The A. W. Fr. Kister company, located in the neighboring villiages of Scheibe and Alsbach in the German province of Thuringia, started business in 1835, and it continued operations until the end of the 20th century. The company produced many ceramics products, but its doll-making years spanned from about 1840 to 1960. Later doll heads, like this one from the middle of the 19th century featured molded and painted clothing.