Rare French Bisque

Live Auction

23" (58 cm.) Posed dramatically upon a velvet covered wooden platform is a bisque-headed man with highly characterized features,oval-shaped face with prominent chin and nose,blue paperweight eyes,nearly-closed mouth arranged in a haughty amused smile,fringed lashes,painted brows,original blonde mohair wig designed as 18th century periwig,cork pate,slender carton torso and legs,bisque forearms with curled fingers. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: N (script,head) LB (key) (original music tune label on base indicates two songs). Comments: Leopold Lambert,with commissioned bisque head likely by Jumeau,circa 1890; when wound,music plays and he alternately lifts his cigarette holder to his mouth,puffs,tilts his head back and exhales. then lifts his lace-edged handkerchief. Value Points: very rare character model bisque face with unique painting that is entirely original,wearing original Marquis costume with metallic braid trim,including tricorn hat and lace jabot,and functions wonderfully.