Let the Music Begin!
Saturday, November 22, 2014 | 11:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Let the Music Begin!
Saturday, November 22, 2014 | 11:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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See Special Terms for additional fees
Description
A harmonious concert of 350 antique dolls of superb condition and originality.
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Gorgeous French Bisque Portrait Poupee by Pierre-Francois Jumeau, Couturier Costume 8000/11,000
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 308)
22" (56 cm.) Pressed bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, oval face with gentle portrait-like expression, blue enamel eyes with spiral threading, dark eyeliner, mauve-blushed eye shadow, arched feathered brows, shaded nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with outlined subtly blushed lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, kid poupee body with gusset jointing at elbows, hips and knees, stitched and separated fingers. Condition: generally excellent, very sturdy original body. Comments: Pierre-Francois Jumeau, circa 1872. In that year Jumeau opened its Montreuil headquarters and began production of porcelain heads based on his own models, of which this is one example. Value Points: outstanding in its beauty, its regal presence and its wonderfully preserved condition (including wig marked "8"), wearing extraordinary pale mauve silk gown with Alencon lace and bead-accented tulle trim, three-strand necklace, floral coronet, fan, undergarments, leather boots marked C.C. Along with another superbly preserved early gold taffeta gown with demi-train, trimmed with black Alencon lace borders.
Early Luxury French Portrait Bebe by Emile Jumeau with Entrancing Eyes 7000/9500
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 308)
14" (36 cm.) Pressed bisque socket head with pale bisque, almond-shaped blue/grey glass inset eyes with spiral threading and pronounced black pupils, mauve-blushed eye shadow, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, pale outlined lips, impressed dimple above upper lip, pierced ears, original lambswool wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight-loose-ball-jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: generally excellent, original body finish with some scuffing on hands. Marks: 2/0 (head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Jumeau, circa 1878. Value Points: earliest period portrait bebe with splendid modeling, finest bisque and painting, original body, wonderful early costume including cashmere-silk coat dress with Torchon lace, undergarments, stockings, boots, and superb bonnet.
Beautiful French Bisque Brown-Eyed Portrait Bebe by Emile Jumeau 6500/8500
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 308)
19" (48 cm.) Pressed bisque socket head with pale bisque, brown glass enamel inset eyes in almond shape, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, rose-blushed eye shadow, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with shaded and outlined lips, pierced ears, lambswool wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight-loose-ball-jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: generally excellent, original body finish with some scuffing. Marks: 2. Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1877. Value Points: earliest period bebe with very delicate pale bisque and beautifully painted features, original body and body finish, lovely lace dress and bonnet, undergarments, cream kidskin shoes.
Original French Bisque Poupee, Dehors Articulation, Bisque Arms, Couturier Costume 4000/6000
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 308)
14" (36 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, Dehors deposed neck articulation system allowing the head to realistically tilt side-to-side and forward and backward as well as traditional swivel movement, cobalt blue glass enamel inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, ears pierced into head, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, kid gusset-jointed body, bisque arms to above the elbows with distinctively sculpted fingers. Condition: generally excellent, especially sturdy body. Comments: French, circa 1870, of the luxury quality as presented by Maison Simonne. Value Points: gorgeous face and eyes, rare neck articulation system, rare body with bisque arms, and wearing superb original couturier gown of magenta and patterned silk, undergarments, leather boots, bonnet, and lorgnette.
Diminutive Sonneberg Bisque Doll with Original Costume 700/900
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 308)
7" (18 cm.) Bisque socket head, blue glass enamel inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth, blonde mohair wig, early composition body with jointing at shoulders, hips and knees. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 4/0. Comments: Sonneberg, in the French manner, circa 1885. Value Points: charming pert expression, excellent bisque, original body, and wonderful original antique dress, bonnet and shoes.
French Bronze Miniature Chair with Elaborate Trim 300/500
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 308)
7" (18 cm.) The bronze-framed armchair with rich gilt finish has scrolled arms, leaf-design garland, and petal-tipped legs, with original green silk upholstery. Excellent condition. French, circa 1875.
Gorgeous and Rare French Bisque Bebe, Series C, by Jules Steiner with Original Costume 6000/8500
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 308)
12" (30 cm.) Bisque socket head with plump rounded face, delicate bisque, blue enamel eyes of great clarity with rich spiral threading, painted lashes, brush-stroked brows, rose-blushed eye shadow, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde lambswool wig over original Steiner pate, Steiner composition fully jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Sie C 2/0 (incised, head) J. Steiner Bte SGDG J. Bourgoin (red ink script) (original Steiner stamp on torso). Comments: Jules Steiner, circa 1884. Value Points: gorgeous petite bebe with finest bisque and painting, splendid eyes, original wig, pate, body and body finish, and original burgundy silk dress with Alencon lace, undergarments, maroon wool stockings and leather shoes.
