$13,000
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sold
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Description
24" (61 cm.) Bisque socket head with delicate complexion, blue glass paperweight inset eyes, dark eyeliner, lushly-painted lashes, brushstroked brows, shaded nostrils, open mouth, shaded lips, six tiny porcelain teeth, pierced ears, original blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully-jointed body with internal phonograph mechanism which operates by keywind mechanism at the back torso, and with speaker plate at the front torso. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 11. Comments: Emile Jumeau, the Bebe Phonographe, introduced in 1892 with internal phonograph mechanism and cylinder recordings by Lioret; when wound the bebe sings or recites. Value Points: beautiful bisque and painting, the bebe is wearing blue silk Dior gown with woven silver metallic borders and fine lace trim over matching cotton gown, both pieces designed to open at the front for ease of access in changing the recordings, and has ivory satin slippers with Jumeau signature; the bebe appropriately holds the recording "La Reve de L'Enfant". The costume bears the cloth label of the Parisian couturier, Christian Dior.