Rare Antique SFBJ Doll, 14" Tall, Fully Articulated, Original Dress, Slip, Socks and Shoes, Plus Christening Dress and Accessories Circa 1920
Let me start by saying that this is a really cute doll. It was made by SFBJ (Societe Francaise de Fabrication de Bebes & Jouets) and was a bought as a gift for the grand daughter of one of the directors of Au Bon Marche in Paris. It was bought at Au Paradis Des Enfants, the famous French toy shop in Paris in 1915. Naturally he would have had the pick of any doll and he wisely chose this one. This a rare example as SFBJ at the time produced dolls with bisque heads but this one is composite so it may have been one of the originals from when several French doll makers amalgamated to form SFBJ in 1899.
It was not bought by a collector so it has been played with extensively which means it is not in perfect condition as there is a rub at the base of the neck and a small patch that has flaked on the left arm. The eyes open and close but the mechanism requires adjusting.
All of the joints work perfectly and she is fully articulated. The body is composite as is the head. The mark on the rear of the head is SFBJ Paris and below is a mark I cannot read but which I assume is 4 as the gorgeous leather shoes that she is wearing have 4 on the sole.
This beautiful doll is about 14" tall, I say about because I am not entirely sure where one measures from or to and whether the hair, which is a lovely auburn brown, is included.
The eyes are a stunning blue and made from glass. The original eyelashes are partly still there. All toes and fingers are perfect.
She still has her original dress which is pretty blue grey with lace trimmings and a floral pattern with floral embroidery. Underneath she has a cotton slip with integrated underwear. The socks and shoes are also original.
In addition there is a stunning Christening outfit, completely hand made, which has the dress, apron and bonnet.
Let me start by saying that this is a really cute doll. It was made by SFBJ (Societe Francaise de Fabrication de Bebes & Jouets) and was a bought as a gift for the grand daughter of one of the directors of Au Bon Marche in Paris. It was bought at Au Paradis Des Enfants, the famous French toy shop in Paris in 1915. Naturally he would have had the pick of any doll and he wisely chose this one. This a rare example as SFBJ at the time produced dolls with bisque heads but this one is composite so it may have been one of the originals from when several French doll makers amalgamated to form SFBJ in 1899.
It was not bought by a collector so it has been played with extensively which means it is not in perfect condition as there is a rub at the base of the neck and a small patch that has flaked on the left arm. The eyes open and close but the mechanism requires adjusting.
All of the joints work perfectly and she is fully articulated. The body is composite as is the head. The mark on the rear of the head is SFBJ Paris and below is a mark I cannot read but which I assume is 4 as the gorgeous leather shoes that she is wearing have 4 on the sole.
This beautiful doll is about 14" tall, I say about because I am not entirely sure where one measures from or to and whether the hair, which is a lovely auburn brown, is included.
The eyes are a stunning blue and made from glass. The original eyelashes are partly still there. All toes and fingers are perfect.
She still has her original dress which is pretty blue grey with lace trimmings and a floral pattern with floral embroidery. Underneath she has a cotton slip with integrated underwear. The socks and shoes are also original.
In addition there is a stunning Christening outfit, completely hand made, which has the dress, apron and bonnet.
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