Dolls emerged as a distinct collecting category in the early 20th century, when models across all price points began to be manufactured on a commercial scale across Europe and North America. Today, doll collectors make up one of the largest hobby groups in the world, with the United Federation of Doll Clubs organization supporting over 300 national and international member clubs. On March 14, 2025, Frasher's Doll Auction of Oak Grove, MO presented its 147-lot March Matinee Doll Auction. This sale tempted enthusiasts with a spectrum of relatively accessible antique to modern dolls, as well as accessories, wardrobes, wigs, and miniatures. Here are some spotlight results from this well-curated event. All prices noted include the auction house's 20% buyer's premium. Lot #20, a Simon & Halbig model 1279 doll, was estimated at $1,200 to $1,600 and sold for $1,560. Image courtesy of Frasher’s Doll Auction. Antique European dolls took several of the top slots in this early spring sale. Lot #20, a German Simon & Halbig bisque model 1279 doll, was estimated at USD 1,200 to $1,600 and delivered $1,560. This 26-inch tall example had a bisque socket head and wooden ball-jointed body. She was marked “S & H 1279” on verso. She came to life with brown eyes that opened and closed and were lined in dark eyeliner, had painted lashes, and feathered brows; a dimensional open mouth with upper teeth and a distinctive heart-shaped upper lip; pierced ears for earrings; and a dark brown human hair wig. She was elegantly dressed in a kimono with a gold sash, a long slip and underwear, and red leather shoes. Simon & Halbig, founded in 1869, was a doll manufacturer from central Germany that specialized in producing finely detailed and finished porcelain doll heads. In 1902, the company started working with Kämmer & Reinhardt, another well-known German doll firm in business since 1886. As a result of this partnership, Kämmer & Reinhardt designed the heads, and Simon & Halbig produced them. These dolls had both the Simon & Halbig and Kämmer & Reinhardt marks. Kämmer & Reinhardt would go on to…
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