Rare and Wonderful German Bisque Character, 241, by Kestner 1600/2400
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 308)
25" (64 cm.) Bisque socket head, small blue glass sleep eyes, dark thick eyeliner, painted lashes, short brush-stroked brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, open mouth, row of four porcelain upper teeth, impressed dimples at lip corners and philtrum, brunette human hair, composition and wooden ball-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: K made in Germany 14 JDK 241 (head) Germany 5. Comments: Kestner, circa 1914, the model appears as an older version of the acclaimed Kestner model of Hilda. Value Points: rare model with superb delicate bisque and expressive features, original body and body finish, lovely antique coral silk dress.
Early German Brown-Complexioned Bisque Child, 949, by Simon and Halbig 2000/3000
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 308)
19" (48 cm.) Bisque socket head with light brown complexion, long-faced modeling, brown glass inset eyes, thick dark eyeliner, painted black lashes, thick brush-stroked brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, open mouth, four porcelain teeth, pierced ears, black human hair wig, brown composition and wooden ball-jointed body, lovely antique costume. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: S 11 H 949 (head) Handwerck (body). Comments: Simon and Halbig, circa 1890. Value Points: rare model with beautiful cafe-au-lait complexion, original body and body finish.
Outstanding and Rare German Bisque Art Character by Adolf Wislizensus 5000/7500
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 308)
16" (41 cm.) Bisque socket head with heart-shaped face, tiny brown glass sleep eyes, painted lashes, one-stroke brows, rounded tip nose, closed mouth with delicate hint of smile, impressed dimples at corners of mouth, blonde mohair wig, composition and wooden ball-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: L A.W & Co (impresssed script) 3. Comments: Adolf Wislensus, circa 1911, the firm made an attempt to enter the art character market at this time, advertising "we hold the record in our assortment of character dolls, models of our own, complete series" yet it appears that few dolls from this series were ever marketed. Value Points: the rarity of the doll is rivaled by its wonderful impish, yet innocent expression, enhanced by fine luminous bisque, wonderful antique costume that is likely factory original.
All-Original Petite French Bisque Premiere Bebe by Emile Jumeau 6500/8500
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 308)
12" (30 cm.) Bisque socket head, very large brown glass enamel inset eyes known as "wrap-around", delicately painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde lambswool wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight-loose-ball-jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (torso). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1878. Value Points: the premiere model bebe has dramatic large eyes that contrast the delicate petite nose and mouth, rare size, lovely bisque and painting, original wig, body and body finish, original brown silk costume with burgundy silk trim, undergarments, leather shoes, stockings.
Outstanding French Bisque Bebe by Leon Casimir Bru in Original Couturier Costume 12,000/17,000
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 308)
16" (41 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate with modeled bosom, very full cheeks and chin, almond-shaped brown glass paperweight inset eyes with pronounced pupils, thick dark eyeliner, painted lashes, mauve-blushed eye shadow, brush-stroked and featherd brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with shaded and outlined lips, painted row of teeth, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, kid bebe body with gusset jointing at hips and knees, bisque arms to elbows, separately sculpted fingers. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: (circle and dot symbol at back of head) Bte SGDG (forehead). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1880. Value Points: superb original condition, with superlative bisque and painting, rare painted teeth, original sturdy body and perfect bisque hands, original silk dress and bonnet, undergarments, brown net stockings, leather Bru-like shoes (unsigned).
Rare German Bisque Painted Eye Art Character, Model 140, by Mystery Maker 3000/4500
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 308)
15" (38 cm.) Bisque socket head, painted dark blue eyes, white eye dots, thick dark upper eyeliner, red eyeliner, arched feathered brows, accented eye corners and nostrils, closed mouth with very full outlined lips, brunette mohair wig, composition and wooden fully jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 140 4. Comments: Germany, from the art character movement, the maker remains a mystery, although clues point to both Kestner and Hertel and Schwab. Value Points: wonderful rare doll with highly characterized features, finest bisque and painting, great antique gentleman's costume.
French Bisque "Statuette-Poupee", Unique Body, Bisque Legs, Radiquet and Cordonnier 8000/12,000
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 308)
17" (43 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate with generously modeled bosom, pale blue glass enamel inset eyes, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accent line between the lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, firmly stuffed kid body with shapely waist and rounded derriere, kid upper legs and arms, bisque arms from above the elbows with distinctively sculpted hands and modeled left elbow, bisque lower legs with sculpted shoes and modeled hole at shoe bottom for adherence to dowel stand, richly costumed in gown of antique peach crepe and laces. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: R.C. Depose 2 (shoulder plate). Comments: Radiquet & Cordonnier, circa 1880, the uniquely designed doll was deposed by Georges Cordonnier described as "statuette-poupee". Value Points: very rare fashion lady with regal pose, unique body, exquisite presence and bisque, and with original signed stand.
