Early Gustave Vichy Waltzing Automaton

Description:

Early Gustave Vichy Waltzing Automaton, circa 1870, with classic bisque fashion head, pale blue stationary eyes, finely-lined arched brows, closed slightly smiling mouth with shaded and outlined lips, pierced-in ears, straight swivel neck on bisque shoulderplate, piled blonde mohair wig held with gilt crown hairpin and flower garland, on wheeled painted tin base with two-cam going-barrel movement playing two airs and causing the figure to move in a circle, turn and incline her head, the left metal hand to lift a boquuet of flowers and the right to twist, in original ball gown of watered silk with pink flowers, lace at the shoulders, and pink hooped cotton underskirt, ht. 20 in., (missing fan, costume fragile).
Estimate $6,000-8,000

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