Many Wonderful Things
Saturday, November 19, 2011 | 11:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
Many Wonderful Things
Saturday, November 19, 2011 | 11:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
A superb collection of 19th century antique French dolls and automata, highlighted by the important automata of Candy Spelling, including works by Vichy, Theroude, Lambert, and Roullet et Decamps.
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Extremely Rare and Wonderful French Bisque Bebe Steiner, Series B, Size 4/0 7000/9000
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 303)
8 1/2" (22 cm.) Bisque socket head, pale blue glass inset eyes with darker blue edge, dark eyeliner, delicately-painted lashes, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accent lines at center lips and outlining the heart-shaped upper lip, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig with braided chignon over cork pate, Steiner composition body with jointing at shoulders and hips, exquisitely-embroidered white dimity dress with lace edged collar, aqua bow, undergarments, woven socks, kidskin shoes signed "0", woven bonnet with aqua silk ribbons. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Sie B 4/0 (head) Le Parisien (body stamp). Comments: Jules Nicolas Steiner, circa 1885. Value Points: one of the rarest models of Bebe Steiner, this example is in equally rare petite size and exceptional quality of expression, bisque and painting.
French All-Bisque Mignonette in Wonderful Original Costume and Bonnet 700/900
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 303)
5" (13 cm.) Solid domed bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, black glass enamel inset eyes, painted long curly lashes, dark eyeliner, feathered brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with accented lips, peg-jointed bisque arms and legs, painted white stockings and black two-strap shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: for the French trade, circa 1882, the little mignonettes were presented as "poupees de poche" (pocket dolls). Value Points: fabulous original costume of magenta silk with lace trim and wide satin sash, lace-edged undergarments, woven wide-brimmed bonnet with feathers and flowers, and with especially beautiful face.
Bebe from the Golden Years by Leon Casimir Bru with Stunning Eyes, Signed Shoes 22,000/28,000
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 303)
13" (33 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate with modeled bosom and shoulder blades, very deep pale blue paperweight inset eyes with light-spiral threading, dark eyeliner, long curly painted lashes, brush-stroked brows with feathered highlights, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with accent line between the lips, hint of tiny tongue tip, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French kid bebe body with slender torso, Chevrot-hinged hips, wooden lower legs, bisque lower arms and hands, exquisite antique dress and bonnet of aqua silk satin and lace, undergarments, knit stockings, leather shoes signed Bru Jne Paris (in scroll). Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Bru Jne 2 (head and shoulders) (remains of original paper label on torso). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1884. Value Points: gorgeous bebe with splendid blue eyes, most captivating expression, lovely bisque, painting, original sturdy body, perfect hands, signed Bru shoes.
German All-Bisque Mignonette in Original Costume, Attributed to Simon and Halbig 500/800
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 303)
5" (13 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, peg-jointed bisque arms and legs with painted short white socks and black one-strap shoes, dark glass eyes, painted features, closed mouth, blonde mohair wig, wearing magenta silk dress with lace edging and silk sash, undergarments, velvet and silk bonnet. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: attributed to Simon and Halbig, circa 1885. Value Points: most captivating sweet expression on the early mignonette with original costume.
An All-Original French Bisque Bebe by Emile Jumeau in Couturier Costume 6500/8500
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 303)
20" (51 cm.) Bisque socket head, amber-brown glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, lushly-painted lashes, brush-stroked and multi-feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 9 (and artist check marks on head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1886. Value Points: the beautiful classic Bebe Jumeau with brown eyes has original wig, body, body finish, and is wearing her original ivory satin couturier costume with lace and braid trim, matching bonnet, original undergarments, knit stockings, black leather shoes signed Bebe Jumeau Depose 9 and has one ivory satin shoe with gold lettering on the sole "Bebe Jumeau Med d'or 1878 Depose".