French Bisque Bebe Modele, Leon Casimir Bru, Wooden Body, Signed Shoes 20,000/30,000
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 308)
14" (36 cm.) Pressed bisque socket head with very plump cheeks and chin, unusual dark blue glass paperweight inset eyes with spiral threading, thick dark eyeliner, painted lashes, feathered brows, mauve-blushed eye shadow, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with shaded and outlined lips, pierced ears, original blonde lambswool wig over cork pate, all-wooden body with shapely torso, dowel-jointing at shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 2/0 (head) N 0 C.25 (incised on torso). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1879, Bebe Modele was first mentioned in Bru's 1879 advertising and appears to only have been made until 1883 at the latest and always in very limited exclusive numbers; this model with Brevete face is from the earliest 1879 period and was a continuation of his deposed wooden-bodied poupee or lady doll, also a luxury model. Value Points: the compelling beauty of the bebe, with rich eye color emphasized by beautiful lashes, eye liner and eye shadow, and delicately shaded blushing of cheeks, chin and ear lobes, is enhanced by the model's rarity, especially in this very rare smallest-known size, and with wonderful early silk costume, likely original, including original chemise, and original shoes signed "Bru Jne Paris".
Extremely Rare French Bisque Art Character, Model 201, by Emile Jumeau 180,000/220,000
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 16 of 308)
24" (61 cm.) Bisque socket head with strongly-defined oval-shaped face, large brown glass paperweight inset eyes, thick dark eyeliner with glazed highlights, dark painted curly lashes, rich dark rose eye shadow, thick brush-stroked and feathered brows, shaded nostrils of rounded tip nose, closed mouth modeled as though open in very wide beaming smile with defined tongue and row of beaded teeth, impressed dimples in cheeks and above upper lip, separately-modeled pierced ears, brunette hand-tied human hair wig in long braids over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully jointed body, antique burgundy silk and velvet dress with matching velvet bonnet, undergarments, maroon stockings, French leather shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 201 (incised) Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 11 (and artist checkmarks on head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1892, from his "Series Fantastique". Only two examples of this extremely rare doll are known to exist today. (See pages 159-160 of this catalog for more information about this remarkable early art character series). Value Points: probably the rarest art character doll existing today, its rarity rivaled only its exemplary sculpting, characterization, artistic painting, and by its very fine original state of preservation. From the private collection of the late Violet Mackemull of Bethesda, Maryland, where the doll resided for nearly a half century.
Extremely Rare Bisque Exotic Child in Exhibition Costume, by Mystery Maker 1800/2800
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 17 of 308)
15" (38 cm.) Oval-shaped bisque socket head with small cut pate at the top of head, amber-tinted complexion, small black enamel glass eyes, black single-stroke curvy brows, aquiline-shaped elongated nose, closed mouth with outlined lips, unpierced ears, French brown composition and wooden fully jointed body. Condition: generally excellent, virtually unplayed with, original tiny, tiny firing lines at eye cuts. Comments: probably French, late 19th century, although the maker is unknown. Value Points: very rare doll, wearing superb original exotic costume with detailed embroidery, braid, bead and passementerie trim, along with blue kidskin slippers marked "2".
Wonderful German Bisque Chinese Baby, Model 243, Kestner, Original Gump's Costume 3500/4500
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 18 of 308)
13" (33 cm.) Amber-tinted bisque socket head with very full cheeks and defined chin, small brown glass sleep eyes in half-moon shape, dark eyeliner, painted curly upper lashes, black feathered brows, accented nostrils, open mouth, shaded and accented lips, two porcelain upper teeth, black mohair wig, amber-tinted composition baby body. Condition: generally excellent, the elaborate headdress cover has never been removed. Marks: made in Germany JDK (body stamp). Comments: Kestner, circa 1912, their portrait model of a Chinese baby. Value Points: superb modeling and painting, the doll is wearing its original outstanding silk costume exclusively created for the luxury San Francisco store, Gump's, which commissioned the doll from Kestner to be costumed in the Gump workshops. The costume is superb with lavish embroidery, pom-poms, beads, tassels, and medallions, and the headdress and wig have never been removed.
