Outstanding 18th Century English Wooden Doll "Nellie" in Grand Size, Provenance
Lot #17
28" (71 cm.) Carved wooden oval-shaped head with elongated throat and torso having shapely bosom and waist, large black enamel eyes, "dot"-fringed lashes, feathered brows, accent dots at each eye corner and nostrils, closed mouth with well-defined lips, rosy cheeks, pert little chin, brunette hand-tied human hair wig, cloth upper arms, wooden lower arms with so-called "spatula" hands, dowel-jointing at hips and above the knees, shapely calves. Condition: generally excellent, original finish with very light rub on chin. Comments: English, circa 1770s, the doll was a cherished treasure of the Harris family of the Radford House of Plymstock, England. The Harris family, members of Parliament, of considerable military and political influence, owned the impressive Radford House for more than 500 years, it being notable for secret tunnels in the ground, a richly-paneled banquet hall, and encompassing over 50 rooms. Found tucked in the drawer of an 18th century chest in one of these 50 rooms was this doll, along with the accompanying 18th century German hat box and hat. The doll, named Nellie, was purchased from Radford House by the grandfather of an antique dealer from Newton Abbott named Graham Voadin, and was eventually acquired by a private English collector in whose home it has resided for several decades. For more information about the house see Daphne DuMaurier's novel, The King's General, or visit www.lostheritage.org.uk/houses/lh_devon_radfordhouse.html. Value Points: an extraordinary doll with original finish, grand size, and intriguing provenance, is wearing her original early woven brocade gown, with attached lace-edged apron, coin purse, rare embroidered sewing reticule, undergarments, hand-stitched silk slippers; the metallic decorated cap is preserved in original paper covered box.
