Standing upon a velvet covered wooden platform is a bisque-head man with distinctive sculpting that appears on this model only, brown glass eyes, closed mouth with two rows of sculpted teeth, sculpted moustache, sculpted wrinkles and character expression around the mouth, brunette mohair wig, carton torso and legs, and metal hands. In front of the man is a fine cabinet-model wooden organ with stenciled gold outlines and yellow curtains, and posed atop the organ is a small china doll in silk costume. The organ grinder wears rich red and pale aqua silk costume with feathered hat. The platform has the embossed brass label of Au Paradis des Enfants where it was originally sold in Paris.
Movements: The organ grinder turns his head side-to-side and in a nodding circular motion, turns the organ wheel with his right arm in a complicated manner as though flexing his arm muscles. While he turns the organ wheel, the doll dances about.
Historical References: The rarity of the doll is testified to by the few models that are known to exist today. Its deluxe quality is proven by the unique and artistic sculpture that appears here only, and by the label of the Parisian toy store, Au Paradis des Enfants, whose sumptuous playthings were designed only for the children of the Parisian wealthy class. Circa 1875.