Nelling, Inc.
E a r l y D o l l s
page 1, 2
(Click on photos to enlarge)
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Extraordinary English Wooden 21 1/2" |
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King Georg III Era $14,250 |
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Who would expect to find this majestic English wooden doll in Paris? But then again, she looked quite at home when she was found there earlier this year, with her original, detailed, fine silk, French court type costume and cotton undergarments. She had been in a private collection for decades. Circa 1790, she has dark enamel eyes, nicely carved features and a slim neck which is an inspiration of the earlier of Georgian era dolls. |
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Her upper arms are of cloth, and original lower arms of wood with separately carved fingers, and her lovely body is jointed at the hips and knees, with the legs having earlier, defined shape with her feet being actual carved and painted, red bootines. Multi-layers of contrasting striped silk in blue tones, over a pale peach under layer, has accents of ruched borders and collar, decorated bodice over supportive stomacher, and the extreme skirt silhouette that made her take up as much space in the room as possible! There has been some touch up to her face, limited to the forehead and under her chin and jaw. The antique, platinum mohair wig is replaced as is the straw hat. Display pieces in one photo are not included. |
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Wooden Infant of Prague Held by St. Joseph |
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8 1/2" tall, 10" wide, overall $975. |
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With
many examples through the centuries that are meant to replicate the Infant
Child of Prague statue, we can include this historical and early piece in
that genre. It is a wooden St
Joseph holding the infant Jesus carved in detail, circa 1800, standing on an
attached wood platform, and dressed in it ornate and original holy robes of
backed fabric, metallic trims and beads, with the Christ child
having his original, adorned fabric
crown that fits snugly on top of his carved hair. |
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For display, it is almost difficult to hide the intricate carving of the holy wood figure, with its jewel colors and master artwork style, along with its more primitive feel against the adorned robes. Even the lining is interesting as you an see the detailed stitching, on on a sea of ancient violet silk, that supports the outside embroidery Luckily the garment is easily removable on the back with two hooks. |
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Wooden Madonna Statue 9 1/2" Tall |
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$1,050. |
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From the 18th century survives this all wood, carved statue of the Madonna, with downward carved face, flowing robes and intricately modeled hands. Most probably from France, she has carved folds and folds of deeply hued clothing, combined with gold-leafed accents, on a square wooden platform that is one with the stature. |
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Her presentation is peaceful and comforting. An important display piece for
Holidays or any day, or for an early doll collection. |
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Early Peddler Man 9 1/2" |
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Molded Leather Head $650. |
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From
the famous Dorothy Dixon collection, we have this early, handmade peddler
man with a head of molded, painted leather, circa 1830.
His brown wool suit with red wool vest has quite a bit of detail, on
up to his curled brown yarn hair and beard and the wool felt hat on top.
He has glass eyes and a moustache, adding depth to his molded
character face. From his
shoulders hangs a platform of wares for sale, ranging from playing cards,
beads, scissors, jewelry, shoes and gloves, to an iron, tote bag, tools and
a miniscule black frozen Charley (plus more).
He stands on a velvet-covered, square wood pedestal.
Quite the conversation piece. |
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French Paper Mache with Applied Hair $795. |
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Endearing in this small size, (10") we have a diminutive 10” French paper mache doll with the “Pauline” face, painted features including clear blue eyes and black painted hair, onto which is attached a tiny, brunette human hair braid that is original. Her head and shoulders are of a light complexion, painted paper mache and the entire body is of kid leather. |
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Never
having been undressed we can assume the body is in great shape, just like or
better than the parts of the doll that have been exposed to time.
The costume is from a region of France, similar to that of Alsace and
it is original, including the tiny leather slippers on the feet.
Only the bonnet appears to have been added, and she can be displayed
with or without it. Not wearing
the bonnet, you can really appreciate just what a beautiful example she is!
Her cotton shawl does have some wear.
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Early Paper Mache Man from
Vierlande, $1,300. 13 1/2" |
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Early Paper Mache Woman from
Vierlande, $1,450 14" |
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From the early years of paper mache doll production, circa 1820-30, comes this finely detailed man, (and woman described below) most probably by Johann Friedrich Muller, who provided heads for many other doll companies of his time. He has molded, black painted hair with wisps of strands combed towards his forehead, glass eyes, closed, painted lips and very pale complexion with a hint of cheek color. His body if of cloth, with the legs being gessoed and oil painted with stockings and slipper-type shoes. The arms are of hard paper mache with detail fingers and the same pale painting as on the face and shoulder plate. The clothing is the regional costume of Vierlande, on the Northeastern border of Germany, somewhat near to Berlin, and he is all original and in excellent condition (sleeves of shirt darkened with age). Described below is his female partner, priced separately. |
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Hoping to stay with her mate, listed above, we have an early German paper mache lady, circa 1820-1830, most probably by Johann Friedrich Muller, who provided heads for many other doll companies of his time. She has a black painted head covering that suggests hair underneath with its surface holding. Also painted black is a widow’s peak in the center of her forehead and the black ties of her cap painted onto her chin area. |
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She, too, has glass eyes, closed, painted lips and very pale complexion with
a hint of cheek colorHer body is of cloth, with the legs being
gessoed and oil painted with stockings and slipper-type shoes.
