Onsite
Highest Bidder
$22,000
Sold
sold
Click image to enlarge
- Estimate
- $14,000 / $18,000
Description
13" (33 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate with modeled bosom and shoulderblades, amber brown glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, rose blushed eye shadow, brushstroked brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with defined tiny tongue tip between the outlined lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French kid bebe body with gusset jointing at hips and knees, kid-over-wooden upper arms, jointed bisque forearms and hands. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Bru Jne 3 (head and shoulderplate). Comments: Leon Casimir Bru, circa 1883. Value Points: sought-after bebe with compelling gentle expression has finest bisque and painting, sturdy original body with perfect bisque hands, lovely antique costume including bonnet with original Au Nain Bleu label, original shoes signed "Bru Jne Paris" in oval and "3". The doll is presented from the family of the original child owner, Petronella Fredriks, of Cincinnati, born 1879, who, at the age of 5, was gifted the doll by her father James Fredriks, a Dutch immigrant and thriving woodworker. At that time, Cincinnati was one of wealthiest cities in the United States with numerous high-end shops and department stores from which the doll was likely purchased. Petronella ("Nelle") kept the doll throughout her life, and that story, written by a family member, is included with the doll.