Very Special F.G. Child Fashion in Box with Provenance
ON LAYAWAY
Purchased during a recent trip to Paris, this little François Gaultier “nun-to-be” (12″) is quite the find due to her special originality, history, and unique provenance. She wears her original black wool robe and veil of a young convent student and rests in her antique oval wood box, which has a handwritten note attached under the lid.
It reads:
“Doll dressed like the students of the Ladies of the Visitation (the Congregation of the Visitation, known as the Visitandines). My grandmother, Mrs. Elluin née Elisabeth Lottin, was a boarding student there in 1858. (Address of the school) Rue de Vaugirard, Paris. (Written on the side of the paper) I leave this doll to Marie Françoise.”
This makes her all the more special when you see her blue enamel eyes thoughtfully peering out from her pale bisque face beneath her original blond mohair wig. She has a stationary neck and shoulder plate and an all-kid leather body with mitten-type hands, and she remains in unplayed-with condition throughout, with her clothing never having been removed. The original cotton undergarments and tiny black leather slippers can be seen under her skirt. The aqua ribbon sash accents her presentation and may hold special significance, while the gold-tone metal crucifix around her neck completes her story.
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Diminutive Rohmer
12"
Young Fashion Girl
ON LAYAWAY
Not marked but looking so “Rohmer”, this sweet sized example has an especially appealing presence with her china shoulder head, blue painted eyes, original blond mohair wig with long, multi-braids streaming down her back. The molding of her face is detailed and full of character, and the coloring of her features is demure but quite vivid at the same time. She is on a body of all leather, with straight legs, arms and stitched fingers and it seems as if her costume has never been removed.
The enfantine style dress is of a crisp ecru organdy and early, stiff lace being used for decoration and style. The silk waist and collar ribbon, applied bows and covered chapeau are all of the same, rich royal blue that sets off her eyes. Underneath are layers of her original cotton undergarments, stockings and on her feet are a pair of ivory leather, ankle-tie shoes. Her owner named her “Betty Lou”.
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Mailing Address
119 Muirfield
Williamsburg VA 23188
Phone
(818) 738-4591