Early 20th Century German Crepe-Paper Dressed Doll With oral provenance linking it to the Bletchley Museum collection

A beautifully preserved early 20th-century German doll, exquisitely dressed in her original crepe-paper costume. Dating from circa 1910–1930, she embodies the delicate charm of the period’s decorative Christmas and putz-scene figures — pieces seldom encountered in such complete surviving condition.

Her softly modelled composition head and limbs retain their original hand-painted features, giving her a wonderfully soulful expression. She wears a finely layered crepe-paper dress and full cape, topped with a ruffled bonnet and finished with a shimmering ivory ribbon. Every element of her attire is characteristic of early German paper artistry, prized today for its fragility and historic beauty.

This piece is accompanied by oral provenance indicating that it once formed part of the Bletchley Museum collection, adding an intriguing cultural footnote to an already rare decorative survivor. No written documentation accompanies the story, yet the association adds a gentle note of historical allure.

She displays beautifully, with the light, time-softened wear expected of a century-old paper-clad figure. An enchanting addition to a curated collection, a period interior, or a refined seasonal tableau.

Dimensions: 

L16cm W8cm.

Materials: Composition head and limbs; original crepe-paper costume

Condition: Age-consistent wear to paper and paint; overall stable and delightfully characterful.

A scarce and captivating piece of early German decorative craft — full of charm, presence, and quiet antiquarian poetry.