French Mechanical Toy by Vichy with Rare Bisque Portrait Head

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12 1/2" (32 cm.) Standing upon a tinplate base with three spoked tin wheels is a bisque-head character having very expressive character features including blue glass eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, feathered brows, aquiline nose with accented nostrils, closed mouth model as though smiling and with two rows of painted teeth, sculpted moustache with curly tip, impressed dimples, carton torso, wooden lower legs, metal hands, and wearing blue silk jester costume and ivory silk jester cap. When wound, the base propels forward, he turns his head side to side, and his arms wave up and down while he shakes the string of bells in his hand. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: G. Vichy Fils Paris (incised on base). Comments: French, circa 1865, Gustav Vichy. Value Points: charming toy with very rare expressive character face.