Schmitt et Fils Dolls 1854-1891 France

Maurice and Charles Schmitt formed Schmitt et Fils (sons) in 1854 at Nogent sur-Marne, Seine and Paris, France to manufacture toys and bébés (dolls) until 1891.

It's believed Schmitt began making bisque or papier mache head dolls ca. 1879-1891 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 Bébé 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 pressed bisque heads, which they believed enhanced the appearance and durability of the dolls.  Schmitt's French bébés dolls are of superior quality and are highly desired by collectors today, as in the past.

Schmitt et Fils antique doll bébé shown on left; is 14" tall, pressed 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.  Identifying Schmitt doll mark on head and body of  initials Sch with crossed hammers on a shield.

Schmitt et Fils Bébé 14" tall