Cotillion - Part 1
Saturday, January 10, 2015 | 11:00 AM Pacific
Auction closed.
Cotillion - Part 1
Saturday, January 10, 2015 | 11:00 AM Pacific
Auction closed.
Internet Premium: 14%
See Special Terms for additional fees
See Special Terms for additional fees
Description
The famous estate collection of Susan Whittaker of Beverly Hills highlighted by the rarest of French bébés and more than 200 exceptional mignonettes, and more than 50 rare googlies.
x Cancel
French Bisque Smiling Poupee by Leon Casimir Bru with Rare Deposed All-Wooden Body 4000/6500
Lot # 1 (Sale Order: 1 of 303)
14" (36 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, almond-shaped blue glass inset enamel eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented eye corners and nostrils, closed mouth with pale outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, all-wooden shapely body with dowel jointing at shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees and ankles, and with ball-swivel at the waist. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: D (head and shoulder). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, both the smiling facial model and the articulated wooden body were deposed in French courts by the dollmaker in 1867 and 1872. Value Points: superb example of the sought-after poupee with very beautiful expression and bisque, original wig, fine original body finish, and wearing lovely mauve silk and purple velvet gown, undergarments, leather boots and purple silk bag with mother-of-pearl accent.
French Bisque Poupee by Gaultier with Gesland Body and Bisque Limbs in Rare Size 0 3000/4000
Lot # 2 (Sale Order: 2 of 303)
13" (33 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate, grey glass enamel eyes with spiral threading, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, arched brows, accented eye corners and nostrils, closed mouth with accented lips, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, padded stockinette-over-metal armature torso with shapely waist, bisque hands, lower legs and bare feet. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 0 (head and shoulders) F.G. (shoulders). Comments: Gaultier, circa 1875, with rare original body deposed by Pannier and made by Gesland. Value Points: very rare smallest size of this body, the petite poupee with exquisite sculpting of hands and feet, finest facial complexion and painting, and lovely silk costume. Included is wooden chair.
Rare 19th Century French Miniature Steamer Trunk by Louis Vuitton 1000/1500
Lot # 3 (Sale Order: 3 of 303)
11" (28 cm.) l. The wooden-framed steamer trunk is covered with classic canvas printed with Vuitton logo in gold, and edged with brown leather also imprinted with that logo, and with wooden slats with brass studs, the two closing clasps and key hole (key not included). An early photographic image of the Louis Vuitton Paris store is affixed to the inside lid. Condition: very good, some spotting on interior and exterior front, lettering on lid. Comments: Louis Vuitton, late 19th century. Value Points: very rare miniature model of the famed leather luggage.
French Miniature Sedan Pagoda-Style Sedan Chair 500/800
Lot # 4 (Sale Order: 4 of 303)
11" (28 cm.) Wooden framed sedan chair with curved pagoda-style roof is covered with silk brocade and gold braid on the exterior, has four carrying loops (handles not included) and three beveled-edge windows, front opening door, and a silk-lined interior with fringe-edged seat. Generally excellent. French, circa 1890, the gilt-lettered insignia of a luxury goods French shop is impressed on the underside.
French All-Bisque Mignonette with Original Wig and Peach Boots 600/800
Lot # 5 (Sale Order: 5 of 303)
5" (13 cm.) Solid domed bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, cobalt blue enamel eyes, painted lashes and brows, closed mouth with very full lips, blonde mohair wig in elongated braid, peg-jointed arms and legs, painted white socks and peach heeled shoes, antique silk dress and lace coiffe. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1882. Value Points: beautifully painted features lend an expressive impression, rare wig and boots.
French All-Bisque Mignonette in Superb Costume and Coiffe 900/1300
Lot # 6 (Sale Order: 6 of 303)
5" (13 cm.) (excluding coiffe). Solid domed bisque swivel head on bisque torso, cobalt blue glass enamel inset eyes, delicately painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with enigmatic smile, blonde mohair wig, peg-jointed bisque arms and legs, painted white stockings and peach heeled shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1882. Value Points: enchanting expression accentuated by finest bisque and painting, rare peach shoes, antique ivory silk and lace gown and very elaborate coiffe of wax orange blossoms, pearls and beading.
Superb French All-Original All-Bisque Brown-Eyed Mignonette 900/1300
Lot # 7 (Sale Order: 7 of 303)
5 1/2" (14 cm.) Solid domed bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, brown glass inset eyes, painted lashes, single-stroke brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with accent line between the very full lips, blonde mohair wig in long flottante curls, peg-jointed bisque arms and legs, painted white stockings and black heeled boots. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1882. Value Points: especially pleasing expression, rare brown eyes, original elaborate wig, original silk and lace costume with extended train, and woven ribboned bonnet.
