French Paper Mache Mechanical Toy, "Child with Bourrelet Cap" by Theroude

Live Auction

8" (23 cm.) A cheerful-faced toddler with paper mache head, tiny black enamel eyes, painted lashes and brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, open mouth, tiny upper and lower teeth, black painted pate with stippling detail of curls, paper mache torso and legs, and pink kid arms is posed upon a three-wheeled tinplate base with mechanism, which when wound, causes the doll to glide forward and in circles while turning its head and waving its arms. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism functions well. Comments: Theroude, circa 1855. Value Points: delightful toy is perfectly preserved with beautiful patina of complexion, endearing expression and movements, and has its original costume which includes a rare tiny-sized bourrelet cap.