"And Seem to Walk on Wings and Tread in Air"
Saturday, November 11, 2006 | 11:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
"And Seem to Walk on Wings and Tread in Air"
Saturday, November 11, 2006 | 11:00 AM Eastern
Auction closed.
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Description
Fabulous Antique Dolls and Automata
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Beautiful French Bisque Bebe E.J. by Jumeau, Size 3 3500/4500
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 314)
12" (30 cm.) Pressed bisque socket head, brown glass paperweight inset eyes, painted lashes, brushstroked brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with defined space between the shaded and outlined lips, pierced ears, original blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight-loose-ball jointed body with straight wrists, lovely antique costume, undergarments, leather shoes, bonnet, Jumeau earrings. Marks: Depose E. 3 J (and artist check marks on head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1884. Value Points: most endearing petite size with beautiful bisque and painting, original body and body finish Estimate: 3500/4500
Rare German Bisque Lady with Sculpted Brown Hair and Glass Eyes by Simon and Halbig 2000/3000
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 314)
15" (38 cm.) Bisque shoulder head with delicately tinted complexion, brown sculpted hair waved loosely away from face into large rolled curls at back of head and topped by a glazed black hair bow, pierced ears, cobalt blue glass inset eyes, painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accented lips, painted gold cross with black ribbon necklace, muslin stitch-jointed body, bisque lower arms and legs, painted black heels, antique muslin gown with blue silk ribbon trim, undergarments. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: S 1 H. Comments: Simon and Halbig, circa 1870. Value Points: rarity factors on the beautiful early model include brown hair, sculpted hair bow, glass eyes and necklace. Estimate: 2000/3000
French Bisque Bebe Jumeau with Original Chemise and Shoes 1800/2400
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 314)
13" (33 cm.) Bisque socket head, amber brown glass paperweight inset eyes, painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, open mouth, slightly parted lips, row of tiny porcelain teeth, pierced ears, auburn mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully-jointed body, wearing original Jumeau factory chemise, silver Bebe brooch, original Jumeau leather shoes with bee symbol, size 4, Jumeau socks. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 4 (and artist check marks). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1890. Value Points: especially pretty creamy bisque enhanced by amber eyes, original body, shoes, chemise. Estimate: 1800/2400
French Bisque Bebe Steiner, Figure B, with Steiner Signed Eyes 3000/4000
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 314)
16" (41 cm.) Bisque socket head with rounded facial shape, dark blue glass sleep eyes that operate from wire lever at back of head, delicately painted lashes, widely arched brows, rose blushed eye shadow, accented nostrils and eye corners, open mouth, shaded and outlined lips, two rows of tiny porcelain teeth, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over Steiner pate, original Steiner composition fully-jointed body with straight wrists, lovely costume of antique aqua silk with lace sleeves, lace cap, undergarments, antique aqua silk shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Figure B no.1 J. Steiner Bte SGDG Paris (head) Le Petit Parisien (body). J. Steiner (eyes). Comments: Jules Steiner, circa 1885. Value Points: especially beautiful example of the rarer Steiner bebe model with lovely bisque, original body and body finish. Estimate: 3000/4000
Petite French Bisque Bebe "Mascotte" by May Freres 3000/3500
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 314)
12" (30 cm.) Bisque socket head, blue glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, lushly painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, brunette mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully-jointed body, lovely costume of antique aqua silk and lace, undergarments, antique woven bonnet, leather shoes, knit socks. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Mascotte C. Comments: May Freres, who registered the trademark in 1890 and produced the lovely bebe for only a few years. Value Points: rarer model in appealing size with charming expression and painting Estimate: 3000/3500
Early French Wooden Doll Chair with Woven Seat 300/500
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 314)
12" (30 cm.) In the provincial style, of fine walnut with simply carved style having angled edging, outward splayed back supports, wide front legs, and original center-point woven seat. Excellent condition. French, circa 1840. Estimate: 300/500
Tiny French Mignonette as Governness in Presentation Box 400/500
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 314)
2.5" (6 cm.) An all-bisque mignonette with swivel head, painted facial features, blonde mohair wig, jointed limbs, painted black boots, is wearing her factory-original governess costume with gown, cape and headdress, and is presented in custom box with a 3/4" all porcelain baby, pillows, baby rattle, soap, and other accessories, the box lid decorated with beautiful angel and flower engraving. French, circa 1885. Excellent condition of the rare presentation set with all-original mignonette. Estimate: 400/500
