Extraordinary Presentation of Miniature Bisque and Wooden Dolls in 18th Century Style Costumes

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5" (13 cm.) -8". The collection comprises 31 various dolls each wearing extraordinary costumes designed in the 18th century style, of silks, lace, metallic trims, velvet and such. Included are 16 bisque shoulderhead dolls depicting formally-dressed ladies, and one featured as an angel; 2 porcelain head dolls, 13 carved wooden head dolls with wonderfully-sculpted hair mostly depicting gentlemen of the court or knights. Also there are 40 additional outfits (21 of them arranged on metal forms), 40 hats, 5 masks, 10 pairs of shoes, and various armament including 7 halberds, axe, helmets, and a chain mail shirt and hood. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: dolls are German, 1840-1880; the presentation appears to date from the late 1800s. According to Museum notes, "the dolls were acquired from three sisters living in the French Colonial City of Puebla, East of Mexico City. The sisters dressed and made many medieval and classical styles. The 3 sisters never married." The style of costumes are likely influenced by its surroundings as Puebla is noted for its magnificent Baroque architecture. Value Points: an extraordinary collection, the couturier quality of the costumes is amazingly detailed and of finest fabrics, and the entire collection is wonderfully preserved.