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Maurice and Charles Schmitt formed
Schmitt et Fils (sons) in 1863 at Nogent sur-Marne, Seine and Paris,
France to manufactured toys and bébés (dolls) until 1891.
It's believed they began making dolls ca.
1877-1891 when they were granted a patent for improved
coloring, tinting of porcelain shoulder heads for bébés and dolls.
In 1878 they won a silver medal at the Paris Exposition for their
dolls and bébés.
From 1879-1890 their specialty was a doll
called Bebe Schmitt supposedly an indestructible jointed Bébé
who they also exported. In 1883 they obtained a patent for a layer
of wax to be applied to the bisque heads, which they believed enhanced
the appearance and durability of the dolls.
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Schmitt et Fils Bébé 14" tall
Schmitt's French bébés dolls are of superior quality and are as highly desired
by collectors today, as in the past.
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Schmitt et Fils doll bébé shown
on left; is 14" tall, bisque socket head,
jointed wood and composition body with flat bottom, jointed at
shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, non-jointed
straight wrists, mohair wig, pale bisque coloring with lightly blushed
cheeks, oval paperweight eyes lined in black with a hint of eye shadow,
short painted lashes, feathered brows, closed painted lined mouth, pierced ears
lightly blushed,
original outfit of silk and lace; dress, bonnet, under garments, socks,
shoes. Doll is marked on head and body Sch with crossed
hammers on a shield. |