Splendid French Bisque Bebe by Leon Casimir Bru in Cotillion Gown, Signed Bru Shoes 18,000/25,000
Lot # 8 (Sale Order: 8 of 303)
22" (56 cm.) Pressed bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulder plate with modeled bosom and shoulder blades, almond-shaped blue glass paperweight inset eyes with spiral threading and darker blue rims, thick dark eyeliner, mauve eye shadow, richly painted lashes, brush-stroked brows, accented eye corners and nostrils, closed mouth with tiny tongue tip between the outlined lips, pronounced impressed dimples at chin and lip corners, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, original kid bebe body with Chevrot hinged hips, jointed knees, wooden lower legs, bisque forearms. Condition: generally excellent, body is original although the torso is re-seamed to achieve a tiny lady-shaped waist. Marks: Bru Jne 8 (head and shoulder plate) (original Bru label on chest). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1884. Value Points: splendid bebe with very finest sculpting and quality of bisque, richly outlined deep eyes lending a transfixing appearance, original body with perfect bisque hands, wearing antique couturier cotillion gown of fine embroidered silk and lace, undergarments, brooch, cap, and original ivory satin shoes signed Bru Jne Paris.
Handsome French Bisque Bebe as Marquis by Schmitt et Fils 9000/12,000
Lot # 9 (Sale Order: 9 of 303)
17" (43 cm.) Pressed bisque socket head with elongated face and very full cheeks, almond-shaped brown glass paperweight inset eyes, thick dark eyeliner, painted lashes, rose-blushed eye shadow, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight-loose-ball-jointed body with straight wrists and flat-cut derriere, antique Marquis costume comprising woolen suit with gold braid trim, bronze-green velvet cape, socks, shoes, and black velvet feathered cap. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Sch (in shield, on head and torso bottom) 2 (head). Comments: Schmitt et Fils, circa 1884. Value Points: very expressive features achieved by unusually well-detailed sculpting and artistic painting especially about the eyes, original body and body finish.
French Miniature Cinderella Coach with Elaborate Decorations 700/1200
Lot # 10 (Sale Order: 10 of 303)
13" (33 cm.) The elegant coach has embossed metal sidewalls with rococo scenes which frame beveled windows on each side, and with metal spoked wheels, velvet-covered driver's seat and a velvet-covered roof that lifts open to a silk-lined interior compartment. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1885. Value Points: rare luxury presentation "article de Paris", wonderfully sized for display with mignonettes.
Pair, 19th Century All-Bisque Mignonettes in Court Costumes 800/1300
Lot # 11 (Sale Order: 11 of 303)
5" (13 cm.) Each has bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, cobalt blue glass enamel inset eyes, painted lashes and brows, closed mouth, peg-jointed arms and legs, the boy with painted blue stockings and black shoes; the girl with high white stockings and brown heeled shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: the little girl is French, circa 1882; the boy is German for the French market, circa 1885. Value Points: the regal couple are wearing antique burgundy velvet and bronze gold costumes, he with Marquis hat.
German All-Bisque Mignonette for the French Market, Attributed to Simon and Halbig 500/700
Lot # 12 (Sale Order: 12 of 303)
4" (11 cm.) Solid domed bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, cobalt blue glass enamel inset eyes, painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with center accent line, blonde mohair wig, peg-jointed bisque arms and legs, painted white stockings and brown one-strap shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: attributed to Simon and Halbig for the French market, circa 1890. Value Points: especially pleasing facial expression, original (frail) silk Marquis costume and hat.
Miniature Gilt Tea Urn on Stand and Six Framed Glasses 300/500
Lot # 13 (Sale Order: 13 of 303)
3" (8 cm.) h. coffee stand. An elaborately scrolled ormolu frame is designed to hold the gilt metal lidded tea pot; along with six footed handled mugs, each with original cranberry glass insert. Generally excellent, one glass has hairline. Circa 1890, probably Germany.
Two French Accessories for Poupees or Small Bebes 300/500
Lot # 14 (Sale Order: 14 of 303)
8" (20 cm.) l. parasol. Including a bone-handled parasol with bone tip and silk patterened cover; along with a rose kidskin-covered box with fitted rose silk interior containing a faux-tortoise shell hand mirror, brush and comb. Generally excellent. French, circa 1875.
French Walnut Doll's Mirrored Dresser with Burled Panels 400/600
Lot # 15 (Sale Order: 15 of 303)
28" (71 cm.) The walnut chest of drawers from the High Victorian era features eleven various drawers, each with attached burled panel and matching wooden knobs, having fancy carving of feet, and an elaborately carved crest above the attached beveled mirror. Excellent condition. Circa 1880.
