04-12-200304-12-2003
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBolton MA
2196
April 12, 2003 10:00 AMCalender
332

Gutta Percha Bru Bebe Doll

Sell one like this
$940$800
Auction: Sale #2196 - 2196Location: BoltonDate / Time: April 12, 2003 10:00AM

Description:

Gutta Percha Bru Bebe Doll, France, c. 1880s, head of terra-cotta colored gutta percha, blue paperweight feathered eyes, closed mouth, unpierced ears (tiny eye chip, nose and chin rubs, some paint wear around head and neck),embossed BRU 11 at back of head, brown human hair wig, fully articulated composition body with six separate balls, chunky early Kestner variety, red wool plaid dress of the era, blue net stockings, bronzed leather ankle-strap shoes marked Bru Jne Paris 8, ht. 24 in.

Note: A note with this doll identified it as gutta percha, a material which found use in 19th century French doll manufacturing, but the Bru firm had a longstanding use of rubber in their products as well as mention of gutta percha. The material has not been tested so as not to render any harm to the head.
Estimate $2,000-2,500

Keywords

Paris, France, head of terra-cotta, rubber, doll manufacturing