$23,000
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Description
22" (56 cm). A pair of bisque dolls representing
Marquis and Marquise are arranged facing each
other, their arms posed as though about to begin
a waltz, the dolls balanced upon a metal cone
covered by the woman's skirt and containing
clockwork and musical mechanisms. Each doll has
bisque head with blue enamel eyes, painted lashes
and brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth,
original mohair wig in elaborate coiffure of the
late 18th century French court, the man has
pewter hands, the woman has bisque arms from
elbow. When wound, music plays and the couple
glide and swirl in classic waltzing movements.
Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 4 (woman)
(paper label on base listing musical tunes in
hand-script ink). Comments: Gustave Vichy, circa
1875 with bisque doll heads by Barrois and
Gaultier. Value Points: superb all-original
automaton functions wonderfully, play three airs
(Paul et Virginie, Les Cloches de Cornuville, La
Musette), bisque dolls with very elaborate and
well-preserved court costumes accentuating the
ornate original coiffures, the Marquis with gold
braid trim on jacket, soutache embroidered vest
and leggings, the Marquise with exquisite
embroidery on aqua and cream satin gown.