#474

Rare French Bisque Polichinelle Riding a Horse Pull Toy
Live Auction

$8,500
sold
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Description

22" (56 cm.) h. 15" l. Posed upon a wheeled wooden platform with hidden pull-toy mechanism beneath is a paper mache horse with glass eyes and leather harness and ears upon which is seated a bisque head Polichinelle with blue glass enamel inset eyes, painted lashes and brows, closed mouth, slightly smiling expression, blonde mohair wig. Polichinelle has paper mache shaped torso in the classic manner with front and back humps, wire upper arms and carved wooden hands and feet, and is costumed in red, white and blue striped silk jester suit with matching tricorn hat, lace and gilt braid trim, fancy shoes. When pulled along Polichinelle merrily turns his head from side to side and waves the bells he holds in his right arm. Condition: generally excellent, silk costume a bit dusty. Comments: French, circa 1890, the maker of the distinctive series of pull toys with painted wooden platform bases remains a mystery. Value Points: wonderful rare toy functions well, has beautiful face to complement the charming presentation.