Onsite
Highest Bidder
$9,000
Sold
sold
Click image to enlarge
- Estimate
- $8,500 / $11,000
Gold Horse ListingDescription
17" (43 cm.) Bisque socket head depicting a wistful-faced child, painted blue eyes in deeply set sockets with painted upper eyeliner, lightly feathered short brows, accented eye corners and nostrils, closed mouth with accented pouty lips, brunette mohair wig, composition and wooden ball-jointed body, wearing pretty antique white-wear dress that is likely original, undergarments, black knit stockings and signed leather shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Deponiert F.S. & C. 1263/43 Germany. Comments: Franz Schmidt, circa 1910, from their very limited art character series; the model was presented by that firm along with the equally rare model 1262, likely for a very limited period as virtually few of the dolls are known to exist today. Value Points: the rarity of the model is rivaled by her exceptional quality of sculpting and superb bisque, compelling expression, original wig, body, body finish.
Stuart's Take
From an art standpoint the few Franz Schmidt characters that surface have such a distinctive and beautifully rendered face. No, they do not have the panache or lure of names like K*R or S&H, but for collectors today these Franz Schmidt models offer a unique opportunity. This is exactly a doll to ask yourself; which is more important - name or artistry? For me, this example is a highlight on the character art doll level.