How to read an antique German doll mark?

How to identify a doll?  Look for a doll makers mark, if one is present it is often found on the back of the dolls head, on the upper or lower back, under the arms, bottoms of the feet, on a cloth body, a tag may be sewn into a seam.  Check your doll carefully, the mark could be placed anywhere and many dolls are unmarked, just sold with a wrist tag, that is long gone.  If your doll is marked, it could be with a mold number, initials or letters, a symbol, date, country of origin - or any combination of these.