Early European Parade Doll with Wooden Articulated Body and Superb Costume

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25" (64 cm.) Solid domed shoulderhead with painted complexion over gesso, small brown enamel inset eyes in well-detailed sockets, tinted brows and nostrils, closed mouth, blushed cheeks and well-defined chin tip, fleece blonde wig in elaborate coiled coiffure under gilt metallic crown, wooden body with metal pin in back torso allowing posing changes, jointing at shoulders, modeled bent arms, expressively posed fingers, crude pin jointing at hips and knees. Condition: generally excellent, some retouch to hands. Comments: European, the doll was used in ceremonial parades and as exhibition display, early 1800s. Value Points: rare to find, especially in this fine condition, the doll is wearing original (some frailty) dress of metallic woven fabric, coarsely-woven undergarments, padded leggings with gold braid wrap, and carries a garland of flowers and silk ribbon.