Beautiful French Bisque Brown-Eyed Bebe E.J., Size 9, with Signed Jumeau Shoes 6000/7500
Lot # 16 (Sale Order: 16 of 303)
20" (51 cm.) Bisque socket head, amber-brown glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted curly lashes, mauve-blushed eye shadow, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with defined space between the outlined lips, separately modeled pierced ears, brunette mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Depose E 9 H. (head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1884. Value Points: especially deep sculpting of features lends a portrait-like quality, with fine lumionous bisque, original body and body finish, and wearing early burgundy silk dress with lace trim, undergarments, maroon Jumeau stockings, leather shoes signed "E. Jumeau Paris 9", rose silk bonnet, and wooden-handled burgundy parasol.
French Bisque Art-Character Doll by Albert Marque, Original Dress, Historical Label 160,000/190,000
Lot # 17 (Sale Order: 17 of 303)
22" (56 cm.) Bisque socket head with highly artistic sculpting achieved by a unique four-part mold, elongated slender throat accentuating the plump lower cheeks and chin, pronounced definition of facial planes especially at her temple and cheek bones, softly rounded nose tip, hazel-brown glass paperweight eyes with spiral threading, thick dark eyeliner, painted dark curly lashes, brush-stroked and feathered brows, accented eye corners, shaded nostrils, closed mouth with pensively shaped outlined lips, distinctively modeled pierced ears, original brunette hand-tied human hair wig, original uniquely modeled body, 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, two typical darkened seam lines (under wig) are original, perfect bisque hands. Marks: A. Marque (incised signature) 94 (red ink number on head) 82 Lorraine (pencil signature on foot). 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. 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 child's body for a doll that "combined the strength and grace typical of that age". 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, most inscribed with their particular number in the series, this being #94, and many bearing a pencil inscription on the foot indicating the background of the doll's costume, in this instance Lorraine. The doll is wearing a historical costume indicating the prominence of the Lorraine region during the Renaissance era of French history, and is an homage to Louise of Lorraine, the beloved Queen consort of Henry III. The supremely rare French art doll, whose rarity is rivaled by her most artistic and expressive features, unique construction of head and body, is wearing her original richly embroidered Renaissance-themed costume and cap, undergarments, and leather shoes impressed with figure of a doll. The doll has been in the collection of Susan Whittaker since 1977 when it was presented to her by her husband on Valentine's Day.
18th Century-Style Wooden Vitrine with Hand Painted Designs and Bronze Mounts 1100/1500
Lot # 18 (Sale Order: 18 of 303)
15" (38 cm.) l. 11"h. The wooden vitrine features a glass curved front, and is styled in the late 18th century manner with elegant cabriole legs, original bronze-green painted finish with dainty colorful flowers, and surmounted with bronze mounts on the legs and edging the front window, with a filigree border and with patterned silk lining on the inside cabinet and inside working drawer. With original key. The lined interior displays a set of brass buttons in original presentation box, two pairs of kidskin gloves, mother-of-pearl opera glasses, two small gilt mesh purses, and other accessories. Excellent condition. French, maitrise model, late 19th century in the 18th century style.
Endearing French Bisque Bebe, Size 4, by Emile Jumeau 3000/4000
Lot # 19 (Sale Order: 19 of 303)
13" (33 cm.) Bisque socket head, large amber-brown glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, lushly painted lashes, feathered brows, shaded nostrils, 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 4 (head) Jumeau Medaille d'Or Paris (body). Comments: Emile Jumeau, circa 1888. Value Points: dainty petite bebe with finest creamy bisque, original body and body finish, wearing lovely antique peach silk dress with lace overlay and braid passamenterie, brown velvet bonnet, undergarments, socks, shoes.
Two French Miniature Accessories for Poupee 300/500
Lot # 20 (Sale Order: 20 of 303)
3" (8 cm.) Including a folding bone fan with filigree cutwork and having painted floral decorations, presented in original box. Along with a pair of cream kidskin gloves. Generally excellent. French, circa 1875.
French Bisque Musical Automaton "Little Girl with Basket of Flowers" with Rigoletto Tune 4500/6500
Lot # 21 (Sale Order: 21 of 303)
18" (46 cm.) Standing upon a velvet-covered base is a bisque head doll with amber-brown glass paperweight eyes, lushly painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, brunette human hair wig over cork pate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, bisque forearms. When wound, the little girl turns her head side-to-side and nods, while alternately extending forward the basket of flowers that she holds, and then sniffing the bouquet of flowers held in her other hand; meanwhile music plays. Condition: generally excellent, faint old hairline at back of head, mechanism and music function well. Marks: Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 4 (and artist checkmarks). Comments: Leopold Lambert, circa 1888. Value Points: beautiful brown-eyed girl has exquisite costume and presentation, original paper label on the base indicating the tune being played is Verdi's "Comme la Plume Au Vent" from Rigoletto.
