London’s Chiswick Auctions plans festive Dec. 11 toy and doll sale

LONDON – Most British antique dealers are very well acquainted with Chiswick Auctions, the West London firm whose sales bring to the market a myriad of exciting discoveries from their popular valuation days. Chiswick’s Dec. 11 auction presents an especially appealing opportunity for buyers in the run-up to Chrismas – a 300-lot selection of wonderful toys, dolls and textiles. Online bidding will be possible from anywhere in the world via LiveAuctioneers.com.

It was precisely from one of Chiswick’s valuation days that a rare and important Grodner Tal wooden doll, known more commonly as a Tuck comb doll, emerged from a neatly boxed bundle. The appealing carved and painted doll had been hidden away in an attic for many years and, obviously having been kept away from damp and light, is none the worse for wear. Its decorative yoke is highly colored and very bright, making it an exceptional find.

The doll was lathe turned and has tenon joints at her shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, allowing full circular movement. Its face is finely carved and delicately painted, with soft blue eyes and a rose tint to the ears and chin. The doll’s ears have tiny metal loops made to accommodate earrings. Made in the Groden Valley, Groden Tal and South Tyrol, Germany, this doll dates to 1810-1830. It has a slim, elongated body and measures 27½ inches. Its clothing includes two pairs of split knickers, two chemises, one full-length petticoat with puffed sleeves and a white open-backed drawstrung white dress with extremely long arms; a velvet and silk bonnet, and a old dimity printed scarf.

Also to be auctioned is a magnificent George III wooden doll, often called a “Queen Anne,” and also standing 27½ inches tall. Made in England circa 1790–1820, this doll is a later Queen Anne but also a very early George III with blue enamel eyes, carved ears, gesso and painted features including fine dot eyebrows and lashes. It has wooden fork-like hands with individually carved fingers. The sought-after doll wears a boned blue silk bodice that ties at the back, and a pale blue silk skirt in delicate condition. this has held together well but her skirt in pale blue silk is in delicate condition.

Chiswick Auctions’ Toy, Doll and Textile Specialist Tracie Vallis remarked, “The art of doll holds significant resonance with me. Through my interest, I begin to understand the social history of childhood, fashion, art and particularly the importance of cottage industry. While men mostly carved these dolls, it was women who sat, often by candlelight, sewing these dresses – an important role for women ‘without substance’ who certainly could never have afforded to own one such as the ones for whom they created clothing.”

Tracie Vallis is available to assist collectors with further information, advice and condition reports prior to the Dec. 11 sale. E-mail: tracie@chiswickauctions.com. Tel. (from USA) 011 44 20 8992 4442.

View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live via the Internet at www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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View the fully illustrated catalog and register to bid absentee or live via the Internet as the sale is taking place by logging on to www.LiveAuctioneers.com.

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ADDITIONAL LOTS OF NOTE

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