16". A wax-over-paper mache head portraying an adult lady with oval-shaped face, blue glass enamel eyes, aquiline nose slightly parted lips, two rows of tiny teeth, brunette hand-tied human hair wig in long ringlet curls, separate wax-over-paper mache choulder plate, carton body and legs, kid arms with stitched fingers, is standing upon a green tinplate three-wheeled base. She is wearing her superb original costume of coral taffeta edged with apple green silk ribbons, leather shoes, black Alencon lace mantilla with velvet edging, superb coiffe with pearl and ormolu decorations, and a necklace of six strands of tiny pearls that serve to hide the head/neck attachment.
Movements: She glides forward, turns, pauses, glides again, while her head turns from side to side.
Historical References: The mechanical lady is attributed to Alexandre Theroude whose 1845 catalog included five poupees, dressed in silks, in six different sizes. Theroude noted that costumes varied, and it is likely that this model wore a decidedly luxury costume highlighted by the lace mantilla, pearl necklace and coiffe that are perfectly preserved.