French Bisque Bebe by Schmitt et Fils with Boutique

15" (38 cm). Pressed bisque socket head with rounded facial modelling and very pale bisque, almond shaped brown glass enamel inset eyes, delicately painted lashes and brows, mauve blushed eyeshadow, accented eye corners and nostrils, closed mouth with accent line between the lips, pierced ears, lambswool wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden eight-loose- ball-jointed body with straight wrists and flat- cut derriere. Condition: generally excellent, small paint flake at back rim, original body finish albeit crackling on lower right arm. Marks: Sch (in shield at back of head and derriere). Comments: Schmitt et Fils, circa 1882, the doll has the original paper label of the Paris doll store Maison Bail from which it was sold. Value Points: the very beautiful bebe has choicest bisque and modelling, artistic painting, original signed body, antique costume comprising bronze silk dress with lace trim, blue leather shoes signed "Paris". A particular favorite of Mildred Seeley, the doll was featured in several of her books.