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 mout 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.
A rare Ludwig Greiner papier-mâché boy
with blue painted eyes, black painted hair, Jacob Lacmann body, cloth over papier-mâché hand and feet, in original brown and black check wool trousers, blue and white striped cotton dicky shirt, black tie, green silk waistcoat, fawn wool jacket with black velvet collar and matching cap with tassel –15in. (38cm.) high, labelled GREINER’S PATENT DOLL HEADS Pat. March 30’5 Ext’72 (slightly rubbed). Sold for GBP 411 at Christie’s
GREINER 13 INCH PAPIER MACHE DOLL STILL RETAINS PORTION OF ORIGINAL LABEL ON REAR SIDE OF THE SHOULDER PLATE, MOLDED BLACK HAIR WITH FAIR AMOUNT OF PAINT LOSS IN AREAS, CLOTH BODY, LEATHER FOREARMS & HANDS, VINTAGE SHOES WITH CONSIDERABLE WEAR (AS-IS) – OVERALL GOOD CONDITION. Sold For: $130 at Dotta Auction Co., Inc
Early Greiners doll, papier mache shoulder head, cloth body, leather lower arms, black molded hair, painted features, wearing original dress and under clothes, with leather shoes, paper label on shoulder “Greiner’s Improved, Patent Heads, Pat. March 20th ’58”, measures 27″ tall. Sold For: $180 at Stephenson’s Auction
LARGE 1858 PATENT DATE GREINER NO. 9 PAPIER MACHE DOLL. Marks: Greiner’s Patent Heads No. 9, Pat. March 30th ’58. 27″. Papier mache shoulderhead 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, old cloth body with leather arms, antique cotton chemise and pantaloons, corset, old black high-button cloth boots. Commentary: Ludwig Greiner, circa 1858; Original finish with nice complexion, light craze and wear to tip of nose, sturdy body. Sold For$475 at
Frasher’s Doll Auction
AMERICAN PAPER MACHE DOLL BY LUDWIG GREINER WITH EARLY 1858 PATENT DATE
30″ (76 cm.) Paper mache shoulder head with black sculpted hair in short tousled curls tucked behind her ears and with little spit curls at each side of forehead, painted blue eyes, black upper eyeliner and painted lashes, single stroke brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth, muslin stitch-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent, light nose rub. Marks: Greiner’s Improved Patent Heads March 30 ‘58 (original paper label). Comments: Ludwig Greiner, circa 1858. Value Points: original complexion and painted features and hair, early body, and wearing original costume (some frailty) with wonderful details.
Sold for $750 at Theriault’s
Greiners Improved Patent Heads Label / Makers Mark
