Rare French Bisque Bebe by Jules Steiner with Bisque Hips and Limbs

Live Auction

15" (38 cm.) Solid domed bisque shoulder plate with plump facial shape,cobalt blue glass enamel eyes,painted lashes,feathered brows,accented nostrils and eye corners,closed mouth with outlined lips,blonde mohair wig,muslin-enclosed bellows midriff,muslin upper arms and legs,bisque lower torso and hips,bisque lower arms and legs. Condition: generally excellent,two fingers professionally restored. Comments: Jules Steiner,circa 1870. Value Points: extremely rare early bebe with brilliant cobalt blue eyes,all-original body with bisque hips and limbs,working bellows crier in torso,superb multi-layered antique rose silk costume with Alencon lace collar,matching Alencon lace bonnet,cream kidskin boots with silk rosettes. The doll has a blue ribbon award from the 1996 UFDC convention.