A Circle of Dolls
“A Circle of Dolls” was the theme of Theriault’s October, 1981 catalog auction, the title inspired by Frenchman architect, Pierre Charles L’Enfant, whose designs concerned the use of interlocking circles to unify people and places. This is, fittingly, the first commemorative title chosen. Highlighting the auction are dolls from the estate of Connie Frank of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, whose enthusiastic pleasure in dolls and toys graced the auction rooms of Theriault’s for nearly two decades. Softbound. 10" x 10". 140 pages.
$59.00
Catalog Lot List details
21" (53 cm.) Sculpted porcelain shoulderhead depicting the Prince at the time of Elizabeth's coronation, light brown sculpted hair, painted features, small blue eyes, strong nose and jaw, firm lips of closed mouth, cloth body, porcelain lower arms and legs, painted black shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Martha Thompson 1953. Comments: Martha Thompson, 1953, the companion portrait of Queen Elizabeth II at the time of her coronation. Value Points: the regal sculpting is enhanced by outstanding blue woolen uniform created exclusively for this doll by Martha Yeske, with an exceptional collection of medals, sword, and decorations.
Presale Estimate:
800/1000
Realized Price:
$13,500
21" (53 cm.) Sculpted porcelain shoulderhead depicting Queen Elizabeth II at the time of her coronation, with sculpted brown hair waved into curls behind her ears, painted facial features, blue shaded eyes, closed mouth, modeled bosom cloth body, porcelain arms, gold heeled shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: M.D. Thompson 1953. Comments: Martha Thompson, the highly esteemed American doll artist, charter member of NIADA, inspired by the 1953 coronation of the young queen, hand-sculpted the doll which is wearing its original couturier gown made by Martha Yeske of Connecticut. Mrs. Yeske had traveled to a meeting of the Boston Doll Study Group in the early 1950s, bringing along her work on a replica of the young Queen's actual Coronation gown. At this meeting she met Martha Thompson who loved the costume so much that she immediately purchased it for one of her dolls. In return Martha Thompson gave an uncostumed Queen Elizabeth doll to Mrs. Yeske, which is this present doll. A friendship ensued, with exchanges of dolls and costumes, lasting until Martha Thompson's death in 1964. The story is related in newspaper clippings of the time which are included with this doll. Value Points: the portrait doll is wearing an extraordinary costume replicated by Martha Yeske from original pattern designs, and according to the included article has 3600 beads, 200 pearls, and 100 rhinestones arranged in symbolic designs such as the shamrock and Tudor rose. The doll was acquired by its present owner nearly 60 years ago from Mrs. Yeske and has remained in her possession until now.
Presale Estimate:
1500/2100
Realized Price:
$3,200
The royal purple velvet robe extends 60" from the back neck to the end of the extended train, with moire taffeta lining, and is edged with a 2 1/2" w. real ermine border which also forms a draped collar. The robe is further accented by white pearl-like florets at the collar tips, and the train is richly embroidered with a gold metallic garland centering an embroidered crown and ER. Along with a purple velvet coronation crown, and a silver coronation crown. Excellent condition. From the couturier workshops of Martha Yeske, who was commissioned by Martha Thompson in its creation, circa 1953.
Presale Estimate:
400/700
Realized Price:
$1,800
10" (25 cm.) Porcelain shoulderhead of young lad, painted short brown side-parted hair in boyish manner, painted facial features, narrow blue eyes, closed mouth, soft blushing, cloth body, porcelain lower limbs, painted socks and black buckle shoes, silk costume. Condition: Generally excellent. Marks: MDT 53. Comments: portrait of young Prince Charles at the time of his mother's coronation in 1953 by charter NIADA artist, Martha Thompson. Value Points: very apt portraiture of the young prince.
Presale Estimate:
400/600
Realized Price:
$500
10" (25 cm.) Porcelain shoulderhead of young girl, blonde sculpted short curly hair, painted facial features, narrow blue eyes, closed mouth, soft blushing, cloth body, porcelain lower limbs, painted socks and white strap shoes, lace costume. Condition: Generally excellent. Marks: MDT 53. Comments: portrait of young Princess Anne at the time of her mother's coronation in 1953 by charter NIADA artist, Martha Thompson. Value Points: very fine sculpting of hair and facial features.
Presale Estimate:
400/500
Realized Price:
$550
21" (53 cm.) Sculpted porcelain shoulderhead depicting Queen Elizabeth with brown sculpted hair under a sculpted silver crown with rhinestone accents, painted facial features, brown eyes, painted lashes and brushstroked brows, closed mouth, defined throat hollow and bosom, cloth body, bisque arms and legs, silver heeled shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: M. Thompson Elizabeth II 1953. Comments: Martha Thompson, 1953, the doll is wearing couturier gown created for this doll by Martha Yeske, a close friend of Martha Thompson; the doll was acquired by its present owner from Martha Yeske nearly 60 years ago. Value Points: rare version of the portrait queen, having sculpted crown and sculpted necklace with rhinestone accents.
Presale Estimate:
800/1100
Realized Price:
$1,800
17" (43 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque shoulderplate, large grey glass enamel inset eyes with darker grey outer rims, painted lashes, arched feathered brows, accented nostrils and eye corners, closed mouth with delicately-accented lips, pierced ears, blonde mohair wig over cork pate, French kid poupee body with shapely torso, gusset-jointing at elbows, hips and knees. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: 4. Comments: French, attributed to Jumeau, circa 1875. Value Points: beautiful expression with luminous eyes, original wig, sturdy body, wearing original silk couturier costume, bonnet, undergarments, leather boots.
Presale Estimate:
2800/3500
Realized Price:
$2,900
5" (13 cm.) Bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, cobalt blue glass eyes, single-stroke brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with pertly-shaped lips, blonde mohair wig with extended braid, peg-jointed bisque arms and legs, painted white ribbed stockings and black two-strap shoes. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: for the French market, circa 1890. Value Points: most endearing expression, wearing antique red silk dress with lace trim and silk-covered buttons.
Presale Estimate:
500/700
Realized Price:
$5,000
5" (13 cm.) Solid domed bisque swivel head on kid-edged bisque torso, cobalt blue glass inset eyes, painted lashes, single-stroke brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with center accent line, peg-jointed bisque arms and legs, painted white stockings and brown heeled ankle boots. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: for the French market, circa 1882, the mignonettes were introduced at that time in the Paris Etrennes catalog described as "poupees de poche" (pocket dolls) in reference to their dainty size. Value Points: especially beautiful face with fine painting of features, cobalt blue eyes, rare brown boots, antique costume.
Presale Estimate:
800/1100
Realized Price:
$1,700
3 1/2" (9 cm.) l. necessaire. Including firm-sided ovoid-shaped necessaire with ornamental velvet and embossed leather cover, bail handles, fitted interior with tiny bone awl and thimble, and metal scissors. Along with a glass-top box with gilt edging containing six faux-tortoise hair combs in petite size for poupees, each comb different; and with a pair of 4" brown kidskin gloves. Excellent condition. French, circa 1875.
Presale Estimate:
500/700
Realized Price:
$1,500