Early 20th century dolls by Max Handwerck (Germany)

Max Handwerck was a German doll manufacturer who was active in the early 20th century. He was born in 1868 in Apolda, Thuringia, Germany. He began his career as a woodcarver, and later turned to doll making. He established his doll manufacturing company in Waltershausen, Germany, in the late 19th century.

Handwerck's dolls were known for their realistic facial features, finely painted details, and meticulously crafted bodies. The company produced a wide range of dolls, including bisque-headed dolls, character dolls, and baby dolls. Their dolls were often marked with the signature "Handwerck" on the back of the head or body. He used a variety of materials in his dolls, including bisque, composition, and papier-mâché. He also designed his own doll heads and bodies, and often used F & W Goebel heads on his composition dolls.

One of Handwerck's notable contributions was his collaboration with doll artist more... Simon & Halbig. Handwerck would purchase bisque doll heads from Simon & Halbig and then create the bodies and dress them, resulting in a successful partnership.

Handwerck's dolls were popular in Germany and other parts of Europe. He exhibited his dolls at the Leipzig Trade Fair, and his company also had a showroom in Berlin. Handwerck's dolls were also exported to the United States.

However, like many other doll manufacturers of the time, Handwerck faced challenges during World War I and the economic difficulties that followed. The company eventually ceased production in the 1920s. Handwerck died in 1925. less...