Automata Perform Like Magic at Theriault’s Recent Auction
It was a head-rolling scene at Theriault’s recent catalog auction of rare antique dolls and automata. In fact, one automata, known as “The Clown Illusionist – Losing His Head” actually did magically cause the clown’s head to disappear, only to re-appear in a nearby box. It sold for $90,000 (pre-sale estimate $25,000/35,000). Again and again, collectors rose to the bidding occasion, as did the reclining woman in the rare French automaton “The Levitator” by Phalibois, circa 1910, that peaked at $220,000 (pre-sale estimate $110,000/150,000). Only one of three known examples to exist, collectors from three continents were in the final bidding competition for its acquisition. Theriault’s, the Annapolis, Maryland-based auction firm, which carries its premiere auctions to major collecting centers over the US, presented its third annual autumn auction of automata and antique dolls in Morristown, New Jersey “The Morris Museum is the site of the newly-opened Murtogh D. Guinness Collection of Automata and Mechanical Music”, said Theriault’s President Stuart Holbrook, “and their grand opening was the week of our auction. It seemed a perfect fit”. In fact, Theriault’s hosted a preview party at the Museum the night before their auction with walking lecture tours by automaton experts, Steve and Jere Ryder. Other automata fared well at the auction, including “The Japanese Lady Mask Seller” by Vichy that twirled her umbrella all the way to $140,000 (pre-sale estimate $75,000/115,000), and the “Charmeuse de Serpent” by Roullet et Decamps that charmed its way to $140,000 (pre-sale estimate ($60,000/90,000). That automaton is one of the few ever made in which the entire body form was painted and smoothly finished; the story is told that the piece was originally designed to be presented nude until the scandalized Madame Decamps, a proper French matron of the early 20th century, insisted it be costumed. Stuart Holbrook, President of Theriault’s, noting that the automaton sold to a doll collector, added that the cross-over trend between traditional doll collectors and automaton collectors was gaining in strength. Theriault’s also offered the handsome “Buffalo Bill” by Vichy, and one bidder’s comment that “he’s smokin’” was not only a statement of admiration, but also the literal truth. He sold for $60,000 (pre-sale $30,000/40,000). An amusing “Clown Magician with Cat and Mouse Game” by Vichy flirted its way to $40,000, while the popular “Pierrot Serenading the Moon”, also by Gustav Vichy sang its way to $42,500. There was a German automaton, “Seated Black Man with Banjo” by Mueller that sold for $44,000, the “Clown Conjuror” by Lambert at $41,000, and “The Ballerina with Two Black Musicians” that danced to $45,000, among many others. Doll collectors who admire the more traditional automata featuring bisque-headed dolls were not disappointed either at Theriault’s auction. A “Whistler” with Jumeau’s 200 series character head, sold for $28,000 despite its leather-worn bellows that prevented him from whistling, an elegant lady harpist with exquisite bisque portrait face was $21,000, a little girl with a surprise basket was $13,000, and the Chinese tea server with uniquely sculpted face was $19,000. Theriault’s did not disappoint the traditional doll collector, either, offering a bounty of beautiful antique dolls including two Triste bébés by Jumeau that sold for $24,000 and $25,000 respectively. A bisque-head mannequin, 6’ tall, topped at $40,000, and a Bébé Brevete by Bru went for $33,000. German characters included Kestner’s 206 glass-eyed girl at $10,250, Kley and Hahn’s 546 model at $4750, and their 549 model for $3600. The auction featured nearly 300 lots and the enthusiastic crowd stayed until the end. The collection was featured in a hardbound 148 page catalog with art quality color photographs of each item, and historical commentary as well as technical catalog descriptions. Theriault’s next catalogued auction is January 4, 5, and 6, 2008 in Newport Beach, California, featuring the important doll collection of Geri E. Baker. For information about either auction, or to acquire catalogs call Theriault’s at 800-638-0422 or email info@theriaults.com. The auction lots can be viewed at www.theriaults.com, and click on the button for Proxibid. To be notified via email of all upcoming auctions register at www.theriaults.com. CAPTIONS 
Lots 006-008. The 6’ tall bisque-headed mannequin with great presence sold for a commanding $40,000 at Theriault’s November auction in Morristown. “The Little Girl with Surprise Basket” automaton was $13,000. Lot 17. The handsome “Illusionist Levitator Man” by Phalibois performed his magic to the tune of $220,000 and to the gasps of the awe-struck audience, one of whom exclaimed “I simply can’t see how this works!” Lot 029-030. A gorgeous Bébé Triste by Jumeau, selling at $25,000, admires an all-original automaton by Lambert with bisque head by Jumeau that sold for $8500. Lot 031. Vichy’s “Japanese Mask Seller” is considered one of the most elegant of the large presentation size automata, and this example may have the finest state of preservation of known existing examples. It sold for $140,000 at Theriault’s auction. 
Lot 067. “The Snake Charmer” of Roullet et Decamps, early 20th century, performs graceful yet sensuous movements, and charmed its way to $140,000. Lot 36. The Bru poupée had an intriguing provenance linked to the Vanderbilt/Churchill families and was being sold by the family of the original owner. Known as “Consuelo’s Bridesmaid”, it reached $15,000 (estimate $7000/12,000). Lot 220. “The Clown Magician” by Lambert was notable not only for the abundant and original treasures hidden under the cone, but also for his uniquely sculpted bisque head. He sold for $41,000 at Theriault’s auction. |
