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Lot 41

A FRENCH MUSICAL AUTOMATON, LAUGHING CHILD WITH POLICHINELLE
By Leopold Lambert, circa 1892

The bisque-head doll depicting a laughing child, brown glass eyes, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, bisque forearms, a miniature toy Polichinelle dangles from her left hand and a pocket watch is held in her right, standing upon a velvet-covered base, when wound, the doll sequentially turns her head, delightedly lifts the Polichinelle up and down as though in play, and alternately looks at her watch
53cm high (overall height including hat), the base 13cm wide, 21cm deep

Estimate $1,500 - $2,500

Sold for $6,000

Overall condition good, no losses visible to face.
Repair to one finger
Garments appear original, wear, losses and fraying in places
Repair to one leg on miniature toy, together with smaller losses
Wear, staining, repairs and losses overall to velvet covered base
Function appears to play well.

Condition report on sight only, garments not removed, body and movement not sighted


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.


Theriaults, Bijoux, Florida, January 7, 2018, lot 154

Decorative Arts

AUCTION
Sale: LJ8805
4:00pm - 30 March 2026
Hawthorn

VIEWING
Fri 27 - Sun 29 March, 11am - 5pm
2 Oxley Rd, Hawthorn, VIC

CONTACT
Chiara Curcio
decorativearts@leonardjoel.com.au


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