François Gaultier

Offering the classic beauty that only a doll from François Gaultier can provide, is a statuesque Parisienne that stands twenty-one and one-half inches tall. Features include a perfect bisque shoulderplate with a gorgeous perfect bisque swivel head, blue paperweight eyes with spiral threading that look like they are powered by electricity they are so expressive, hooded eyecuts, fine painting and coloring, pierced ears and the original dark blonde mohair wig worn in curls.
On a gusseted leather body with mostly classic characteristics, the one exception is the long leather arms without elbow gussets that she was given. The effect is achieved is amazing, as the doll looks like she is wearing opera-length, white leather gloves, which is the actual intent of all leather arms as we understand it.
M'lady is exquisitely costumed for evening in a ballgown of cream slipper satin (showing normal wear and backed for strength) with dramatic black lace and silk passementerie as trimmings. Sprays of faux flowers are worn at the shoulders, and lily of the valley decorates her hair.
The belle of the ball, and simply a classic fashion that will lend an air of elegance to any fine collection.

Click here to see details "au naturel"

$4500.00

Some days we wish we could will our dolls to speak, so they could tell us what they have seen. This magnificent French fashion doll could fill volumes we’re sure, but until that magic moment arrives, we will have to do the talking for her.
A lovely example from Eugene Barrois, she stands seventeen and one-half inches tall and bears a size number 4 on the back of her pretty head. Further details include a perfect bisque shoulder plate and swivel head with lovely coloring, blue paperweight eyes in multi-hues, pierced through ears, a fantastic original blonde mohair wig that is styled in long curls and her classic kid leather body is in sturdy, clean condition. A very nice bonus is the fact that the body bears a stamp from Au Paradis des Enfants, a fine boutique that was located on the fashionable rue de Rivoli.
You may have noticed that this lovely lady is complete with a fabulous trousseau? It represents the finest that could be had in Paris of 1875. Included are three couturier gowns, plus beautiful hats, shoes, parasols, and jewelry. Below, you can view her complete inventory.
We are sure Mme. Barrois would want us to include a bit of her family history, as it is a fascinating one. She is one of three dolls with trousseaux that were purchased when the Du Ponts of Delaware took their family on the Grand Tour of Europe. Three Du Pont daughters each received a remembrance of the experience. Represented here is one of those precious souvenirs.

Please click here to view "au naturel"

$25,900.00

Claude Blampoix

This pleasant-faced fashionable lady from the Blampoix firm stands an impressive twenty-one inches tall. It is sometimes difficult to differentiate between the larger bisque dolls from Blampoix and Barrois, but we have owned a similar model to this example in the past that bore an impressed B. S. for Blampoix.
Further details include a perfect bisque shoulder plate with a perfect head (inherent cooking line on back) attached by means of the cup and saucer rotation system, blue glass eyes that are accented by molded hooded lids, a beautifully-shaped mouth and a fantastic original wig in light brown mohair that retains its original style.
On a classic, gusseted, leather body that shows normal wear, especially to a few fingers on the left hand, this lady wears what could be interpreted as a wool skating costume in burgundy wool. Note that the leaf and fuchsia pattern you see upon it is not printed, but rather hand embroidered! A very nice bonus is the matching muff that is edged in swan's down, plus do not miss the matching hat.
This wonderful doll might be a superb candidate to use as a Christmas doll, as due to the vast skirt, there would be nearly infinite spots on which to pin tiny dolls, ornaments and other mementoes.

Click here to see details "au naturel"

$4500.00

This is the doll to build a party around. Yes, Smiling Bru Fashions come in a variety of sizes, but this fifteen and one-half inch example makes a special impact...we think it is the tone, painting and flawless 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 D, her perfect bisque head is sublime with amazing modeling to the full lips, while even eyecuts hold the most beautiful blue paperweight eyes.
On a deluxe, patented-Bru, wooden articulated body, this example wears a marvelous ballgown in tan faille with metallic lace and tulle accents. Her jewelry of pearls and beads is flattering, and her incredible original hairstyle is intertwined with 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, or you could save yourself a lot of trouble and simply add this one to your doll family.

Please click here to view "au naturel"

SOLD
Thank you, K.

This twenty and one-half inch Bru Fashion is one for the advanced collector – the earliest known Bru poupee with the exceedingly rare mark “Bru Jne. ET Cie” found low on the back of the shoulder plate. On a kid leather Bru-patented body, features include perfect, pale bisque, gorgeous, deep blue spiral-threaded eyes and her original blonde mohair wig done up in a lovely chignon and held in place by a chiffon snood (fragile). Costumed in a light and airy summer dress of cream and lilac stripes with lovely braid accents, this exquisite example is not only beautiful, she is cabinet ready!

Please click here to view details "au naturel"

$10,500.00

MAISON HURET

A dreamy vision in dramatic pink and black, this china Huret Poupee, circa 1850s – is a first generation doll from the illustrious firm, and a must-have for the collector of early dolls and fashion examples, alike. This perfect seventeen and one-half inch china shoulderhead model was given a very lovely expression by the artist who painted her so many years ago. From the soft blues of her eyes, to the soft blush on her cheeks, she is a very special example. Lending a youthful air is her long brown mohair wig that is worn down and styled in soft curls.
Mlle. Huret is on a leather body that exhibits normal wear, and patching upon the feet (with their quite unusual separated toes) and was given very flattering long china arms which have remained in perfect condition.
She wears a classic Huret-style dress of brilliant pink silk over a lovely cotton chemise, and you can see its fancy sleeves peeking out from pouf sleeves of the dress. Two shades of lace, and black silk velvet ribbon add dimension to the dress, while a charming hair ornament of black beads and pink ribbon completes the look up top. Antique brown leather ankle boots finish off the look, beautifully.
An endearing, early representation of Huret quality, who is surely destined to enhance any fine collection.

Please click here to view "au naturel"

SOLD
Thank you, E.