$5,250
Sold
sold
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Description
12" x 8" base (30 x 20 cm). A wooden platform
with velvet covered sides and a silk-rose covered
fence at the back, supports a bisque-headed doll
riding upon a nickel-plated bicycle; the doll has
blue glass eyes, painted lashes and brows, closed
mouth, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, carton
moule torso, wire upper arms and legs, bisque
hands. When wound, the doll vigorously pedals the
bike whose wheels turn, her arms move the handles
up and down, and her head turns from side to
side, while music plays. Condition: generally
excellent. Comments: Roullet et Decamps, the
automaton appeared in their catalog, circa 1895,
described as "Bicycliste Coquette". Value Points:
rare automaton featured the popular bicycling
activity of the late 19th century, the doll
wearing her original bicycle costume of the era.