Rare and Luxurious French Musical Automaton "Bebe Piano" by Leopold Lambert 12,000/17,000
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 303)
20" (51 cm.) doll h. Standing at the keyboard of an elegant rosewood and ebony upright piano is a bisque-head doll with bisque shoulder plate, brown glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, lushly-painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, papier-mache hands, elegant silk costume. When wound, she glides her fingers across the keys, pauses, "plays", while turning her head in a realistic manner as though in time to the music. Condition: generally excellent, music and mechanism function well. Marks: Depose E. 6 J (doll). The original paper tune label on the back lists four tunes: Marche des Volontaires, Si L'Amour sur ma Route, Valse #1, and Je Ne Veux Pas. Comments: Leopold Lambert, circa 1885 the luxury automaton appeared in their catalog as Bebe Piano, with two tunes or, this, the luxury model in a larger size with four tunes. Value Points: rare and elegant automata, its luxury quality attested to by fine cabinetwork of piano, bronze mounts, Sevres porcelain vase, ivory keys, portrait-quality bebe in superb costume, and four tunes of a quality music box.
Musical Automaton "Waltzing Couple", by Theroude, Original Costumes, Provenance 12,000/16,000
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 303)
13" (33 cm.) A bisque-head lady with swivel head and bisque shoulder plate, cobalt blue glass eyes, dark eyeliner, delicately-painted lashes and brows, closed mouth with curved center accent line that projects a gentle smile, ears pierced into head, blonde mohair wig in ornate braided chignon over cork pate, carton torso attached to tin cone-shaped base, metal hands, is costumed in original mauve and ivory silk gown with gilt metallic braid and lace trim, and is connected with a bisque-headed gentleman of equally-refined features, elongated face with aquiline nose, blonde mohair wig. The cone "skirt" hides an internal mechanism, which when wound, causes the dolls to twirl, glide and "waltz" in a realistic manner, while music plays. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism and music function well. Marks: Brevete SGDG Theroude Paris (metal plate on base). Comments: Alexandre Nicolas Theroude, Paris, circa 1865, this automata is shown in Faszinierende Welt der Automaten by Annette Beyer (1983), ex-Marianne Bodmer collection before its acquisition by Candy and Aaron Spelling. Value Points: superb and rare early automata whose elegant movements are rivaled by stunningly beautiful faces and original elaborate costumes, with provenance.
Cast Bronze Four-Arm Hanging Candelabra 300/600
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 303)
6" (15 cm.) The elaborately-scrolled cast bronze candelabra has four arms with petal-shaped drip trays, and center finial. Excellent condition. 19th century.
Outstanding French Bisque Poupee in Original Couturier Costume 3500/5500
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 303)
17" (43 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, blue glass enamel inset eyes, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accented lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig in original coiffure over cork pate, kid poupee body with shapely torso, gusset-jointing at elbows, hips and knees, stitched and separated fingers. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 4. Comments: Jumeau, circa 1875. Value Points: impeccable original condition with superb original coiffure having decorative comb, original chemise, undergarments including bustle, and couturier silk costume of aqua and gold stripes with aqua silk buttons and bows, turquoise bead cross necklace, and lovely woven bonnet with aqua silk streamers.
All-Original Musical Automaton "Little Girl with Fan and Flowers" by Leopold Lambert 7000/9000
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 303)
20" (51 cm.) Standing upon a velvet-covered wooden box is a bisque-head doll with large blue glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, lushly-painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, bisque forearms. When wound, music plays and she turns her head from side to side, pausing while she fans herself, then nodding, and then lifting her flowers up and down to sniff their fragrance. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism and music function well. Marks: 4 (head) LB (metal key). Comments: Leopold Lambert, circa 1890, with original costume from the luxury studio workshops of his wife, Eugenie Lambert. Value Points: superb original condition of the beautiful child, with original finely-detailed accessories, and charming movements and music.
Bebe Bru with Original Costume, Trunk, Trousseau, Two Pairs of Signed Bru Shoes 13,000/18,000
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 303)
21" (53 cm.) Bisque socket head, deep blue glass paperweight inset eyes, thick dark eyeliner, lushly-painted lashes, brush-stroked brows, rose-blushed eye shadow, accented nostrils, closed mouth with shaded and accented lips, dimpled chin, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Bru Jne 9 (head) Bebe Bru No. 9 (body). Comments: Bru, circa 1889, the unique new body style at that time. Value Points: pristine original condition, the bebe has original wig and elaborate original couturier costume of aqua brocade with maroon featherstitch and tiny applique beads, matching velvet bonnet with boa feathers, undergarments, maroon knit stockings, black slippers with silk bows signed "Bru Jne Paris 9", and owns her original well-fitted trunk containing: delicate white lawn dress, brown cashmere coat with cord belt, brown cashmere coat with capelet collar, white cotton dress with embroidered cutwork, blue cashmere/silk dress with feather-stitch trim, 3 additional bonnets, quilt, 5 underwear or night shifts, lambswool-lined kidskin slippers, wooden brush and mirror, jewelry, silk parasol, two pairs of gloves, and a second pair of Bru shoes, these being rare ankle boots signed "Bru Jne Paris 9".
