Forever Young
Saturday, January 9, 2016 | 11:00 AM Pacific
Auction closed.
Forever Young
Saturday, January 9, 2016 | 11:00 AM Pacific
Auction closed.
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See Special Terms for additional fees
See Special Terms for additional fees
Description
Featuring private estate dolls from important French and German collections. The auction will take place at the Fairmont in Newport Beach, California. For more information call 800-638-0422.
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Beautiful French Bisque Poupee Wearing Elegant Original Gown and Fancy Shoes 2500/3500
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 354)
17" (43 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, blue glass enamel inset eyes with darker blue outer rims, dark eyeliner, feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with well-accented pale lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, kid gusset-jointed poupee body with stitched and separated fingers. Condition: generally excellent, few patches to kid of body which is overall very sturdy. Marks: 4. Comments: French, circa 1870. Value Points: beautiful face with daintily painted delicate bisque, original wig, sturdy original body, and wearing elegant original black taffeta gown with aqua silk trim and beading, bonnet, undergarments, and very fancy laced brown and black heeled boots.
Early English Wooden Doll with Highly-Characterized Expression and Original Costume 8000/11,000
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 354)
18" (46 cm.) One-piece carved wooden head and torso, shapely bosom and waist, oval-shaped face with unusual puffy fullness to cheeks and well-defined chin tip, elongated throat, enamel inset eyes, painted upper and lower lashes, single-stroke brows with dot accents on upper edge, aquiline nose, closed mouth with full lips and piquant smile, original brunette human hair wig, cloth upper arms, wooden lower arms with individually-carved spatula-shaped hands, wooden legs with dowel-jointing at hips and knees. Condition: generally excellent, some fingers broken, rub on nose and chin, original finish that is well-preserved. Comments: English, mid-1700s, very rare early model with distinctive sculpting of facial shape. A very similar example appeared in the collection of the late June Ellen Lane (auction titled Dolls in the House at the Top of the Hill, #244), and it is likely that both were carved by the same artist. Value Points: very rare early doll with fine original painting, wonderful carving of facial lines especially of cheeks and chin, original early costume including quilted silk and crewel embroidery petticoats, stockings, slippers, gown, apron, and cap.
Pair of German Paper Mache Lady Dolls in Original Traditional Costumes 1800/2500
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 354)
14" (36 cm.) Each has paper mache shoulder head with sculpted black hair arranged in a center part and waved over her ears into a braided chignon at the back of her head, painted facial features, painted blue eyes, closed mouth with gentle smile, slender kid body, wooden lower limbs. Condition: generally excellent, one silk skirt is frail. Comments: Germany, circa 1850s. Value Points: the matched pair wear original very elaborate traditional costumes with detailed accents and, notably, with silk-braided coronet turbans and silk shoes, and have fine original finish.
German Paper Mache Lady in Original Traditional Wedding Ensemble 1200/1800
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 354)
14" (36 cm.) Paper mache shoulder head with black sculpted center-part hair waved over her head and captured in a braided chignon at the back of her head, painted facial features, painted blue eyes, closed mouth with gentle smile, slender kid body with wooden lower limbs. Condition: original finish albeit some light craquelure, silk worn on sleeves. Comments: Germany, circa 1850s. Value Points: all-original wonderful wedding costume with lace-covered silk, fine lace apron, necklace, and an elaborate coiffe with velvet and rick-rack coiled turban, silk flowers, and waist-length veil.
German Paper Mache Lady with Superb Original Folklore Costume and Coiffe 1100/1500
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 354)
14" (36 cm.) Paper mache shoulder head with black center-part sculpted hair drawn over her ears and captured in a braided chignon at the back of her head, painted facial features, blue eyes, gentle smile on closed mouth, slender kid body with wooden lower limbs. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Germany, circa 1850. Value Points: outstanding original traditional costume whose details include an embroidered vest, tasseled necklace, silk coiffe over black and white wrapped turban, and unique hand-stitched leather slippers with upturned toes.
