This tiny, all-bisque doll stands just over 2 1/2″ (6.5 cm.) tall and I love her.

She is not considered to be a Lilliputian, even though she’s the same size.

She was made in Germany and her body, legs and head are all one piece. Only her peg-jointed arms move. This type of doll is often called “early” all bisque, but they probably weren’t made before 1880.

Her cobalt blue enamel eyes make her rare.  Most dolls of this type have painted eyes and it is rare to find any doll this small with inset glass eyes.

I haven’t changed the wig or dress she came with. She has a lot of hair. Her human hair wig was possibly made from the hair of someone close to her previous owner. Her dress is perfect for her and it has blue trim.

When I bought her, I had a bit of a dilemma. The dealer got snippy and I wasn’t sure I wanted to give her my money.

I found her in the Salesroom at a UFDC national convention on the last day. She was in a glass case, so I asked the dealer if I could see her. While I was examining her, I casually asked, “Why is she so expensive?”

The dealer, who is very well known in the doll world, physically bristled at my question. Her shoulders rose up, she stepped back, took a deep breath and spit out, “Have you ever seen another one like her? Well, you won’t.”

After I closed my gaping jaw, I mumbled, “I am interested in her.  I was just wondering…” Then I gave her back and walked away.

Needless to say, I went back.

The next year I decided to enter her in the antique competition at the UFDC convention since she is so rare. She won a red ribbon. The blue ribbon went to a doll exactly like her, but with her original wig and dress.

What do you think? Should I have bought her?