Rare Italian Felt Character Doll,Series 149,as Aviatress by Lenci

Live Auction

16" (41 cm.) Felt swivel head with pressed and painted facial features,large brown side-glancing eyes,brown curly upper lashes,grey eye shadow,closed mouth with accented bottom lip,brunette mohair bobbed wig,jointed shoulders and hips. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Lenci 149/I (and various patent dates,original paper label). Comments: Lenci,circa 1929,model 149/I or 149/17,the doll is wearing her original grey felt costume comprising jodhpur-style pants having lacing at the sides,brown felt edging on pockets,belt and collar,brown buttons,matching grey helmet,black shoes; the doll is said to be inspired by the famed aviator Amelia Earhart,although in the Lenci catalog the doll is simply shown along with other stylishly- dressed young girls. Value Points: rare model with outstanding detail of costume construction; the helmet,for example,with petal- shaped panels at the crown for a snug fit. Included is an added all-bisque doll costumed as an aviator,and a vintage aviator pin labeled "The Sky Climbers".