Pair, German Paper Mache Man and Woman in Original Traditional Costumes 1800/2500
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 354)
14" (36 cm.) Each has a paper mache shoulder head with black sculpted hair and painted facial features, slender kid body with wooden lower limbs; the woman with black sculpted hair arranged in wide wings with a comb-wrapped chignon at the back of her head, and the man with more rounded face with short black curls and trace of painted moustache. Condition: generally excellent, flake on her hair, light rubs on his cheeks. Comments: Germany, circa 1850. Value Points: the pair wear fine original traditional costumes, the man with embroidered velvet vest, the woman with embroidered apron, each with matching brocade sash and hand-stitched leather slippers.
Regal French Bisque Smiling Poupee, Size G, by Leon Casimir Bru 3000/4500
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 354)
18" (46 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, blue glass enamel inset eyes with spiral threading, thick dark eyeliner, painted lashes, wide feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with upturned lip corners as though a gentle smile, generously-accented pale lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, kid poupee body with square-cut collarette, gusset-jointing at elbows, hips and knees, stitched and separated fingers. Condition: generally excellent, repair to kid at left upper arm, very sturdy body. Marks: G (head and shoulders). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, the model, known as the "smiling Bru", was deposed by him in 1872, possibly inspired by the beloved Empress Eugenie who had fled England with her husband Napoleon III in 1870. Value Points: beautiful portrait poupee with finest bisque and painting, original body, original costume of black taffeta gown with lace trim, black velvet bonnet, undergarments, and leather boots.
Petite French Bisque Poupee by Leon Casimir Bru with Rare Bisque Hands 3000/4000
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 354)
14" (36 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, blue/grey glass inset eyes with spiral threading, dark blue iris rims, dark eyeliner, painted lashes and feathered arched brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with dainty smile depicted by the upturned lip corners, accented pale lips, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, kid poupee body with square-cut collarette, gusset-jointing at hips and knees, bisque lower arms and hands with distinctively-sculpted fingers. Condition: generally excellent, tip of left baby finger missing. Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, his deposed smiling-face model of 1872. Value Points: beautiful face, expression and bisque, rare original body with bisque hands, original burgundy silk gown with lace trim, bustle back, demi-train, woven bonnet with silk lining, undergarments, and fancy leather boots.
Beautiful French Bisque Bebe by Leon Casimir Bru, Size 3 with Signed Bru Shoes 14,000/18,000
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 354)
14" (36 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate with modeled bosom and shoulder blades, amber-brown glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, rose-blushed eye shadow, brush-stroked and feathered brows with sculpted detail, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with defined tiny tongue tip, outlined lips, dimpled chin, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French kid bebe body with scalloped-edge collarette, kid-over-wood upper arms, bisque lower arms with elbow jointing, separately-sculpted bisque hands, gusset-jointing at hips and knees, wearing pretty antique silk dress, (frail) silk bonnet, velvet cape with lambswool edging, undergarments, woven stockings, and leather shoes imprinted with "B" in oval. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Bru Jne 3 (head) Bru No. 3 (shoulder plate). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1882. Value Points: desirable petite size with entrancing expression, lovely bisque and painting, original sturdy body, perfect bisque hands, signed Bru shoes.
Rare French Miniature Paper Mache Vignette Under Glass Dome, as Candy Container 300/500
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 354)
4 1/2" (11 cm.) Enclosed under a blown glass dome is a miniature village vignette depicting a house on a hillside, a village seated below, and a reposing lamb under a tree. The base of the dome, appearing to be a solid piece, is banded with decorative papers, and actually separates to form into a candy container box. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1860. Value Points: very rare and utterly charming "hidden secret" glass-domed scene as candy box, likely created by luxury Parisian confiserie.
Early American Folk Wooden Dancing Doll on Platform 800/1200
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 354)
16" (41 cm.) One-piece head and torso with sculpted bosom, carved wooden head of black-complexioned woman with highly-defined facial features, glaze-painted black center-parted hair, wooden loose-jointed arms and legs, painted yellow stockings and black shoes, wearing original costume, and attached by a coiled metal rod to a wooden platform which, when bounced up and down, causes the doll to dance loosely about. Condition: generally excellent, left lower arm missing. Comments: American, mid-1800s. Value Points: rare folk art toy with especially fine detail of facial sculpting, original costume.
