$600
Sold
sold
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Description
11" (28 cm.) Solid domed papier-mache head with
deeply-sculpted character-like features depicting
a laughing child,painted facial features,blue
intaglio eyes,closed mouth modeled as open mouth
with painted teeth,dimples,blonde mohair curl
under lace-ruffled cap,carton torso containing a
clockwork mechanism,hinge-jointed papier-mache
arms and bare feet,original costume. Condition:
generally excellent. Comments: the model was
patented by Robert Clay of The Automatic Toy Works
in 1871 under the unusual title "The Creeping
Doll"; when wound,the doll "crawls" forward in an
amusing and realistic manner. During its
decade-long existence the firm issued 14 or more
clockwork toy designs. Value Points: rare early
American mechanical doll in wonderfully-preserved
condition,great character expression of young
child obviously delighted at its ability to
"crawl" and with unusually well-executed detail of
sculpting.