#30

Grand English Wax Doll in Elaborate Scottish Costume from Coleman's London Bazaar
Live Auction

$6,000
sold
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Description
30" (76 cm.) Honey wax shoulderhead with softly blushed cheeks, almond-shaped blue glass eyes, outlined eyes with lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth, plump cheeks, well-defined little chin, brunette hair inserted into scalp, softly stuffed muslin body, poured wax lower arms and legs. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: S. Coleman (original paper label indicating the location of the prestigious firm at the Pantheon Bazaar in London). Comments: English, circa 1855, the Pantheon Bazaar was a popular meeting place for guildsmen presenting popular arts and culture, and with a particular attention to wax arts. The interest in Scotland was particularly strong at the time, inspired by the young Queen Victoria and Prince Albert who had in 1852 acquired the famous Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Value Points: the large luxury wax doll, with original shop label, is wearing superb Scottish costume with cobbler's leather shoes with original label of "Burchett maker, 74 Oxford Street, London", and accessories including heavy leather belt with scabbard containing sword with velvet and silver head, knife in leather and silver case, and sporran with tassels. Ex-collection Estelle Johnston.