$4,500
Sold
sold
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Description
20" (51 cm.) overall. 10" lady. An oval ebonized
wooden base exhibits a gentle garden scene in
which a neatly-coiffed lady is ironing the family
linens. The bisque head doll,with large blue glass
enamel eyes,painted lashes and brows,accented
nostrils,closed mouth with accented lips,pierced
ears,original elaborate coiffure,is standing in a
garden setting under an elaborate flowered arbor
and birdcage. She stands behind a wooden ironing
table,with baskets of fresh linens and potted
flowers at her feet,wearing her original costume
and coiffe,a wooden-handled iron in hand. When
wound,the lady turns her head from side to
side,and moves her hand forward and back,as though
ironing,all the while enjoying the garden scenes
around her. Two musical tunes play. Condition:
generally excellent. Marks: (original music tune
on the base). Comments: French,attributed to
Phalibois who specialized in mechanical vignette
scenes of romanticized daily life,circa 1870.
Value Points: especially charming automaton in
appealing smaller size,with wonderful scene and
activity.