#105

Rare French Mechanical Walking Doll
Live Auction

$850
sold
Hero Image
thumbnail for item
Click image to enlarge
Description

12" (30 cm). Bisque shoulderhead with cobalt blue glass enamel inset eyes, painted lashes, feathered brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with downcast lips, pouty expression, unpierced ears, brunette mohair wig over cork pate,firm carton upper torso with shapely waist, kid arms with stitched and separated fingers, the lower torso is formed of three-pronged wire cage with tin lithographed three-wheeled platform containing mechanism. The mechanism operates simply; a rod is pulled causing the gear teeth to engage and create a simplified walking movement. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Brevete SGDG (brass plaque on base). Comments: circa 1860,the label indicates the French doll was deposed. Value Points: rare doll with intriguing simple mechanism, beautiful face and unusual costume to disguise the mechanism.