Passed
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Description
24" (61 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate, blue glass inset eyes with rich spiral threading and darker blue iris rims, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, mauve-blushed eyeshadow, feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with accent line between the dainty lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, original muslin stitch-jointed Steuber commercial body with sewn on stockings and shoes, leather arms. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 6 (head and shoulder). Comments: Pierre-Francois Jumeau, circa 1878, with original Steuber body of 1878; it is certain that this portrait model head by Jumeau was exported to America after being exhibited at the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia with the intention of being matched to the 1878-patented Steuber body. The purpose may have been to avoid shipping costs of the heavy Jumeau kid body, to avoid import taxes, or to promote the American-made doll body, but the result is a felicitous marriage of French and American doll industry and is completely original. Value Points: an especially beautiful face with delicate complexion and artistic painting of features, original wig with delicate curls, original body, and lovely original costume, undergarments and bonnet.