Rare American Mechanical Dancing Toy by Edward Ives 800/1300
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 354)
10" (25 cm.) Standing upon a wooden box with dove-tailed construction and containing a hidden mechanism are two carved wooden black dolls with loosely jointed shoulders, hips and ankles, and having sculpted hair and painted facial features, painted gloves and stockings, and original costumes. When keywound, the figures dance about in a carefree manner. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Edward Ives, Connecticut, circa 1880. Value Points: wonderfully-preserved early American toy.
Five Rare and Delightful Early German Paper Mache Squeak Toys 1500/2500
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 354)
5 1/2" (14 cm.) h. boy on dog. Each is of paper mache with leather or cloth enclosed bellows base that causes the toy to squeak when squeezed. Included are a boy riding a dog, a lady standing in a chicken yard with bird cage and seven birds or chickens, a baby in a cradle, a boy on a rooster, and a hunch-backed Polichinelle sitting alongside a cricket and having added mechanical action of his right arm. Condition: very good to excellent, some darkening, one bird head missing. Comments: Germany, circa 1875. Value Points: rare and delightful early toys with amusing themes.
Pristine American Cloth "Philadelphia Baby" for J.B. Sheppard Store of Philadelphia 2500/3500
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 354)
20" (51 cm.) All-cloth doll with pressed and oil-painted facial features and brown hair with delicate stippling onto forehead, deeply-defined eye sockets, brown painted eyes, feathered brown brows, fringed upper lashes, accented nostrils, stitched-ears, closed mouth with very full lips, stockinette stitch-jointed body, oil-painted lower arms and legs, bare feet, antique costume appears original. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: known as the "Philadelphia Baby", the distinctive doll was commissioned for the J.B. Sheppard Department Store of Philadelphia toward the end of the 19th century; the quality of artistry and workmanship is superb and distinctive, yet the actual maker remains unknown. Value Points: rarely found American doll with superb sculpting details and perfectly-preserved original painted finish.
All-Original French Bisque "Paris Bebe" by Emile Jumeau With Signed Aqua Jumeau Shoes 5000/7500
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 354)
15" (38 cm.) Bisque socket head with very full and elongated cheeks, large blue glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented eye corners, pointy tip nose with shaded nostrils, closed mouth with outlined lips, impressed dimples at lip corners and chin, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Paris-Bebe Tete Depose 5 (red stamp) 5 (incised). Comments: Emile Jumeau, his trademarked model "Paris Bebe" with distinctive facial modeling, circa 1892. Value Points: very fine modeling, quality of bisque and painting of the rare model, original body and body finish, wearing superb original aqua silk dress and bonnet, undergarments, socks, and Jumeau aqua kidskin shoes.
French Musical Automaton "Mother and Child in Garden Scene" by Phalibois 9000/13,000
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 354)
24" (61 cm.) overall height 19"l. Posed upon a wooden ebonized base with mossy garden ground is a very full floral arbor and a wooden bench upon which is seated a bisque head lady holding her little all-bisque child. The lady, with refined portrait-like face, blue glass enamel eyes, closed mouth, painted lashes, brows and accented lips, has pierced ears, original blonde mohair wig, and original costume of magenta silk with aqua bows and lace trim, matching cap with aqua silk streamers, earrings; and the all-bisque child with cobalt blue eyes, closed mouth, jointed arms and legs is wearing a superb original muslin gown with lace trim and aqua silk ribbons. When wound, music plays, the lady turns her head and nods toward the child who has been lifting her arms up and down eagerly, and then lifts her right arm which holds a baby bottle, as though to offer this to her child. Condition: generally excellent, music and mechanism function well. Comments: Phalibois, circa 1880. Value Points: rare luxurious parlor automaton depicting a gentle scene, especially fine music quality, the woman with rare and exquisite portrait-like face, and with original costumes and accessories.