German Cloth Character "Schlenkerchen" by Kathe Kruse 2000/2700
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 303)
13" (33 cm.) All cloth doll with deeply-pressed facial features depicting a laughing child, oil-painted complexion, hair and features, delicately-swirled curls on the forehead, brown eyes in deeply-set sockets, accented nostrils, closed mouth with defined space between the shaded lips, well-defined ears, padded armature frame with stockinette cover, mitten hands, single-seamed head, antique costume. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Kathe Kruse (left foot). Comments: Kathe Kruse, the "Schlenkerchen" model, made for a very short period, 1922. Value Points: the rarity of the early model is rivaled only by the delightful expression, fine original finish is well-preserved.
Oil Painting on Canvas, "Doll in Flowered Dress" by Ritta Boemm, Circa 1915 2000/3000
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 303)
24" x 19" framed. The richly-textured oil painting features an early period character doll by Kathe Kruse, posed semi-profile, with flowered dress, coral shoes and bonnet decorated with large flower at the side. Signed "Boemm Ritta". Excellent condition. The Hungarian-born artist Ritta Boemm (1868-1948) worked in water-color, gouache, and oils, exhibited "Village Street" and "Peasant Farm" at Dresden in 1892, and was noted for her richly-textured still life paintings of cozy scenes in the family home. About 1915 she came across a character doll by Kathe Kruse, and noting that their style complemented her painting genre, created a small series of paintings centering on the dolls. Excellent condition, framed. Ritta Boemm, circa 1915.
German Miniature Wooden Toys 300/400
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 303)
4" (10 cm.) toy box. Including a wooden toy chest with lithographed paper cover printed with colorful toys and dolls (the interior with advertising for threads which the box originally contained), along with a pair of wooden hand-carved skates, and with eight miniature wooden Erzebirge carts and trucks with drivers and accessories, and with various additional wooden people. Excellent condition. Circa 1890.
Brown-Eyed German Cloth Character Doll by Kathe Kruse, Series I 1800/2700
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 303)
17" (43 cm.) All-cloth doll with pressed and oil-painted facial features, brown hair with swirled curl onto forehead, painted brown eyes with spiral threading and white eye dots, black upper eyeliner, brown eye shadow, closed mouth with outlined pouting lips, stitch-jointed shoulders, separately-stitched thumb, disc-jointed hips, brown flannel trousers, tan felt woolen jacket, flannel cap, knit scarf and leggings, tan leather laced shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Kathe Kruse (right foot, and illegible numbers on left foot). Comments: Kathe Kruse, circa 1915, type I model. Value Points: beautiful complexion enhances the wistful expression on the early character doll.
Blue-Eyed German Cloth Pouting Character Doll by Kathe Kruse 1800/2700
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 303)
17" (43 cm.) All-cloth doll with pressed and oil-painted facial features, brown painted hair, painted blue eyes with spiral threading and darker outer iris rims, black upper eyeliner, brown eye shadow, closed mouth with pouting expression, very plump cheeks, muslin body with stitch-jointed shoulders, disc-jointed plump legs, separate thumb, antique costume comprising brown flannel pants and cap, blue cotton shirt, scarf and leggings, wooden shoes. Condition: very good, some retouch to hair, some wear and patching on hands and feet. Marks: Kathe Kruse 2539 (left foot). Comments: Kathe Kruse, circa 1915, Type I model. Value Points: most endearing pensive expression with wonderfully sculpted plump face, beautiful painting of eyes, and rosy cheek and ears.
