French Mechanical Toy "Little Girl with Balloon" by Vichy

10" (25 cm.) Standing upon a three-wheeled tinplate base with original painted finish is a bisque-head girl with brown glass paperweight inset eyes, painted features, closed mouth, pierced ears, brunette mohair wig over cork pate, carton torso and legs, bisque hands, original red silk jacket dress with matching ribboned cap, with patterned silk bodice and skirt, red silk shoes, holding a tinplate balloon or ball with metal spiral handle, silk ribbons and brass bells. When wound, she moves forward, circles, and continues, while the spiral handle causes the balloon to bounce around. Condition: generally excellent, right forefinger broken at knuckle, tiny flakes on inside of left forefinger (hidden by ribbons). Marks: G.Vichy Paris (base). Comments: Vichy, Paris, circa 1875. Value Points: charming early toy with beautiful bisque face, rare to find with original costume, maker's signature.