Superb Neopolitan Carved Wooden Figure in Original Presentation Cabinet 2500/3500
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 314)
8" (20 cm.) Carved wooden taufling baby with enamel eyes, carved hair, exquisite painting of facial features and complexion, with wrapped-bunting body, is presented in original Italian wooden cabinet with gilded decorations and tufted silk pillow, Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Italian, early 19th century. Value Points: superb artistry of the Neopolitan figure with perfectly preserved original painting, original costumed with gold metallic embroidery on bunting, cap, and cape, original finish on carved wooden case Estimate: 2500/3500
German Bisque Doll with Sculpted Brown Hair and Collar 400/500
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 314)
14" (36 cm.) Bisque shoulder head with brown sculpted hair in short boyish fashion with elaborately rolled curls, partially sculpted ears, painted facial features, blue eyes, red and black upper eyeliner, single stroke brows, accented lips of closed mouth, modeled bodice with blue and gilded bow tie, sculpted shirt tucks, old muslin and kid stitch-jointed body, wearing antique blue woolen suit with black velvet collar. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: Germany, circa 1870. Value Points: excellent detail of sculpting of bodice, rarer brown hair, original body and costume. Estimate: 400/500
Beautiful Early French Porcelain Poupee 3500/5500
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 314)
17" (43 cm.) Porcelain shoulder head with rounded facial modeling and plump cheeks, painted blue eyes, black upper eyeliner, delicately painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accent line between the lips, pale blonde fleeced wig over cork pate, original kid body with typical Rohmer softer stuffing, kid-over-wooden upper arms with dowel jointing, porcelain lower arms with separately sculpted fingers, distinctive leg construction that appears as all-kid but is actually kid over wood lower thighs and calves with ball-jointed knees. Condition: generally excellent, body especially sturdy and fine. Comments: Leontine Rohmer, one of her earliest model poupees, circa 1857. Value Points: very rare early French poupee with exquisite beauty of painting, rare original body with brevete, original superb costume in the "child-enfantine" style. Estimate: 3500/5500
19th Century French Beaded Floral Arrangement in Dome 400/600
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 314)
17" (43 cm.) Upon an ebony wooden platform under a blown glass dome is a porcelain vase with an extravagant arrangement of handmade glass beaded flowers of more than ten different varieties. French, circa 1875, a perfectly preserved exquisite piece of handwork with vivid colors and imaginative design. Estimate: 400/600
12" French Bisque Bebe Jumeau, Size 3 3000/4000
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 314)
12" (30 cm.) Bisque socket head, very large blue glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, lushly painted brows and lashes, 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, pretty antique dress, undergarments, leather shoes, knit stockings, velvet cap. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 3 (and artist checkmarks) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1888. Value Points: the desirable cabinet-size bebe has fine creamy bisque excellent rich decoration, original wig, body, and body finish Estimate: 3000/4000
Superb French Bisque Musical and Mechanical Flower Basket of Dancing Dolls 3500/4500
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 314)
20" (51 cm.) A wooden framed basket with twig-like carving and rich original brown and gilded painting presents a bounty of painted silk flowers to suggest a flowered meadowland in summertime. Posed in the center are two bisque dolls with original costumes, and when the pull-string at the side is pulled, a hidden music box and mechanism are activated: the dolls dance about in a merry manner, and fine quality music box is heard. The handle is also decorated with further silk flowers and silk ribbons. Excellent condition, the mechanism and music function well. French, circa 1890, a superb and unusual piece whose quality workmanship includes a delightful arrangement of variegated flowers. Estimate: 3500/4500
Petite French Bisque Bebe Jumeau, Size 1, by Emile Jumeau with Original Shoes 2000/2500
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 314)
9" (23 cm.) Bisque socket head, amber brown glass paperweight inset eyes, lushly painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with accented lips, pierced ears, (sparse) original blonde mohair wig, cork pate, French composition and wooden fully-jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: 2" arc-shaped one-piece break and clean re-glue along the side crown rim (under wig), otherwise excellent. Marks: 1. (head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1890. Value Points: most appealing tiny size 1 Bebe Jumeau with original body, wig, beautiful bisque and painting, and original signed Jumeau shoes, size 1, and socks. Estimate: 2000/2500
1908 Italian Miniature Oil Painting of Child in Gold Necklace 400/600
