARNING: Freshwater Creek Pickers sells adult collectable products for purchase by adults 18 years and over. If any product you are purchasing is intended for a child please assume the following warning may apply to that product. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD -- Small parts. Not for children under 3 yrs.

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Greiner Dolls

Ludwig Greiner of Philadelphia 1858 - 1884

Greiner Dolls. Ludwig Greiner was an American doll maker in 1840-1874 and 1874-1883 as Ludwig Sons. In 1883 the company became Greiner Brothers. In 1840 to 1858, he obtained the patent for a papier-Mache doll’s head. Papier-Mache heads were reinforced from within by lining with strips of linen or silk and given molded and painted wavy hair styled to give the appearance of a high, unsmiling closed mouth which gave a sober expression. Cloth bodies with kid arms. Labelled with either a ’58 or an Ext. ’72 date. Ludwig Greiner dolls are of good quality, with historical importance. Reference: Antique Trader Doll Makers & Marks: A Guide for Identification.

History

Ludwig Greiner was born in Germany. He immigrated to the United States in the 1830’s and settled in Philadelphia. There he made paper Mache doll heads. His patent of March 30th in 1858 was one of the earliest US patents of dolls. The early paper labels glued to the doll heads read " GREINER’S IMPROVED PATENT HEADS Pat. March 30th ‘58". His patent called for cloth to reinforce the paper Mache. The paper Mache recipe was one pound of white paper cooked and beaten, then add one pound each of dry Spanish whiting and rye flour, then add one ounce of glue. The original patent was extended in 1872. After his death in 1874 his sons carried on the business until 1884. Dolls ranged in size from 13 to 36 inches in height. The heads were painted in oil and finished with varnish. This varnish often yellows. Most dolls have dark turquoise blue eyes however a few brown eyed dolls have been seen. Some dolls with glass eyes have been seen as well. The earliest dolls were all brunettes, the blonde haired dolls came later. A variety of hairstyles were made. A few of the later hair styles  have been found with either blonde or brunette hair. If the paper label is missing the dolls can easily be dated by their hairstyle. The doll heads have been found on various cloth bodies. Most of these bodies have leather hands, either white or tan. Some were made by Jacob Lacmann (patent 1871). Since Jacob Lacmann was witness to Greiners will, it seems that the two were well acquainted. Some dolls have cloth legs, while others have a stocking/leather boot combination that is attributed to Mary Steuber (patented in 1878). The variety of bodies found on Greiner Patent Head dolls leads one to believe that they were sold both as heads alone, to have bodies made at home and as finished dolls. No factory clothing has been found. The dolls were dressed at home. The most common type of dress is usually red cotton with a low neckline and a full skirt. The charm and innocence of these early dolls is unmistakable.