It is always a thrill to acquire an early doll with a genuine trousseau – it is an even greater thrill to find one as adorable as Sophia, the fourteen and one-half inch French papier-mache shown here.
Highlights of this shoulderhead child with her excellent color and bright personality include blue-painted eyes, and black-painted hair, complete with wisps that frame the sweet face. On her original, simply-constructed leather body showing normal wear, it is Sophia's remarkable original trousseau that makes one want to call her their own.
Shown above in her butter cream silk dress and a brilliant green apron, she is very proud of her assortment of printed cotton dresses – the sky blue and white striped cotton dress with its separate collar is her favorite. She feels it accents her eyes. All beautifully constructed, the dresses provide amusement – just as the antique wooden toy found among her treasures provides comfort. There are a few additional assorted pieces of clothing, such as more aprons, a cloak and a Kashmir shawl. Of course, she would like more, more, more!
Sophia came to us housed in a paper-covered wooden trunk that features early newsprint lining the interior. Upon reading the information found there, the paper is from the New England region of the United States, and dates circa 1814. Clearly Sophia dates well over a decade later than the newsprint, so her caretaker was obviously a saver!
Enjoy the trousseau, which can be found below....let's see if you feel the thrill.

Please click here to view details "au naturel"

$12,500.00

Chinas can be peddlers too, as evidenced by this wonderful example – an impressive size at sixteen and one-half inches, overall. Denoted a Welsh peddler by her tall hat, she bears classic china shoulderhead characteristics such as a black-painted hairstyle, all on a original antique cloth body with china limbs. She wears layers of clothing which includes a red wool dress, a heavy wool apron and a sturdy cape, so she might be protected against unfavorable elements.
Suspended from a cord hung around her neck is her basket, which is laden with an assortment of household goods such as needles, pins, beads, hanks of yarn, plus silver flatware, and fabric goods like stockings, yardage and cotton kitchen items.
The street peddler – a remarkable slice of British history and a true survivor – alas, in doll-form only.

$1450.00

Right out of the La Basilique du Sacré-Coeur de Montmartre, Paris, come three very special early Sisters. Circa, 1850, this wonderful trio features papier-mâché heads with lovely facial painting including blue eyes, articulated wooden bodies, plus incredibly detailed habits complete with leather belts with brass buckles and tiny rosary beads. All in great condition.
Each measures: 4" tall.

$4900.00 for the trio.