[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

PLEASE CLICK ON THE PHOTOS TO ENLARGE THEM

Eugene Barrois

If you might like to spice up your fashion doll collection with a real character, this pretty example, an eighteen-inch Parisienne who we attribute to Eugene Barrois, could do the job. This doll means business -- that feeling could be derived from her direct gaze from pretty, blue eyes, or the fact that she is armed with haute couture direct from Paris, but rest assured, she will be a diplomat in the doll cabinet.
Further details include a perfect bisque swivel head and shoulderplate, the afore-mentioned spiral-threaded blue eyes (minute flake to right lower eye rim) with lovely painting of lashes and brows, pierced-through ears and the original brunette human hair wig in the original style.
Due to an articulated kid over wood body (showing normal wear) with bisque arms and legs, this lady will be able to sit, lounge and kneel with style in your vignettes. The body does exhibit a well-done repair to the left bisque arm, and another repair to the right leg, but that will not inhibit her movement one bit.
And move she definitely likes to do, to better show off her gorgeous two-piece ballgown in a stunning palette featuring rich pink and dove gray silks. The silhouette, with its dramatic full skirt, dates to circa 1868 -- a very good year, for style -- our lady here strongly suggests you agree.

Click here to see details "au naturel"

$7500.00

Boasting commanding presence, this twenty-six inch male Portrait Jumeau fashion Soldier is a natural born leader. Details include perfect bisque, expressive brown paperweight eyes, a wonderfully attractive skin wig – even facial hair!
On a classic kid leather body which is in exceptionally clean condition, this fellow is handsomely costumed as a military officer in deep blue wool. Befitting his heroic military career, he is adorned with a brilliant red sash, brass buttons and Dresden paper medals – even a saber! Your ladies will swoon!

$9800.00

François Gaultier

Beyond majestic at twenty-eight inches tall, this François Gaultier fashion lady will instantly rule the doll room.  Featuring a perfect bisque shoulder plate and swivel head, this fine doll's bisque is truly amazing – it glows. Lending even more personality are her expressive spiral threaded eyes in a pleasing shade of pale blue/gray, and her original mohair wig is beautifully styled incorporating beautiful braids that are gracefully pulled back.
The classic, gusseted, leather body is quite sturdy and clean, but does bear minor scattered patching.
Is it us, or does this lady appear to be smiling? Just maybe, her smile is there because of the wonderful walking suit she is wearing!  The palette of the ensemble is elegant with components that include taupe silk, and a dusty gray/lavender that bears chocolate brown stripes. A fabulous straw chapeau ties the look all together – beautifully.

Click here to see details "au naturel"

$6800.00

Portrait of Empress Eugénie

16-3/4" (size E) Bru Smiler, a lovely all original example with classic modeling and delicate painting to her perfect bisque head and shoulderplate (impressed E), spiral-threaded blue glass eyes in even eye cuts, pierced ears that retain the original blue opaline earrings, and a wonderful original wig in honey blonde mohair.
On a fully-jointed wooden body, it is not the wood body that we typically think of however, when we think "patented Bru body." We believe it is completely original though, as we understand from some quick research, that Bru did offer their dolls on two wooden body styles, of which this is the economy model. "Economy" does not mean bad, as this doll is perfectly capable of holding positions that her other Bru cousins can, save for the waist movement. The paint finish is original and in very good condition, although it appears that the left forearm is a replacement. That replacement is clearly reflected in the pricing of this doll.
What is perhaps as wonderful as the doll's beautiful face, is her original ensemble in off-white silk. Although tender in a few places, especially on the jacket, it is a delicate creation that was enhanced simply with fine lace and tape trim. The original straw hat that is lined in shirred silk, and decorated with flowers is worth special mention, as it is exquisite.
A classic beauty, and a special value for a wood-bodied Bru.

Please click here to view "au naturel"

SOLD
Thank you, K.

Because we have a very similar early doll in our own collection, we confidently attribute this doll to François Gaultier, commissioned for the fine boutique Maison Guillard. Details of this child-like, seventeen and one-half inch tall young lady, who retains her original enfantine trousseau, include a perfect pale bisque head and shoulderplate that are attached with a cup and saucer rotation mechanism, glass eyes in an unusual shade and a wonderful long blonde mohair wig.
On a very clean kid over wood body, this example is fitted with long bisque arms with nicely modeled fingers (hairlines to left arm), plus there is articulation at the knees.
The doll's trousseau features several articles of clothing in the Huret style, including a wonderful bathing costume, and the play ensemble she is shown wearing here is absolutely delightful!
A very lucky child indeed, she will arrive with a marvelous trunk – home to her trousseau and wonderful accessories.

Please click here to view details "au naturel"

SOLD
Thank you, M.

Yes, Smiling Bru Fashions come in a variety of sizes, but our twenty-eight and one-half inch example makes a special impact...we think it is the tone, painting and gorgeous quality of her bisque that add up to beyond-exquisite beauty. Make no mistake, this is a world class doll!
Marked with the size letter M, her perfect bisque head is sublime with amazing modeling to the full lips, while almond eyecuts hold the most beautiful blue paperweight eyes.
On a clean kid leather body showing normal wear and a few patches, this example wears a spectacular Continental, but Chinoiserie-inspired silk gown with exquisite floral embroidery. Her "jewelry" of tiny beaded flowers is deluxe and her incredible original hairstyle is intertwined with more beaded flowers...all adding up to an amazing presentation.
You can search the world over and you may find a Bru Smiler with comparable bisque quality and an equally perfect presentation, or you could save yourself a lot of trouble and simply add this one to your doll family.

Please click here to view details "au naturel"

$14,500.00

Fifteen and one half inch "Waltzing Steiner Bride" featuring a perfect bisque swivel head, blue paperweight eyes, an open mouth with teeth and an original strawberry blonde mohair wig. She wears a lovely bridal gown trimmed with silk fringe and lace, while her tulle veil is secured with a pearl and gilt metal hair ornament.
On a muslin-covered carton body which encloses her mechanism, when wound, this bride will glide down the aisle, her lovely bisque arms (repair to finger on left) lifting and lowering her bouquet, and for some reason emitting a cry! Obviously, she is overcome with emotion on her very special day!

$6800.00

Claude Blampoix

Maybe it is her small to medium stature, at thirteen and one-half inches tall, but to us, this lady has a very youthful look -- a sweet look, too. In addition, she has a perfect china shoulderhead with beautiful coloring and luster, finely painted lashes and brows that frame cobalt blue glass eyes, a wonderful mouth with a soft, subtle smile, and her original mohair wig in honey blonde mohair.
On a gusseted leather body with individually stitched and wired fingers, the condition is very good overall.
Isn't she smartly attired? Such a tailored look was achieved with lovely silk brocade featuring a charcoal stripe, black silk velvet, lace and brush fringe. A stylish straw decorated with flowers and black tulle hat finishes the look.
A marvelous early example that is small in stature, but large in style.

Click here to see details "au naturel"

$3800.00