Petite French Mechanical Cyclist with Original Costume by Vichy

Live Auction

12" (30 cm.) Seated upon a cast metal tricycle with spoked wheels, bone-tipped handle grips, and original red and gold finish is a bisque-headed doll with blue glass inset eyes, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accent line, blonde mohair wig, carton torso, wire upper arms and legs, paper mache boots, carved wooden hands, in original silk and black velvet costume with matching bonnet. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: attributed to Vichy, circa 1870, a mechanism hidden beneath the rider, causes the tricycle to propel forward and in circles while the rider turns her head, arms and appears to "pedal". Value Points: having beautiful face, the petite variation of the beloved toy wears her totally original costume, and functions well.