Charming Swiss Mechanical Singing Bird in a Gilded Cage 700/900
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 19 of 308)
11" (28 cm.) A brass-finished bird cage with raised floral borders and brass ball finial with loop handle has a velvet-covered base upon which is a metal bird perch decorated with leaves, and a pretty feathered bird. The mechanism winds from an attached key beneath the cage, and when lever is released, the bird turns its head from side-to-side, flutters its tail feathers, opens and closes its beak and sings. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Swiss, circa 1960. Value Points: charming salon accessory with beautiful bird tunes.
Early French Paper-Mache Poupee with Original Fine Exotic Costume 1200/1800
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 20 of 308)
15" (38 cm.) Paper-mache shoulder head with solid dome, painted black pate as hair with curly tendrils around the forehead, small black enamel inset eyes, painted delicate lashes and brows, accented nostrils, open mouth, two upper and two lower square cut teeth, brunette human hair hand-tied wig, kid poupee body with gusset jointing at hips and knees, stitched and separated fingers. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1850. Value Points: fine all-original condition of the early paper-mache poupee, with original wig, body, and elaborate exotic costume of silk with gilt metallic details, matching headdress, jewelry.
Exceptionally Rare French Automaton "Peacock", Original Box, Roullet et Decamps 18,000/30,000
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 21 of 308)
25" (64 cm.) A paper-mache bodied peacock contains a clockwork mechanism hidden inside the torso which attaches to head and tail feathers, and has glass eyes, metal legs and stand, paper-mache beak, and is lavishly covered with real peacock feathers over torso and head, and a lavish fan of peacock feathers at the back. When wound and lever released, the peacock struts proudly along, turning his head to the side and back, ruffling torso feathers, and then lifting his tail feathers and rhymically opening and closing them in an expansive fan. In original box with shipping labels of Lloyd steamer line, hand-lettered note "Cabin 230", and seal of American Customs service from its arrival in America in the late 1800s. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism functions well, the peacock has been stored its entire life in its original box. Comments: Roullet et Decamps, circa 1890, the peacock appeared in the original company catalog as model #100, available in three standard sizes, the largest standard size 50 cm. length, indicating that this present example is a luxury special commissioned size. Value Points: superb original condition, with original Roullet et Decamps key, original box, and outstanding presentation.
Beautiful Early French Bisque Premiere Bebe by Jumeau with Original Costume 5500/7500
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 22 of 308)
15" (38 cm.) Pressed bisque socket head with very plump cheeks, brown glass enamel inset eyes, richly blushed eye shadow, dark eyeliner, delicately painted lashes, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, brunette mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight-loose-ball-jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 4 (head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1878, the premiere model of the Jumeau bebe. Value Points: very beautiful face with entrancing brown eyes enhanced by rich eye shadow, finest bisque and painting, original body and body finish, fine original antique dress and bonnet, undergarments, stockings, French black leather shoes with silk rosettes.
An All-Original German Bisque Miniature Doll for the French Market for Au Nain Bleu 800/1100
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 23 of 308)
9" (23 cm.) Bisque socket head, blue glass sleep eyes, painted lashes, single-stroke brows, accented nostrils, open mouth, four teeth, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig, composition body jointed at shoulders and hips. Condition: generally excellent, dress silk very frail. Marks: 1079-3 Dep Germany S&H. Comments: Simon and Halbig, for the French market, circa 1900. Value Points: wearing original aqua silk dress and matching wide-brimmed bonnet, knit stockings, cream shoes, the doll is in unplayed with condition in her original French box labeled "Bebe Le Vrai Modele" and with "Au Nain Bleu" label.
Rare and All-Original French Bisque "Paris Bebe" by Emile Jumeau 6000/8500
Lot # 26 (Sale Order: 24 of 308)
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 and quality of bisque and painting of the rare model, original body, wearing superb original aqua silk dress and bonnet, undergarments, socks, aqua kidskin shoes.
German Bisque Portrait of Admiral Dewey from Dressel in Original Costume 1200/1800
Lot # 27 (Sale Order: 25 of 308)
14" (36 cm.) Bisque socket head with flattened solid dome depicting an older man with impressed and highlighted forehead and eye wrinkles, sculpted grey hair to match the sculpted thick bushy brows and moustache, painted brown eyes in deeply set sockets, red and black upper eyeliner, closed mouth, prominent nose, Sonneberg five-piece paper-mache body, painted boots. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: exacting portrait model of the US Admiral known as the "hero of Manila" for his role in the Spanish-American War of 1898, created by Dressel from their series of American historical dolls. Dressel, circa 1898. Value Points: rare model is perfectly preserved, wearing his factory-original costume including epaulets, belt, sabre, and hat.
