Nelling, Inc.
French D o l l s
page 1, 2
(Click on photos to enlarge)
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Jumeau Portrait Bebe $8650. |
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In a search for a doll with the softest presence, this 13 1/2" Jumeau second series portrait girl would fulfill the wish, as her creamy, dewy blushed bisque decorated with pale, gentle eyelash and brow strokes, rose petal closed lips, grey-blue paperweight eyes and sandy, blond original mohair wig made her a delicate subject in every photo. |
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She has a stamped, Jumeau eight ball body with straight wrists and wears a delightful, antique pink silk dress with lace trim floating around the skirt, shoulders and trimming the matching antique straw hat. Antique undergarments, socks and French leather shoes are also part of her ensemble, as well as an amethyst colored stone pendant around her neck. She is another proud graduate of the Legacy Doll Museum in Billings, Montana. |
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Fre. A Steiner 12" |
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La Parisienne $4975. |
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With the flat and crisp quality that an original organdy dress can supply, this cabinet size Figure A Steiner has that impeccable original feel that lovers of genuine doll clothing can appreciate. Only time can give us this unmistakable look and feel and it is so satisfying. Not to mention the antique bonne that compliments her crisp ensemble! Underneath are her antique white undergarments, stockings and French, ivory leather shoes. What a simple, clean presentation! |
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Her blue paperweight eyes, closed mouth, smooth, rose petal bisque, and softly- toned decoration are framed with her original blond mohair wig atop her original grey cardboard Steiner pate. Her fully jointed Steiner body with slim hands is in excellent condition, and bears the "La Parisienne" stamp on the upper left hip area. Her ivory painted fingernails suggests that she came from the Au Nain Bleu store in Paris, circa late 1880's. |
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Divine, Unmarked Bebe 15" |
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Attributed to Mothereau $8500. |
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Like answering a question with a question, so does this muse of a bebe provoke thought, complete a search and then cause it to continue. The hunt for an exquisite French bebe that has the attributes of the finest makers of that golden time may be over, but the learning continues. Marked only with an incised "2/0" on the back of the head, she opens discussion on being an early Jumeau, Schmitt or a Petit et Dumoutier, but a study of the body design brings Mothereau to the table. |
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Now everything seems to fall into place as she may be very similar to her ca. 1870's sisters, but the unusual expression that you know you've seen but not frequently, comes into focus. The highly unusual style of molding at the joints of her early, straight wrist French body is that of the Bebe Mothereau, as is her unique facial molding. As a very early bebe, she has unevenly cut, large almond eye sockets, dark brown enamel eyes, pale bisque (tiny pit at end of nose), an original and somewhat wild sheepskin wig, and a closed mouth with full lips that almost want so part and speak. Her A-line linen factory frock has the palest aqua ribbon detail that is repeated subtly on her frilly silk bonnet, both of which are perfect in every way for her. Undergarments all antique as are her pale aqua, crocheted socks and cream canvas antique shoes. |
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Petit e' Dumoutier 19" |
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Wax Over Composition $2450. |
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As an example of the many innovations by the
French doll factories of the 1880's to create a bebe that was unbreakable or
"incassable", this fresh-faced bebe has the facial features and body
detail that tie her to the PD factory. Her wide, rounded face with
idealistically almond, blue glass eyes, pouty mouth and soft coloring play
well with her wax over composition complexion that is very well preserved
with just the expected surface crazing. |
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Her body has the signature metal hands used by PD, on a near mint, five-piece composition body that retains it's French boutique stamp. She wears a factory, candy pink cotton frock, lace bonnet, and antique caramel colored mohair wig and some extra-ordinary, original cotton undergarments. The ivory leather, lace-up shoes are antique. This is one to round out any fine, French bebe collection. |
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Bebe Bru Modele |
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The Ever Limber Muse of the Bru Story SOLD |
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In looking for adjectives to sufficiently describe the beauty of this doll, there are so many... and then not enough. To state the facts, she is a 19" Bru Jne 7 with the famed and desirable Bru Modele body, a fully jointed wood body, including wrists and ankles, that allows for ultimate and unlimited articulation. She has soulful brown paperweight eyes, an abundant antique blond mohair wig, sensual mouth with molded tongue, pierced ears, and pale, eggshell bisque with subtle and soft decoration. Her mannequin-like body has the original finish and normal wear expected for a article of such prolific motion. |
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Her fully antique costume is a two-piece suit from her period, of a silk, wool and cotton blend, accented by a voluminous antique straw bonnet, with coordinating trim. Her flowing undergarments are noteworthy, especially her soft bebe corset. The rich blue accents of her dress and bonnet are picked up by her teal blue crocheted antique socks and of course, she takes her turns in her size 7 Bru shoes that are in excellent condition. After the facts, comes the poetic joy of posing her, naming her, and enjoying her. |
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Rare SFBJ 245 Googly ON LAYAWAY |
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| The French aspect really comes through with this joyfully smiling child , who has that extra dimension of "peculiar" that only the French could add. It is an idealization of the normal, almost a theatrical persona, and it is brilliant. This darling example is 8” tall, has blue glass sleep eyes, a closed, grinning mouth in which the molded teeth can be seen hiding between the lips, but having been intentionally painted the lip color by the factory, for a more watermelon smile. |
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The body is a stout, five-piece toddler style with molded and painted short boots of cinnamon brown. The hands show some wear, but the condition overall is excellent. The auburn mohair wig is antique if not original. The Brittany regional outfit and muslin undergarments she wears are fresh, from the SFBJ factory production line, with only the complementary bonnet with ribbon trim being an antique addition. The garments have never been removed and are stitched into permanent position. |
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more French dolls back to page 1
Post Office Box 4327 n Burbank, CA 91503
Cell (818) 738-4591 n Home Phone (818) 562-7839
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