$5,500
Sold
sold
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Description
23" (58 cm.) Standing upon a flat velvet-covered circular base is
a bisque-head doll with flat-cut neck socket,very plump face,brown
glass paperweight inset eyes,thick dark eyeliner,painted lashes
and widely-arched brows,rose-blushed eye shadow,shaded nostrils
and eye corners,wide-open mouth with double row of teeth and
outlined lips,pierced ears,brunette human hair wig,carton torso
and legs,carton-enclosed wire upper arms,composition hands formed
to hold drumsticks,vintage costume of regimental parade drummer.
The drum appears to suspend from shoulder straps but is actually
attached by two hidden metal rods protruding from his torso. When
wound,he turns his head from side to side,nods,and rotates his
wrist,creating a drum-beating motion which reverberates perfectly
on the quality drum head. Condition: generally excellent.
Comments: maker uncertain,French,circa 1880,the head bears the
early block letter marking of Gaultier (F. 10 G.). Value Points:
rare automaton designed as attention-getter at special events or
for shop windows,with wonderfully-functioning movements,rare
bisque head with character like expression.