$9,000
Sold
sold
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Description
21" (53 cm.) Bisque socket head with unusual square-shaped face and strong throat,large blue glass paperweight inset eyes,thick dark eyeliner,painted lashes,rose blushed eye shadow,brush-stroked and feathered brows,accented eye corners and nostrils,closed mouth with well-shaped outlined lips,pierced ears,brunette hand-tied human hair wig over cork pate,French composition and wooden fully-jointed body with straight wrists. Condition: original 1" kiln slit at side crown rim,otherwise excellent. Marks: Paris S.L. 8. Comments: Louis Schneider,Paris,the dollmaker purchased his doll heads from the Gaultier porcelain works according to existing inventories of the time,circa 1885; curiously,the models of Schneider bebes,each bearing his initials,are distinctive to his firm only,although their rarity today suggests that very few models were ever made. Value Points: extremely rare bebe,with captivating expressive features,has beautiful gleaming patina and richly painted lips,original body and body finish,and wears fine antique French mariner costume and cap,white kidskin shoes,stockings,undergarments.