Very Rare German Bisque Phonograph Doll

Live Auction

31" (79 cm.) Bisque socket head with uniquely-designed flat neck socket designed to accommodate the internal tin horn that emanated from the torso and ended directly at mouth level,and with openings at the back of the head to allow escaping sounds; with blue glass eyes,open mouth,teeth,brunette wig,and having uniquely designed body which separates at the waist to access the works,and has other cut openings for insertion of disc and on/off levers. Condition: generally excellent,mechanism is complete and functions,albeit no recording cylinders are included. Marks: 54- 14. Comments: The Arnola doll was registered by Max Arnold in 1906 and was produced by the firm of Sing-und Spechpuppen (Singing and Speaking Doll) from 1910 to 1913 only when the firm closed; a journal at the time reported it to be the most interesting toy in the world for "it can sing and pray and speaks three languages". (For further information see Cieslik's German Doll Encyclopedia,page 289). Value Points: very rare doll with complete internal works; few other examples are known to exist. Costume and wig are included.