French Mechanical Toy "Little Girl with Toy Ball" by Vichy

10" (25 cm.) Standing upon a three-wheeled tinplate base is a bisque-head girl with brown glass paperweight inset eyes, 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, red silk shoes, holding a tinplate ball at the tip of a metal spiral spring. When wound, she moves forward, circles, and continues, while the spiral handle causes the ball 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: the early toy with delightful action is enhanced by original silk costume, maker's signature.