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$3,750
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sold
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Description
22" (56 cm.) Standing upon a patterned green velvet covered wooden base is a bisque head doll depicting a Marquis, brown glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, dark painted lashes, brushstroked brows, slightly-parted lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair periwig over cork pate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, bisque forearms, wearing ivory silk costume of the court with lavish gilt thread ornamentation and lace jabot. He holds gold handled cane in his left hand and a cast brass cigarette holder in his right, and, when wound, appears to be smoking; a bellows activity causes the cigarette draft to move through his right arm and exhale through his mouth; alternately he lifts the cigarette holder to inhale, then turns his head and lifts his cane and then twirls it. Music plays throughout. Condition: generally excellent, music and motion function well. Marks: Depose Tete Jumeau SGDG 2 (doll) L.B. (key). Comments: Leopold Lambert, circa 1890, the automaton appeared in their catalog as "Petit Marquis Fumeur". Value Points: excellent presentation of the rare automaton with multiple movements and charming music.