Baitz Costume Dolls

Jessica sent in a question about her vintage costume doll asking whether it is a Lenci.

Jessica’s photos are over exposed so its difficult to see the details but it is still apparent that this doll is not by Lenci. Although Lenci did make small costume dolls from hard plastic in the 50’s and 60’s those Lenci costume dolls did not have felt hands. Jessica’s doll has the appearance of a Baitz doll. Baitz of Austria made a series of dolls with the “whistler” shaped mouth wearing traditional costumes. You can see photos of various Baitz dolls at http://www.ravision.at/puppe/html/baitz.html  and http://www.vorarlbergmuseen.at/museen/puppenmuseum-blons/objekte/

For an idea of values check the closing prices on eBay and current listing of Baitz at the following link

Click Here to See examples of Baitz on eBay

About Baitz Dolls

Lilli and Roman Baitz founded an Arts and Crafts studio in 1909 in Berlin, there they produced dolls and decorations  until the war when they relocated the company to Austria by 1954 they had settled in Bregenz, Austria, where they employed many home workers as their reputation grew.  Baitz dolls were produced in many different series in a wide variety of costumes and styles throughout the 50’s and 60’s and later . The company closed in 1999.