$6,500
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sold
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Description
15" (38 cm.) Standing at an upright wooden piano is a bisque-head bebe with blue glass paperweight inset eyes, long painted lashes and brows, closed mouth, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, paper mache hands, original burgundy silk and velvet dress, undergarments, net stockings, burgundy shoes. With bone keys, the piano has music rack, carrying handles, porcelain bowl with silk flowers, and brass candlesticks. When wound, the girl turns her head side to side and moves her hands up and down "playing" the piano, while music plays. Condition: generally excellent, music and movement function well. Marks: Depose Tete Jumeau Bte SGDG 3 (and artist checkmarks). Comments: Vichy, circa 1890. Value Points: well-preserved parlor automaton in beautifully-preserved well-functioning condition, and with rare hidden luxury detail: the top hinges open for access to the hollow interior designed as candy container presentation.