French Musical Mechanical Waltzing Couple by Vichy

Live Auction

14" (36 cm.) Two bisque head dolls, each with blue or brown glass enamel eyes, closed mouth, and original mohair wig, representing an adult man or woman, posed as though to begin a formal dance, her right hand posed on her hip in classic backward pose, and her head swiveled to the side; she with elegant bisque arms and hands, and he with original Vichy metal hands. Although they appear to be standing on the floor, in actuality a cone-shaped form, hidden under the woman's skirt, not only supports both figures, but also contains the mechanical works; the man is attached to the metal cone by a heavy metal rod. When wound, they twirl around and around, then glide forward on the three wheels hidden at the bottom of the cone form, while two tunes play. Condition: man has faint hairline from eye to jowl, woman has two broken fingers, otherwise bisque excellent, music and motion function well. Marks: G. Vichy Fils Paris (original Vichy metal tag, and original paper tune label on underside). Comments: G. Vichy, circa 1870. Value Points: rare luxury automaton with very beautiful music and elegant motions, each presented in original costume, with original paper tune label on base.