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 314)
3.5" (9 cm.) painting. 6"h. frame. An oval-shaped oil painting in delicate pastel colors depicts a blonde haired girl with ringlet curls and large blue hair bow, white dress and gold pearl-shaped necklace. Signed along the side "L. Bardi Melloni 12 Guigna (?) 1908". The painting is presented in an oval metal frame. Excellent condition. Estimate: 400/600
Superb French Bisque Portrait Jumeau with Commanding Presence 8000/12,000
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 314)
23" (58 cm.) Pressed bisque socket head with very full modeling of cheeks, almond-shaped eye sockets with blue/grey enamel spiral-threaded eyes, dark eyeliner, dark painted lashes, feathered brows, mauve blushed eye shadow, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with defined space between the shaded and outlined lips, impressed chin dimple and philtrum, separately modeled pierced ears, French blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight loose-ball-jointed body with straight wrists, very plump lower limbs, lovely antique costume. Condition: generally excellent, old revarnishing of body. Marks: 4 (head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1878. Value Points: superb modeling of the rare larger size early portrait bebe is enhanced by delicate complexion and lovely painting of features, original body and wig. Estimate: 8000/12,000
An All-Original French Bisque Character, 237, by SFBJ in Scottish Costume 2500/3500
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 314)
15" (38 cm.) Bisque socket head with solid dome, flocked hair in boyish style, brown glass "jewel" inset eyes, brown painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, open mouth, shaded and outlined lips, four porcelain teeth, French composition and wooden fully-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: SFBJ 237 Paris 4. Comments: SFBJ, circa 1912, from their art character series. Value Points: superb modeling of older boy with finely chiseled features around the eyes and mouth, fine quality bisque, original body and body finish, wearing original antique Scottish costume with elaborate accessories. Estimate: 2500/3500
Large French Bisque Bebe Steiner, Series C with Signed Steiner Eyes 6500/8500
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 314)
30" (76 cm.) Bisque socket head with plump rounded facial modeling, large dark blue glass sleep eyes that operate from wire lever at back of head, painted lashes, brush-stroked brows, rose blushed eye shadow, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with defined space between the outlined lips, pierced ears, antique brunette human hair wig over Steiner pate, Steiner composition fully-jointed body, antique costume featuring burgundy velvet coat dress, undergarments, leather shoes, straw bonnet. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Sie C 6 J. Steiner Bte SGDG Bourgouin (head) J. Steiner (eyes). Comments: Jules Steiner, circa 1882, the model series C. Value Points: rare Steiner model in compelling larger size with exquisite detail of bisque and painting, original pate, body, body finish. Estimate: 6500/8500
Rare French Bisque Bebe Attributed to Joseph Joanny 3500/4500
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 314)
17" (43 cm.) Bisque socket head, blue glass paperweight inset eyes, painted lashes and brush-stroked brows, rose blushed eye shadow, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with defined space between the outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden full-jointed body. Condition: generally excellent, tiniest pinflake on right upper eye rim, early revarnish on body. Marks: 4. Comments: attributed to Joseph Joanny, the distinctive facial model has sometimes been found with the J.J. initials, circa 1888. Value Points: rare model with most endearing expression enhanced by lovely bisque and painting, antique velvet and silk costume with fancy bonnet, undergarments, knit stockings, black leather ankle boots. Estimate: 3500/4500
Pair, French Bisque Googly Characters in Original Factory Costumes by SFBJ 4000/6000
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 314)
8" (20 cm.) A matched pair, each with bisque socket head, large O-shaped blue glass side-glancing googly eyes, painted lashes and brows, pug-shaped nose with accented nostrils, closed mouth with impish smile and row of painted teeth, brunette mohair wig, five piece toddler body with painted shoes and socks. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 0. Comments: SFBJ, circa 1915, their 245 googly model. Value Points: rare dolls more than doubly appealing as a pair, with exceptionally fine quality of bisque, painting, bright blue googly eyes, and wearing matched boy and girl Brittany costumes. Estimate: 4000/6000
Set, French Bentwood Gilded Salon Furniture for Dolls 900/1300
Lot # 20A (Sale Order: 21 of 314)
11" (28 cm.) chairs. Comprising two arm chairs and round pedestal table, each of bentwood with elegantly curved shape, with gilded paint finish, and upholstered seats of tufted magenta silk with corded edge. Excellent condition. French, circa 1890. Estimate: 900/1300
French Automaton "Jester with Guitar" by Leopold Lambert 11,000/13,000
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 22 of 314)
