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Sale 17971 - Fine Dolls and Teddy Bears, 26 May 2010
Knightsbridge


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Lot No: 206
A fine Sleeping Beauty 'Breather' musical automaton, possibly Phalibois, circa 1880
Moulded and painted grotto scene with plant and foliage decoration, beauty reclining on an outcrop with looking-glass alcove behind, the extremely rare French bisque head with delicately painted features, closed mouth, blue glass eyes and eyelashes, blonde wig, bisque lower arms, papier-maché body with shaped bosom, wearing pearl necklace and ruff, white lace dress with silver trim and red shoes. The standing Prince rare French bisque head, painted features with closed mouth and blue paperweight eyes, bisque lower arms holding a tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl lute, wearing purple velvet jacket and hat, velvet breeches all with lace and gold trim, orange stockings. All mounted on a wooden base housing a period Lecoultre Frerés keywind cylinder movement playing three traditional airs, key and start/stop actuating the scene above, when wound a brightly coloured feathered bird flies down from above to watch Beauty breathe raising her head and arms as she wakes whilst the Prince playing his lute moves his head up and down, (music box not original). Base 65x32cm (25 1/2x12 1/2in) and 75cm (29 1/2in) high.

Estimate: £10,000 - 15,000
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Email: Rachel Gotch
Tel: +44 (0)8700 273627

 
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