The arms are of hard paper mache with detail fingers and the same
pale painting as on the face and shoulder plate.
The multi-layered and colorful clothing is the regional costume of
Vierlande, on the Northeastern border of Germany, somewhat near to Berlin,
and she is all original and in excellent condition (sleeves of shirt
darkened with age). Atop her
head is her original straw bonnet, fragile but wearable, with its original
black ribbon intact. |
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Early Peddler Grodnertal Wooden $4,950. |
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Having first been a part of Austria, then called South Tyrolea before World War 1, the Grodnertal region near Germany was home to the production of these fascinating wooden dolls. Adding to the warm, inviting charm of these dainty works of art, some were dressed to represent local peddlers of their assorted wares, that would carry a basket of necessities and delights to be purchased on the street. This particular 12 1/2" Grodnertal is an early one, detected by her egg-shaped, carved head, and the painted hair detail on her forehead. See the extended painted shadows and strokes that represent wisps of hair and curls below. She has painted blue eyes with human detail, a prim red upturned lips, and gently rouged cheeks. Her head and torso are one piece, while the limbs are jointed at the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. |
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Her feet are carved as her
orange painted little slippers.
Look at the impressive costume she wears that consists of a bold, black and
white striped skirt, a tiny brown print, long sleeved blouse, a white cotton
shawl and long white, lace-trimmed pantaloons, kept warm by her bright red,
hooded wool cape that can rest over her straw, silk covered bonnet.
Now let’s see what she has to sell in her original straw basket of
wares…You can spot knitting yarn, scissors on a presentation card as well as
a knife and fork on their card, socks, needles and a needle container,
household tools, a dangling glass bottle, a folding pocket knife, a pair of
mittens and some sewing trim on a card, and it goes on…the more you look! |
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English Wooden Child with Endearing Presence $10,500. |
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Along with representing a child, this late, George III English wooden (20") has that special something that only the esoteric changes of time and the natural combination of presentation details can provide. Carved by a wood worker at the very end of the eighteenth century, she has the simpler details of features typical of the examples from that time, but her simpatica personality makes her stand out and almost come to life. She has the darkest brown enamel eyes, one-stroke brows, long pronounced nose, demure smiling painted red lips, rosy complexion and rouged cheeks that combined together give her an endearing energy. |
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Her brunette, human hair curls are secured to the top of her head and the unrestored surface of her face shows the tracks of play and adoration starting 225 years ago! Acceptable and not distracting for a true lover of antique woodens. Her rounded head and simply carved torso are one piece, as are her carved wooden legs being only jointed at the hips. Her arms are of original kid leather, both of which have had a patch added at the elbows later on. Her feet are crudely carved then tinted in a cadmium red paint, with the left one having the front tip chipped off (hidden in the shoe). |
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Now to her original clothing, that consists of a pre-Regency, long gown of diaphenous fabric, having the new, linear silhouette that drew from the fashions of ancient Greece. She remarkably retains the matching cap in the same fabric, with the same silk ribbon pleated trim as the bodice of the dress. Not to mention the adorable silk slippers with a bit of metallic trim. The pillow with the embroidered “B” has been given to her, however the chair is not for sale and just a prop. |
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Mason Taylor Doll of Wood and Pewter $995. |
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Around the time of the early American wooden and metal doll of Joel Ellis came this very similar doll (11 1/2") from Mason Taylor of Springfield, VT, ca 1880. She has the distinctive, carved wood swivel head with different, blond painted hair, wood torso, arms and legs, and pewter hands and feet which are in a boot shape. |
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Much of the blue boot paint has worn off. Her meticulously jointed limbs
provide flexibility and ease of posing.
On the back of her right hip is some missing wood from some time ago
due to the equal aging color exposed.
It is tempting to display this doll without clothing so to appreciate
her unique, early construction. |
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Early China in Orig. Military Costume $695. |
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A bit of French military nostalgia comes to life here with this endearing wartime “water boy” (12 3/4") with the original uniform he would have worn on the battle grounds bringing water to the troops. He even carries his wooden barrel cantene hanging from a leather strap. The whole outfit is original, including the wooden clogs and the fabric, pointed cap he wears. He is an early German china, circa 1845-50, with a short hairdo, exposed ears, and rare wisps of side hair painted on his temples. Probably depicting the time of the Franco Moroccan war of the 1840's. |
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| His original body is of cloth while his arms are leather with stitched fingers. Over his simple, red cotton trousers, is a quite elaborate, long military wool jacket in navy blue, with boldly placed rows of gold metal buttons, additional red coard trim, white cotton underclothing and and apron as well. I had recently sold a smaller, French china water girl in a very similar outfit, also purchased in Paris! |
more Early Dolls go to page 2
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Cell (818) 738-4591 n Home Phone (818) 562-7839
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