Early Italian Felt Salon Doll

Live Auction

28" (71 cm.) Felt swivel head arranged in unique pose on torso,allowing the head to lean to the side and then either tilt haughtily upward or glance modestly sideways; the very heavily lidded painted eyes adds to the intrigue,pressed and painted facial features with strong nose and jaw,side-glancing nearly-closed brown eyes,ruby lips,black brows and lashes,slender torso,very elongated hip-jointed slender legs with no knee jointing,feet posed for high heels,elbows arranged in bent pose. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Lenci made in Italy (cloth label) Lenci ...165/15 Pat. Sept. 8,1921 Pat. N. 142433...(paper label on skirt). Comments: Lenci,the doll appears in the early Lenci catalogs identified as #165/15 and named "Lolita"; an Italian film "Lolita" had been released in 1918,just before the appearance of this doll. Value Points: very rare early model in beautifully-preserved condition,wearing vibrant felt gown with applique flowers and designs,with garlands of flowers around her elbows,a black lace fan to match her black lace mantilla,wooden ornamental hair comb painted to match the gown,and black and pink felt heeled shoes with felt floral appliques.