French Bisque Poupee Known as "Mlle Emilie Desmains" with Extensive Trousseau
Lot #86
15" (38 cm.) Bisque head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate with deposed Dehors neck articulation allowing the head to nod and tilt as well as classic swivel, cobalt blue glass inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accented lips, ears pierced into head, brunette human hair wig in elaborate braided coiffure over cork pate, commercial muslin stitch-jointed body with porcelain hands. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: French, circa 1870, on its original American kid body with 1869 patented porcelain hands by Martin Kintzback (hence, the amusing French name of the doll, Mlle Desmains - "of the hands"). Value Points: the beautiful doll, likely the prized treasure of a young American girl, is preserved in its original elaborately fitted trunk along with an extensive trousseau, in addition to the early costume that she is wearing, comprising: six white petticoats (one with train), one hooped petticoat, one hoop, two woolen or padded petticoats, several blouses and chemisettes, pantalets, stays, one silk overskirt, two vests, silk aqua fitted jacket, cotton day jacket, two shifts, cashmere fringed cape, checkered jacket with cape collar, brown plaid cape vest and cap paisley vest, brown fur jacket with matching muff and collar, black velvet vest, four pairs of stockings, five folding fans (one in original box), bone-handled parasol, two pairs evening slippers, two high button kidskin boots, pair leather leggings, paisley travel shawl, two snoods, four mesh or metal purses, three kid purses (two with original waist belts), seven fine early bonnets, and a myriad of jewelry, small games, and accessories.
