JD Kestner was known as the king of the dollmakers.  The Kestner doll company made dolls and toys from 1805 to 1925,  in their German factories.  He is best known for his googlies and his character babies.  The Kestner Doll Company started out as a toy factory and evolved into a major doll manufactured.  The Kestner dolls are known by their mold numbers, with very few of them having names.  One well known exception is the Hilda.  A much coveted original, she has a wonderfully chubby face and finely painted lashes and brows.

Sowatzka’s have a number of different Kestners available as reproductions, including the precious Hilda.

Three different sizes of Hildas are being offered, including the 16 1/2" for $495, the 19 1/2" for $595, and the 22" for $795.  These Hilda’s come with German glass sleep eyes, mohair wigs, and Christening gowns made of 100% cotton fabrics and laces made in Switzerland.  Prices may vary depending on type of gown selected.

Other Kestners offered are as follows:

JDK 221 “Googly” Angela, 9 1/2" on a composition body, $155
Kestner XII, 17 1/2" on a leather body with bisque lower arms, $695
Kestner #171, 27" on a composition body, $895
Kestner #164, 22 1/2" on a composition body, $795

Another Kestner that is both adorable and endearing is the Tat Suki.  This Oriental Toddler is one of Louise’s favorites, probably because she won the coveted Golden Bell for her reproduction of this Kestner.  Tat Suki is dressed in authentic oriental brocade and silk fabrics. He is available with handmade mohair wig and sleep eyes on a composition toddler body for $545.

As with all reproductions made by Sowatzka’s, their Kestners are signed, numbered and dated by the artist, and are dressed in appropriate clothing made only of natural fabrics.

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