Nelling, Inc.
E a r l y D o l l s
page 1, 2
(Click on photos to enlarge)
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Oberammergau 24" |
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Early Wooden Doll of 1804 $29,750. |
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Very seldom in our collecting journey do we get to hold one of these artistic masterpieces in our hands, especially with the doll in such natural condition. From the German city of Oberammergau, where once every decade the tradition of the "Passion Play" takes place, she steps off the page of an art history book and provides us with a three-dimensional study. |
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The body is fully jointed and is worthy of constant display, however she does have an antique, long-sleeved, fine cotton garment that can serve as a floor-length slip, underneath her chiffon gown and shawl of antique fabrics and trims. Her brunette, tousled human hair wig is soft and romantic, and she wears a subtle string of pearly beads. |
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Beidermeier China Monk in Original Robes $1,995. |
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Wearing what are his original religious Medieval monk robes, we have a 16" Beidermeier china man with white china head and shoulder plate, solid dome head with painted black, center-parted hair, painted features and original china lower arms. The rest of his body is of stuffed cloth, stitch jointed at the shoulders and hips. |
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His long, white scapular rests front and back, over his black/brown wool tunic, and over that a dark wool long apron with a red, intricately embroidered Crucifix on the chest. He wears a long rope or "cinture" around the waist, along with an antique black rosary. |
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Extraordinary English Wooden 21 1/2" |
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King Georg III Era $14,250 ON LAYAWAY |
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Who would expect to find this majestic English wooden doll in Paris? But then again, she looked quite at home when she was found there earlier this year, with her original, detailed, fine silk, French court type costume and cotton undergarments. She had been in a private collection for decades. Circa 1790, she has dark enamel eyes, nicely carved features and a slim neck which is an inspiration of the earlier of Georgian era dolls. |
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Her upper arms are of cloth, and original lower arms of wood with separately carved fingers, and her lovely body is jointed at the hips and knees, with the legs having earlier, defined shape with her feet being actual carved and painted, red bootines. Multi-layers of contrasting striped silk in blue tones, over a pale peach under layer, has accents of ruched borders and collar, decorated bodice over supportive stomacher, and the extreme skirt silhouette that made her take up as much space in the room as possible! There has been some touch up to her face, limited to the forehead and under her chin and jaw. The antique, platinum mohair wig is replaced as is the straw hat. Display pieces in one photo are not included. |
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Wooden Infant of Prague Held by St. Joseph |
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8 1/2" tall, 10" wide, overall $975. |
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With
many examples through the centuries that are meant to replicate the Infant
Child of Prague statue, we can include this historical and early piece in
that genre. It is a wooden St
Joseph holding the infant Jesus carved in detail, circa 1800, standing on an
attached wood platform, and dressed in it ornate and original holy robes of
backed fabric, metallic trims and beads, with the Christ child
having his original, adorned fabric
crown that fits snugly on top of his carved hair. |
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For display, it is almost difficult to hide the intricate carving of the holy wood figure, with its jewel colors and master artwork style, along with its more primitive feel against the adorned robes. Even the lining is interesting as you an see the detailed stitching, on on a sea of ancient violet silk, that supports the outside embroidery Luckily the garment is easily removable on the back with two hooks. |
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Wooden Madonna Statue 9 1/2" Tall |
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$1,050. |
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From the 18th century survives this all wood, carved statue of the Madonna, with downward carved face, flowing robes and intricately modeled hands. Most probably from France, she has carved folds and folds of deeply hued clothing, combined with gold-leafed accents, on a square wooden platform that is one with the stature. |
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Her presentation is peaceful and comforting. An important display piece for
Holidays or any day, or for an early doll collection. |
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Early Peddler Man 9 1/2" |
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Molded Leather Head $650. |
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From
the famous Dorothy Dixon collection, we have this early, handmade peddler
man with a head of molded, painted leather, circa 1830.
His brown wool suit with red wool vest has quite a bit of detail, on
up to his curled brown yarn hair and beard and the wool felt hat on top.
He has glass eyes and a moustache, adding depth to his molded
character face. From his
shoulders hangs a platform of wares for sale, ranging from playing cards,
beads, scissors, jewelry, shoes and gloves, to an iron, tote bag, tools and
a miniscule black frozen Charley (plus more).
