Ended
Time Left
$900
Sold
sold
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Description
13" (33 cm.) Standing upon a paper covered wooden base with push-pedals at the base is a wax-over-paper mache Polichinelle figure with painted eyes and laughing expression, white mohair wig, classic humps at front and back torso, wooden lower arms and legs, and wearing original costume with gilt paper trim. When the pedals are pushed, the figure nods his head forward and waves his arms and legs. Condition: very good, some wax lines, costume is original albeit dusty, mechanism functions well. Comments: French, circa 1830, the toy maker and inventor was known as "good ole' boy Cruchet", according to the fascinating history first written about him in the 1920 book Les Jouets de France by Leo Claretie, and related in The Encyclopedia of French Dolls by Theimer (page 161). Value Points: charming simple toy with most captivating story of its maker.