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Rare Antique Paper Mache Doll Stamped Body w/Bellows 26" Glass Eyes 1800s Webber
$ 102.96
- Description
- Size Guide
Description
Antique papier-mache & cloth body doll, measuring approx. 26" tallDoll has a wood rib cage (?) & bellows button; stamped on the cloth is "I Sing Cradles Empty."--internet research shows that back in the 1800s there was a song called "Cradle's Empty, Baby's Gone", a mourning song, sung by a mother; when the button is pushed there is a noise, but no singing--I've never before seen a doll stamped like this
The head looks German made; the body stamping is in English; the toes are interesting in that they are stitch-delineated; the legs are hinged & the arms may be composition, and she has a wonderful hourglass shape
The blue glass eyes are the bulging type, her wig feels almost like human hair but I'm not sure about that, and in it is pinned a rumpled pink satin ribbon; she wears an ecru-colored underslip/dress, an outer white dress (both pieces are cotton) and black socks
Condition: This doll is very old and shows age wear-and-tear; her wig is abundant but messy, is attached, and through it, it feels like there's a large hole in the paper mache at the crown, so the wig may be covering some damage there; the face paint looks pretty good though, and her lips look like they may have been repainted at some point over the decades; the paper mache has typical cracks/peeling, her socks have holes as does the white dress, which also has general tattering & spotting, and it must have been added at one time as it is too small for her waist and is pinned on in the back, but it's old nonetheless, I think; adhesive tape was placed around the bellows box area--it's the old kind of tape, has yellowed & dried some, and is now peeling away--you can see part of the wood rib cage/box showing through the cloth tearing under the tape (see photos); aside from that, though, the cloth body is in remarkable shape for the age--a few spots, but no leaks or major tears and the fill is firm; it is nicely hinged and her arms and hands look good for the age also--some paint wear, but no breaks; her eyes are in very good condition and are bright; despite her flaws, she presents nicely as an antique doll--I have dealt with and seen thousands of dolls in my lifetime, and have never seen a doll quite like this one--I believe she is very rare indeed, and would be a remarkable and charming addition to any antique dolls collection and display
She is very carefully wrapped and packed and ready to ship
Truly a rare doll--serious bidders/buyers only, please
Sold "as found", pre-owned, no returns, so please study the photos carefully
Ships quickly, fully insured, to the Continental USA only
Thanks so much for viewing--I really appreciate it! :)
Note:
A very kind ebayer wrote and told me that this is a Webber singing doll, made in the 1880s, that has a roll inside that plays the music and the bellows must be pressed several times to get it to play; (as the doll is already packed up, I can't test this); she also mentioned that the original arms on these dolls were kid leather and that this doll likely has replacement arms--
I am always sincerely grateful for the ebay community as it's full of such helpful members! :)
My shop is smoke-free and dog-friendly.
Please note that I do not know my items' previous histories--they are culled from various sources, including estate sales, country auctions, thrift stores, etc. I will mention any flaws I notice, but may miss something important to you, so please ask any questions before you bid/buy--I generally respond to questions quickly.
Shipping is to the Continental USA only (lower 48); I pack my items well and ship quickly.
Payment is expected immediately with Buy-it-Now and within 48 hours of auction's end with auction-type listings.
Thanks again for viewing--I really appreciate it! :)