$6,500
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sold
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Description
13" (33 cm.) A pair of bisque-head dolls are posed as though waltzing,their bodies and arms
positioned appropriately,each with portrait-like features,blue glass enamel eyes,closed
mouth,painted lashes,brows and lips,pierced ears; the woman with bisque shoulder plate and
slender bisque arms (one sculpted bent at the elbow),carton upper torso and a metal skirt-
shaped cone under the gown that contains the clockwork mechanism. The man is attached to
the lady by a hidden metal rod,and both are beautifully costumed,probably originally,in
embroidered tulle or black velvet. When keywound,the couple twirls about,pauses,glides
forward and repeats the movements. Condition: generally excellent. Mechanism functions
well. Marks 1 (each doll) G. Vichy Fils Paris (label on base). Comments Gustav Vichy,circa
1870. Value Points: rare and elegant automaton with beautiful early portrait faces,wonderful
movements,maker's label.