$2,500
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Description
4 1/2" (11 cm.) l. folio. The personal miniature treasures of the poupee named Marie Cheney
Goddard comprise a tan leather bound folio that folds open to reveal a selection of miniature
bone-handled writing implements including a pen,seal with wax and letter opener,along with
tiny glass ink bottle,has compartments with parchment writing paper in tiny 3 1/2" x 2" size
and matching envelopes,each printed with the elegant initials MCG. One of the envelopes is
addressed to Mr. Wesley Wolcott Jr. in Port-au-Prince,and the tiny doll-sized accompanying
letter contains this message: "April 21,1871. My Dear Uncle Wesley. Aunt Grace wanted me
to write you,so I thought I would. When are you coming home? I hope soon. I surely would
like to hear you talk about the things you have seen way off there. I suppose,as you have not
seen me for some time you would like to know how I came to be a member of your family.
Last Dec. a lady concluded to sell the chances for my hand at one dollar for a chance. And
although I had two hundred and fifty suitors none suited me as well as Mssr H.T.W. who was
very attentive to me for a week while at the fair at Horticultural Hall. At that time I was
considered the belle of Boston. But since this "French Fair" I believe I have been eclipsed by
M'lle Frou-frou,who possesses a great fortune but whom I do not consider to be very
aristocratic. I suppose she will have plenty of lager beer,for I hear that her family are largely
engaged in the manufacture of that estimable article. Since I came to reside at Walnut Park I
have had a great number of visitors and admirers although it may not be quite proper of me
to say so. With much love,I remain your affectionate niece. Marie Cheney Goddard". Also
included is a soutache-embroidered handkerchief pocket with tiny hankie,a lace-edged pin
cushion monogrammed MCG,a bone-handled poupee parasol with black silk cover and bone
tips and having Marie Goddard's name on the handle,a velvet-lined jewelry box of brown
leather with gilt initials MCG containing various doll jewelry including watch and fob,enamel
buttons,and gold earrings,and a needlepoint case dated 1871. Excellent condition. Circa
1871,a veritable treasure,the wonderful miniature accessories of the doll,Miss Marie Cheney
Goddard,are enhanced by the lively and hand-written letter; presumably the doll is telling in
parable form that she was exhibited at a charity raffle to great acclaim until a French
doll,Mademoiselle Frou-Frou,usurped her favor.