$2,800
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sold
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Description
8"H-13"H. Included are six human figures and two
animals, each constructed in combination of paper
mache, wood and gesso, with features sculpted to
depict the storybook characters as they appeared
in early 20th century childrenís illustrated
books; each figure has sculpted hair and facial
features in original vividly painted colors,
original cloth costumes, and original body
articulation allowing them to be displayed as
dolls or to be manipulated by pull-strings and
wooden handles that are still attached.
Condition: near mint, the wicked witch has few
paint flakes on face. Marks: A. Storch Syn. Praha
(wooden handles). Comments: Circa 1900, according
to family oral tradition in whose possession the
entire set has always been kept, the figures were
created in the Sonneberg toy factory of Richard
Metzler, Jr. who specialized in wooden and paper
mache toys of this type. The set has been owned
and exhibited at The Grand Lady Museum of New
Hampshire for a number of years. Value Points:
superb original condition and perfectly preserved
vivid painting and costumes of the complete set,
including Hansel and Gretel, Mother, Grandmother,
Wicked Witch, Woodsman, wolf and donkey; included
is wooden display rack and two old boxes in which
the set has been stored.