Wax Portrait Doll, Presumably Ben Franklin

Live Auction

20" (51 cm.) Thick beeswax-over-paper mache shoulder head portrays a bald-pate gentleman with long grey/brown flowing locks of hair onto his shoulders, very elongated strong throat, small black bead glass eyes, heavily modeled eyelids, fringed lashes and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with firm expression, old muslin stitch-jointed body, paper mache hands, wearing embroidered grey and taupe silk costume in the late 18th century style, with stockings and black leather buckle shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: the doll appears to be a portrait of Benjamin Franklin, probably mid-19th century. Value Points: rare and interesting doll with unique expression.