Musical "Spanish Dancer with Tambourine" by Roullet & Decamps

16" (41 cm.) Standing upon a red velvet covered base with ebony wooden feet is a bisque head lady with large amber brown glass paperweight inset eyes,dark eyeliner,lushly-painted lashes,brush-stroked brows,accented nostrils and eye corners,closed mouth with outlined lips,pierced ears,blonde mohair wig over cork pate,composition torso with defined bosom and tiny waist,and slender legs,wire upper arms,bisque forearm. Condition: generally excellent,music and mechanism function wonderfully. Marks: E (impressed on head). Comments: Roullet et Decamps,circa 1890,the automaton appeared in the company catalog as "Espagnole femme",model 300,the rare E marking on the head indicating Espagnole and directing its particular complexion and brown eyes. When wound,the doll moves its head side-to-side and turns its wrist to and fro shaking the tambourine,while music plays. Value Points: in fresh vibrant condition,with beautifully preserved silk and velvet costume and lace coiffe,ribbon and bell decorated tambourine,the festive automaton has been preserved since 1890 in its original wooden storage box.