Important German Bisque Art Character Doll, 106, by Kammer and Reinhardt 120,000/160,000
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 303)
21" (53 cm.) Bisque socket head with deeply-sculpted facial features, pale blue upper-glancing painted eyes with dark iris outlined, painted upper eyeliner enhancing the heavy eyelids, one stroke brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with very full outlined lips, impressed dimple at chin, lower cheeks and lip corners, original soft curly blonde mohair wig, composition and wooden ball-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent, one tiny rub on left cheek. Marks: K*R 106 53. Comments: Kammer and Reinhardt, circa 1909, from their art character reform series introduced in 1908 with the goal of presenting dolls representing realistic faces and expressions of children. The sculptor of three of the art character dolls, models, 100, 102, and 107, has been known to be the renowned German artist, Arthur Lewin-Funcke based upon comparison to two of his known sculptures. It is now also believed that this very doll, the model 106, was also created by his hand, based upon close resemblance to the medallion bust that he sculpted of his son, Andreas. Value Points: extremely rare doll, of which only a scant few are known to exist, with extraordinary artistry of both sculpting and painting, is preserved in superb condition, wearing fine antique Scottish plaids of wool and velvet with undergarments, accessories, black leather shoes.
Early French Musical Automaton, Elegant Lady with Guitar by Theroude, Provenance 7500/12,000
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 303)
14" (36 cm.) A lady of great refinement with wax-over-papier-mache head, slender face, cobalt blue eyes, closed mouth with tiny painted teeth, original brunette wig in extended-length braids that are elaborately woven with beads and feathers, carton torso, wire upper arms, metal hands, tin cone-shaped form under the skirt that contains mechanism. When she is wound, music plays, and she glides and turns, whilst strumming the decorated wooden guitar she holds. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism and music function well. Comments: Alexandre Theroude, circa 1860, the unique cone-skirt protects the hidden mechanism yet still allows the doll to be costumed in a most luxurious manner. Value Points: superb original silk costume with embroidery and applique gilt designs enhanced by lace, tiny pearls and fine craftsmanship of guitar on the rare early piece; this particular piece is photographed in Faszinierende Welt des Automata by Annette Beyer (1983), and is ex-collection Marianne Bodmer before its acquisition by Candy and Aaron Spelling.
French Papier-Mache Polichinelle on Throne Chair 700/1000
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 303)
14" (36 cm.) A heavy papier-mache figure Polichinelle with socket head and wire-jointed arms and legs has sculpted and painted facial features, jester cap, costume with traditional front and back humps, and pointy-toe shoes with pom-poms, with decorations continued on the back. Condition: generally excellent, original finish. Comments: French, mid-19th century, possibly Malet-Noret of Paris, circa 1856, the firm specialized in "all sizes of Polichinelles, dressed talking pantins, luxury marottes and actors and marionettes for puppet theatres". Value Points: rare and well-preserved early Polichinelle, along with an early wooden throne chair with original cream and gilt paint.
Very Fine Early and Large Carved Wooden Figure 1500/2500
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 303)
41" (104 cm.) All-carved wooden figure with deeply-sculpted flowing hair, enamel inset eyes, carved facial features and ears with paint-over-gesso complexion and features, painted gold detail of sandals and lacing, wearing early blue velvet robe. Condition: generally excellent, finish is original with very minor craquelure. Comments: late 18th/early 19th century Neopolitan or Santon figure. Value Points: superb artistry of carving and painting with exceptional expression.
Extremely Rare French Musical Automaton "Kneeling Egyptian Harpist" by Vichy 30,000/45,000
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 303)
24" (61 cm.) A papier-mache lady with slender face and refined features, brown glass eyes with articulated eyelids, long brunette flowing hair, has papier-mache body posed in kneeling manner on a wooden three-stepped platform with marbleized finish and carpet, alongside a wooden string harp with elegant shape ornamented with a figural head of an Egyptian lady. She is wearing ivory silk crepe de chine gown with tulle veil, jewelry and head dress, and has painted sandals. When wound, she elegantly plucks the harp, her right arm moving laterally to the instrument as her right jointed wrist bends to "pluck" the strings. Then her left arm rises and falls vertically in an arc. Meanwhile her head turns and nods as though gazing at the strings and then at her audience, her breastplate heaves slowly in a breathing motion, and her eyelids open and close. There are two tunes. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism and music function well. Comments: Gustav Vichy, circa 1890, from his deposed luxury series, this being model 661 described as "Egyptian a genoux". Value Points: the rarity of the wonderful automaton is rivaled by its superb presentation and luxury quality of music and movements; few are known to exist.