Outstanding French Bisque Art Character Doll by Albert Marque, #7 from the Series 180,000/220,000
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 354)
22" (56 cm.) Bisque socket head whose unique highly artistic sculpting is achieved by a four-part mold, elongated slender throat that accentuates the plump lower cheeks and chin, pronounced definition of facial structure especially at her temple and cheek bones, softly rounded nose tip, hazel-brown glass paperweight eyes, thick dark eyeliner, painted dark curly lashes, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with solemn expression on the outlined lips, distinctively modeled pierced ears, original brunette hand-tied human hair wig, original uniquely modeled body with elongated tapered-shape torso, wide hips, undefined waist, composition upper arms, bisque lower arms with bisque attached ball joints at the elbows, separately sculpted fingers, wide upper thighs, elongated lower legs with shapely calves, elongated narrow feet. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: A. Marque (incised signature) 7 (red ink number on head). Comments: France, circa 1916, designed by noted Parisian sculptor Albert Marque, as part of a movement to re-invigorate the French doll industry; the movement involved sculptors, porcelain firms, fashion designers and virtually the entire art community including the blossoming Parisian Ballets Russe. Albert Marque, the noted French sculptor was thus commissioned to design a doll that reflected the actual expressions and moods of childhood, rather than the idealized dolls of the late 19th century. Even the body was uniquely designed for the doll by fellow artist, Aristodeme Botta, who aimed to create a model that "combined the strength and grace typical of that age", that is, an older child. The artistic doll of Albert Marque was first presented at an exclusive exhibition at the fashion boutique of Parisian art patron, Margaine-Lacroix. It is believed that only 100 models of the Marque doll were created, of which this is #7 in that series. The doll is wearing its original costume from the Ballet Russe costumed set, of extraordinary gold metallic fabric trimmed with rich braids, turqoise and pearl beads, and with purple and blue velvet jacket and cape, and an elaborate gold metallic-fabric headdress with five large turquoise beads, original stockings and shoes. The doll and its costume are in virtually mint condition, with flawless and exquisite bisque, enhanced by its early presence (#7) from the mold. Provenance: the doll was acquired directly from the Margaine-Lacroix Paris exhibition in 1915, and many years later was presented to that owner's son and daughter-in-law who founded the Museum of Old Dolls and Toys in Winter Haven, Florida. There the doll stood center-stage for decades. When the Museum closed its door 31 years ago, in 1984, the doll was acquired by its present owner in whose home it has resided since.
Early French Eight-Tune Musical Animated Marquis Monkey Scene with Paper Label 8000/12,000
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 354)
27" (69 cm.) x 18". A fine mahogany-framed miniature theatre box with inlay pen-striping features a deeply-set back room with transfer-print wallpaper and with side and back curtained mirrors and lithographed paper tile floor. Seated on fabric-covered wooden stools behind wooden music stands are two paper-mache Marquis Monkeys with glass movable eyes, one with hinged jaw, painted grey beards, carton torsos, wooden lower hands and legs, and rich silk court costumes with gilt paper trim (their tri-corn hats resting on the floor); one holds a violin, the other a cello, and when wound, the monkeys perform. A label "Charles R. Delaney, Antique Timepieces, Santa Barbara, Ca" at the back has a hand-written list of the eight different tunes which are performed ranging from Grande Duchess to Monsieur Polycarp, and with instructions for changing the tunes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1850. Value Points: the delightful scene, with wonderful and well-preserved details and amusing movements, enhances the eight-tune music box.
Fine Expressive Neapolitan Village Man with Sculpted Leggings 900/1300
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 354)
15" (38 cm.) Sculpted earthenware head with highly-defined scowling facial wrinkles of ruddy-faced man leaning to the side and down-cast enamel eyes, his head wrapped in an attached turban, hemp-wrapped body, earthenware hands and lower legs with sculpted wrinkled leggings and bare front toes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Neapolitan, early 1800s. Value Points: presented as a villager in a lavish Neapolitan scene, the man is superbly-preserved, wearing original laced vest, jacket, cape, short trousers, and with leather belt and embroidered details.