Extremely Rare German Bisque Googly Toddler Designed by Oscar Hitt 12,000/15,000
Lot # 22 (Sale Order: 22 of 303)
13" (33 cm.) Solid domed bisque head with flanged neck, large blue glass side-glancing googly eyes with tiny irises, thick black eyeliner, dark painted curly lashes angled windblown to the side, lightly feathered brows, tiny button-shaped nose, tiny closed mouth with heart-shaped pursed lips, blonde mohair wig, original muslin toddler body with composition lower legs, composition hands, antique costume includes velvet skirt, white blouse, striped stockings, leather shoes, felt brimmed hat. Condition: generally excellent, original body, some typical paint wear on lower legs. Marks: copr. by Oscar Hitt Germany 1403. Comments: the dolls were designed by American illustrator, Oscar Hitt, under license from George Borgfeldt in 1927, and made in Germany. The Oscar Hitt trademark was listed by Borgfeldt in their 1927 catalog with variations of hair design (painted or wigged), body style (toddler or slender-bodied child); further, the toddler model (this #22 doll) has slightly plumper cheeks and larger eyes than #24 and #25. Value Points: extremely rare doll, few models are known to exist, its rarity enhanced by the wonderful particular expression and distinctive painting of brows, finest quality of bisque, original body.
Rare German All-Bisque "Rags" Designed by Georgene Averill 800/1200
Lot # 23 (Sale Order: 23 of 303)
5" (13 cm.) All-bisque character of standing black-spotted pup, having swivel head with sculpted floppy ears, large brown glass sleep eyes, black nose, defined freckles, closed mouth sculpted as though open with little tongue tip, loop-jointed limbs, defined claws and fur, sculpted blue slippers. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Rag Trademark, copr. by Georgene Averill 890 Germany. Comments: designed by Georgene Averill, circa 1918. Value Points: rare legendary dog with glass googly eyes, wonderful detail of sculpting.
Extremely Rare German Bisque Wigged Googly "Virginia, Ginny for Short" by Oscar Hitt 12,000/15,000
Lot # 24 (Sale Order: 24 of 303)
15" (38 cm.) Bisque head with flanged neck, large blue glass side-glancing googly eyes with pronounced irises, black eyeliner, dark painted curly lashes angled windblown to the side with two accent dots at lower rims, lightly feathered brows, tiny button-shaped nose, tiny closed mouth with heart-shaped pursed lips, brunette human hair wig, original muslin body with jointing at shoulders and hips, original antique costume comprising lilac felt jacket and shoes, pleated shirt, felt cap with applique felt flowers. Marks: 1409 26 Virginia Short for Ginny 368379 copr. by Oscar Hitt Germany. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: designed by American illustrator, Oscar Hitt, under license from George Borgfeldt in 1927, and made in Germany. The Oscar Hitt trademark was listed by Borgfeldt in their 1927 catalog along with the doll's name "Virginia, Ginny for Short", offered with variations of hair (painted or wigged), and as a slender child (this doll and #25) or as a chubby toddler (#22). Value Points: ranking as one of the world's rarest dolls, likely made for only one year, the exceptional doll has a distinctive expression, original body and costume, superb bisque, and luxury quality painting with unique lashes.
Painted Hair German Bisque Googly "Virginia,Short for Ginny", Original Costume, Oscar Hitt 6000/9000
Lot # 25 (Sale Order: 25 of 303)
14" (38 cm.) Bisque head with flanged neck, large blue glass side-glancing googly eyes with pronounced irises, black eyeliner, dark painted curly lashes angled windblown to the side with two accent dots at lower rims, lightly feathered brows, tiny button-shaped nose, tiny closed mouth with heart-shaped pursed lips, painted brown hair with defined side-part and hair locks brushed acorss the forehead, original muslin body with jointing at shoulders and hips, original antique costume comprising green felt flannel boy's suit with matching cap and shoes. Marks: 1403/30 Virginia Short for Ginny 368379 copr. by Oscar Hitt Germany. Condition: one-piece reglue at top of head without any painting restoration. Comments: the painted hair variation of the 1920s wide-eyed child designed by American illustrator, Oscar Hitt, under license from George Borgfeldt in 1927, and made in Germany. The Oscar Hitt trademark was listed by Borgfeldt in their 1927 catalog, offered with variations of hair (painted or wigged), and as a slender child (this doll and #24) or as a chubby toddler (#22). Value Points: the highly characterized features of this, one of the world's rarest dolls, is underscored by the wonderful painted detail of hair which, charmingly, appears to be blowing in the opposite direction of the doll's angled lashes, with finest quality of bisque, painting, original body and original costume.
