French Dolls - Though not always manufactured in France, the French doll has become a high comodity in toy history. Many of the early french dolls were made in Germany and given French character. The only French connections are the costume, the accessories, and the labeled box. Later the French dolls were custom made while the German dolls were mass-produced. More detail was given to marketing and wardrobe. French dolls were later made in New York.

During the World War I when Germany once again began to manufacture dolls for the French export market. After the war the French took back their doll market. Their product was grandious. We can find closed mouth "French" dolls conceived in the 1920's that can attest to one made in the 1880's and almost can fool an expert.

Commonly any high quality unmarked doll is instantly denoted French, and any poor quality doll is considered German, wrong. The French made many assembly line mediocre dolls. Though documented The Germans were the best modelers, with the dolls looking more life like real children. The French dolls of even finest quality were over decorated.

IMPORTANT FRENCH DOLL MAKERS

Bru - The Bru Co., located in Paris, top of the list of French doll makers, founded 1866. Bru was the first doll manufacturer to be settled on the Rue Saint Denis. Later other doll makers followed. Early Bru dolls were beautifully formed, delicate molded heads. Dolls had slightly raised bust.

The earliest Bru bodies were made of goatskin.  They had bisque lower arms and beautiful hands. Lower legs were usually made of wood.

Early Bru dolls were not always marked. BS possible to indicate dolls of this type and origin. Early Bru dolls were marked with an incised circle or half circle and a dot; Commonly you find incised on back of shoulder B Jne. & Cie.; and E. Depos'e was incised on the front. In 1898, since French companies worked together many Bru dolls were marked more than once.

The findings are that genuine dolls may have a "Jumeau" marked body with a Bru marked head. In joining the S.F.B.J. Group (Socie'te' Francaise de Fabrication de Be'be's et Jouets,) the French companies no longer produced bisque or porcelain heads themselves. It was less expensive to import pieces from Germany than to manufacture their own. In the business, they did not change the long used French neck mark. They paid commissions and continued as designers and trendsetters.

In 1883, Bru was taken over by H. Chevrot. The company name changed to Bru Jne. & Cie., and stands for Bru Junior and Co. Under Chevrot leadership Bru dolls won many gold medals.

Gaultier

Jumeau

Steiner

Socie'te' Francaise de Fabrication de Be'be's et Jouets - SFBJ

Other French Doll Makers:

Denamur

Huret, Maison

Jullien

LeComte & Alliot and Lanternier, A. & Co.

May Brothers & Co. and Mme. Rohmer

Schmitt & Sons, Emile Barrois and Belton