Fine Pair of Neapolitan Villagers with Very Expressive Faces and Original Costumes 1500/2100
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 354)
14" (36 cm.) Each has earthenware sculpted head and shoulder plate, enamel eyes, painted complexion and facial features, hemp-wrapped body, earthenware hands and lower legs with sculpted shoes and stockings; he has bald pate and is wizened, gaunt and gap-toothed, and is wearing blue silk long jacket with lining, vest, silk trousers, and carries a wooden stick in his expressively-posed fingers, and she has an ample bosom, brown sculpted windblown hair under wrapped scarf, and is wearing a lavish tinsel-trimmed silk and cotton gown. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Neapolitan, early 1800s. Value Points: compelling and expressive features on perfectly-preserved features.
Neapolitan Earthenware Man with Flowing Beard and Lavish Silk Costume 800/1200
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 354)
14" (36 cm.) Sculpted earthenware shoulder head with bald pate, flowing curls at side of head and nape, and very long flowing beard, has enamel eyes, rosy cheeks, thick bushy brows, hemp-wrapped body, earthenware hands with expressively-posed fingers and painted fancy blue and yellow leggings, open-toe sandals. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Neapolitan, early 1800s. Value Points: outstanding sculpting of expression, beard, fingers, and wearing very elaborate silk costume with rich spangle embroidery and braid.
Miniature Wooden Domed Chest with Sterling Silver Tea Caddy and Pot 300/500
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 354)
4" (10 cm.) h. 5"l. A wooden chest with domed top is richly fitted with copper-plated iron cast straps and clasps, and opens to a silk fitted interior containing an octagon-shaped tea caddy marked sterling, and a matching teapot and warmer marked "Sterling 8807 Pat Jul 20, Ô09". Condition: generally excellent. Comments: American, circa 1909. Value Points: rare and charming miniature set in original presentation chest.
Large German Bisque Art Character Lady, 152, Simon and Halbig, Historical Costume 28,000/42,000
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 354)
24" (64 cm.) Bisque socket head with slender angular features, strongly shaped aquiline nose and pronounced lines of throat and cheeks, painted blue eyes within deeply-sculpted eye sockets, heavily modeled eyelids with thickly fringed soft lashes, upper glancing black pupils, brush-stroked brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with shaded lips, pierced ears, brunette human hair wig in long flowing locks, composition and wooden fully-jointed body with adult-female shape. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Simon & Halbig S&H 152 10. Comments: Simon and Halbig, circa 1910. In research underway by German scholar Marianne Cieslik, it is suggested that the model was inspired by Rosa Luxemburg (1870-1919), the Polish-born German intellectual and social reformer whose short life was spent advocating the rights of the common man and woman, and was considered a heroine in her time. Value Points: exceptionally rare model in very rare size, with outstanding sculpting and bisque, original body and body finish, original wig superb state of preservation, and an intriguing historical background which is accentuated by this doll's antique costume presenting her as Joan of Arc, a heroine of an earlier time. The costume is of finest royal blue velvet including short pants, lined cape and a fitted tunic with gold cord banding which is worn under a breastplate of woven silver metallic threads with elaborate appliques, matching sleeveguards, and feathered headband, and with silver metal scabbard attached by chainmaille, silver thread leggings and brown kidskin boots.
Eight Fine Antique Doll Bonnets 500/800
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 354)
For poupees or petite bebes, including designs in silk, woven reed, and velvet, each with fine lace, ribbon, floral and feathered trim. Excellent condition. Circa 1880.
Early American Mechanical Sand Toy "The Village Dance" by Robert Link, with Original Label 600/900
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 354)
7" (18 cm.) x 9". The wooden-framed box has paper cover and glass front which covers a lithographed scene of gaily-dancing women and men in traditional costumes, and at the front a die-cut paper man and woman that are dimensionally attached. The mechanical action, i.e. the two dolls dancing, is created by funneling of sand which is hidden inside the box. The paper label at the back instructs the user to hold perpendicular while turning counterclockwise twice, and, if all else fails, tap the top of the box with the palm of one's hand! Marks: Robert Link (paper label). Comments: American, circa 1880, a series of mechanical sand toys were offered by his firm. Value Points: well-preserved toy, with label "Mechanical Box with automaton" and instructions, functioning well.