Outstanding Luxury French Musical Automaton "Lady at the Harp" by Vichy 35,000/55,000
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 303)
32" (80 cm.) An elegant lady with oil-painted papier-mache features, brown glass eyes with movable eyelids, closed mouth with hint of teeth and smile, long flowing brunette human hair, carton torso with lady shape, articulated wrists, long slender legs posed to balance on one while the other is stepped back and balanced on tiptoe, wearing a superb sienna crepe de chine gown with metallic lace and trim, and with jewelry hiding the wrist articulation, and painted sandals, is standing upon a beautifully-crafted circular rosewood and velvet base with carpeted floor below the harp. When wound, she gracefully turns her head side-to-side, blinking her eyelids and periodically gazing upward at her audience, and then down to watch her hands glide across the harp strings in a realistic plucking motion; in addition, her wrists move independently of her arms, and her breastplate moves up and down as though breathing. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism and music function well. Comments: Vichy, Paris, circa 1895, their luxury deposed model #486, which appeared in their catalog as "Merveilleuse Jouant de la Cythare". Value Points: extremely rare and prestige automaton with a stunning detail of quality production ranging from the cabinetry of the base, to the superb arch-shaped diatonic harp known as a "cythare" with elaborately carved figurehead of Bacchus to the elegant costuming designed to enhance the gliding movement of the harpist. Ex-Merrick Collection, this piece was demonstrated at the founding meeting of Musical Box Society. Few examples are known to exist.
Italian Glass-Eyed Googly, "Fobello", by Lenci 1800/2500
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 303)
21" (53 cm.) Felt swivel head with pressed and painted facial features, flirty brown glass googly eyes, brown painted curly upper lashes, brows, rounded nose, "O" shaped mouth with shaded lips, black mohair wig with topknot captured in black felt coiffe and braided silk ribbon, muslin torso, jointed felt arms and legs. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Lenci (two paper and cloth labels). Comments: Lenci, the glass googly model was introduced in 1936 and made for three years only, this model has pencil label "Fobello", indicating that it represents a child from Fobello, a region north of Turin, Italy. Value Points: rare and delightful googly with vibrant crisp colors, lovely cheek blush, wearing fresh original felt costume with wonderful matching embroidery and pom-poms on the apron and boots.
Rare Italian Googly-Eyed Boy in Tuxedo by Lenci 1800/2300
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 303)
19" (48 cm.) Felt swivel head with pressed and painted facial features, wide side-glancing blue googly eyes with glazed highlights, blue eye shadow, curly lashes, V-shaped brows, rounded nose, closed mouth with "O" shaped expression, brunette side-parted mohair short cropped wig, muslin torso, felt jointed arms and legs. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Lenci (paper and cloth labels). Comments: Lenci, the painted-eye googly was introduced in 1931 with six models, including this boy in tuxedo. Value Points: Very rare to find, the delightful model is wearing teal green double-breasted long-tailed jacket with lime green lapels, ruffled organdy jabot, felt plaid pants, black shoes with white spats, black top hat and carries a nosegay of pink roses.
Italian Felt Portrait "Hu San" with Opium Pipe by Lenci 4000/5500
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 303)
23" (58 cm.) Felt swivel head with slender face, pressed and painted facial features, very narrow side-angled upper-glancing eyes with black eye shadow and curly lashes, high arched brows, long angular nose, mouth designed with small opening to hold the stem of the pipe, black mohair wig with pronounced widow's peak at the center forehead and black queue, stitch-jointing at shoulders, hips and knees, long slender legs designed to sit cross-legged, arms constructed with bent elbows and curved fingers designed to hold the carved and painted opium pipe. Condition: very good/excellent, slight surface dust. Comments: Lenci, the model was named "Hu San" and appeared in the 1924 catalog. Value Points: very rare early model wears fine original felt costume comprising russet-brown felt tunic with gold embroidered aqua-green felt inserts, purple neck edging, black trousers, two-tone green and cream boots with pink trim and embroidery, original wooden pipe with painted decoration.