He stands on a velvet-covered, square wood pedestal.
Quite the conversation piece. |
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French Paper Mache with Applied Hair SOLD |
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Endearing in this small size, (10") we have a diminutive 10” French paper mache doll with the “Pauline” face, painted features including clear blue eyes and black painted hair, onto which is attached a tiny, brunette human hair braid that is original. Her head and shoulders are of a light complexion, painted paper mache and the entire body is of kid leather. |
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Never
having been undressed we can assume the body is in great shape, just like or
better than the parts of the doll that have been exposed to time.
The costume is from a region of France, similar to that of Alsace and
it is original, including the tiny leather slippers on the feet.
Only the bonnet appears to have been added, and she can be displayed
with or without it. Not wearing
the bonnet, you can really appreciate just what a beautiful example she is!
Her cotton shawl does have some wear.
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Early Paper Mache Man from
Vierlande, $1,300. 13 1/2" |
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Early Paper Mache Woman from
Vierlande, $1,450 14" |
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From the early years of paper mache doll production, circa 1820-30, comes this finely detailed man, (and woman described below) most probably by Johann Friedrich Muller, who provided heads for many other doll companies of his time. He has molded, black painted hair with wisps of strands combed towards his forehead, glass eyes, closed, painted lips and very pale complexion with a hint of cheek color. His body if of cloth, with the legs being gessoed and oil painted with stockings and slipper-type shoes. The arms are of hard paper mache with detail fingers and the same pale painting as on the face and shoulder plate. The clothing is the regional costume of Vierlande, on the Northeastern border of Germany, somewhat near to Berlin, and he is all original and in excellent condition (sleeves of shirt darkened with age). Described below is his female partner, priced separately. |
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Hoping to stay with her mate, listed above, we have an early German paper mache lady, circa 1820-1830, most probably by Johann Friedrich Muller, who provided heads for many other doll companies of his time. She has a black painted head covering that suggests hair underneath with its surface holding. Also painted black is a widow’s peak in the center of her forehead and the black ties of her cap painted onto her chin area. |
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She, too, has glass eyes, closed, painted lips and very pale complexion with
a hint of cheek colorHer body is of cloth, with the legs being
gessoed and oil painted with stockings and slipper-type shoes.
The arms are of hard paper mache with detail fingers and the same
pale painting as on the face and shoulder plate.
The multi-layered and colorful clothing is the regional costume of
Vierlande, on the Northeastern border of Germany, somewhat near to Berlin,
and she is all original and in excellent condition (sleeves of shirt
darkened with age). Atop her
head is her original straw bonnet, fragile but wearable, with its original
black ribbon intact. |
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Early Peddler Grodnertal Wooden $4,950. |
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Having first been a part of Austria, then called South Tyrolea before World War 1, the Grodnertal region near Germany was home to the production of these fascinating wooden dolls. Adding to the warm, inviting charm of these dainty works of art, some were dressed to represent local peddlers of their assorted wares, that would carry a basket of necessities and delights to be purchased on the street. This particular 12 1/2" Grodnertal is an early one, detected by her egg-shaped, carved head, and the painted hair detail on her forehead. See the extended painted shadows and strokes that represent wisps of hair and curls below. She has painted blue eyes with human detail, a prim red upturned lips, and gently rouged cheeks. Her head and torso are one piece, while the limbs are jointed at the shoulders, elbows, hips and knees. |
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Her feet are carved as her
orange painted little slippers.
Look at the impressive costume she wears that consists of a bold, black and
white striped skirt, a tiny brown print, long sleeved blouse, a white cotton
shawl and long white, lace-trimmed pantaloons, kept warm by her bright red,
hooded wool cape that can rest over her straw, silk covered bonnet.
Now let’s see what she has to sell in her original straw basket of
wares…You can spot knitting yarn, scissors on a presentation card as well as
a knife and fork on their card, socks, needles and a needle container,
household tools, a dangling glass bottle, a folding pocket knife, a pair of
mittens and some sewing trim on a card, and it goes on…the more you look! |
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more Early Dolls go to page 2
Post Office Box 4327 n Burbank, CA 91503
Cell (818) 738-4591 n Home Phone (818) 562-7839
Don't forget to look at the Miscellaneous page!
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