22" (56 cm.) Seated upon a wooden pedestal seat is a paper-mache headed clown or jester with glass inset eyes, white complexion with painted clown features, white fluffy mohair wig, carton torso, wire upper arms, bisque forearms, slender shaped legs bent at knees, one leg crossing the other, wearing silk and velvet jester costume, arranged on velvet covered wooden base with attached LB key and pull-lever. When wound, music (two tunes) plays and six movements occur: turning head side to side, nodding, then upper torso also bending, strumming of guitar, tongue moving in and out, and left leg moving up and down as though in time to the music. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism and music function well. Marks: LB (key). Comments: Leopold Lambert, the automaton appeared in the Lambert catalog as #43 "Clown a la Guitare", circa 1890. Value Points: wonderful original condition enhances the amusing actions, the facial decorations dramatic and rich, the guitar with hand-painted floral decorations. Estimate: 11,000/13,000
Extremely Rare French Automaton "Piano Watteau" by Vichy w/Four Tunes 18,000/30,000
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 23 of 314)
27" (69 cm.) lady seated. 38" overall. Arranged upon a wooden platform is a paper mache headed lady seated at an elegant pianoforte. The lady has glass eyes, closed mouth with a row of painted teeth in gentle smiling expression, original white mohair wig, carton body w/separate chest form, paper mache hands w/elegantly posed fingers, modeled bent knees w/legs posed as though tapping foot pedals. The pianoforte w/harp has cream painted finish w/gilded decorations comprising a lyre-shaped foot-pedal frame, floral garlands & gilded ormulu mounts including 5 cherub figures & sprays of roses & berries. There is a music sheet rack w/antique miniature music sheet "Nous N'irons Plus au Bois", and foot pedals. The Vichy key pull-lever are at the side of the piano, & when wound, a succession of motions occur: the lady turns her head from side to side, nods, moves both hands across the keys in a realistic manner, & breathes (chest movement) as though delighted with her performance. Four tunes play. Condition: mechanism & movement function well & are entirely original, pianoforte has been repainted long ago, the woman's face has craquelure & some retouch (and would best be professionally restored), wig original, antique costume as shown in original Vichy catalog. Comments: Vichy, circa 1895, the automaton appeared in the Vichy catalog described as "Piano Watteau" and w/Vichy depose indication. Few examples of the model were ever made, & it is exceptionally rare. Some provenance of this piece is known: in the late 1930's a Frenchman, name unknown, escaped Paris, taking w/him some family treasures including Faberge spoons & the Piano Watteau automaton. He later sold the automaton to Mr. Sullivan, attache to General McArthur, as a gift for his wife Ruth, & by the end of WWII the Pianist was located in Honolulu. It remained in storage for more than four decades until sold at auction in 1984 to Adrian & Donna Mathes where it has remained until this time. Estimate: 18,000/30,000
Automaton "Waltzing Lady and Gentleman" by Vichy with Two Tunes 12,000/16,000
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 24 of 314)
13" (33 cm.) A bisque-headed couple are posed in each others arms, in formal dance position, each with blue glass eyes, beautifully painted facial features, carton torso, paper mache legs and metal hands on man, bisque forearms on woman. Each doll has its original white mohair wig in very elaborate coiffure, and is wearing its original blue and ivory cream silk ballroom costume in the 1790 style, the woman with original pearl necklace and earrings, and silk floral arrangement in hair. The woman fits upon a metal cone "skirt" that contains mechanism, and is hidden by her silk skirt. When wound, the dolls twirl about, pause, reverse, repeat, and meanwhile the entire piece glides along on three wheeled-base. Excellent condition, mechanism functions well, bisque heads perfect, some restoration to woman's fingers. Two tune paper label is on base indicating "La Jolie Parfum" and "L'Espana Valse". A paper note, handwritten in 1959 and attached to the metal cone tells the provenance of the automaton, detailing that in 1880 "mon grand-pere Jules Boissier" brought some dolls from Paris to his six year old daughter Caroline, and notes that the piece had passed down in the family, to Isabelle, to Jules and to Noel until then. It is now being sold from the original family. Gustav Vichy, circa 1880. Estimate: 12,000/16,000
Premiere Bebe Jumeau with Trunk and Extensive Original Trousseau 8000/11,000
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 25 of 314)
16" (41 cm.) Pressed bisque socket head, blue glass enamel inset eyes with rich depth, painted lashes, mauve blushed eye shadow, brush-stroked brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with defined space between the outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight-loose-ball-jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 5 (head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1880, one of the earliest period bebes. Value Points: the doll wears an original ice blue silk dress with cashmere jacket, silk cap, undergarments, Jumeau socks and leather shoes signed Bebe Jumeau, and owns an early doll trunk with extensive trousseau comprising three additional dresses, undergarments, bonnet, cape, and others Estimate: 8000/11,000
