WHAT: A fine and rare bisque head doll incised βA. Marqueβ that sold for $115,900 recently in a toy and doll auction at Morphy Auctions dates from the golden age of French character doll making. The 22-inch girl doll is from a group created by French sculptor Albert Marque in the early 20th century for a French couturier who created their outfits.
MORE: It is thought that only 100 boy/girl doll pairs were produced. This circa 1914 doll is notable for her face from a complicated mold. Note the heart shape, the protruding upper lip, molded upper eyelid and distinctive eye and eyebrow painting. Her wig is human hair, and the specially created body has a pencil mold mark on a bisque foot. Original clothing is a Swiss festival dress; the underwear is original as are silk stockings and French leather shoes.
SMART COLLECTORS KNOW: Only 20 to 30 A. Marque dolls are known to exist today. When one in excellent condition comes on the market, collectors go wild. That goes a long way to explaining this six-figure result.
HOT TIP: From a known 60-year Chicago collection, the doll plus others sold were carefully selected by serious husband/wife collectors who, for decades, bought only the best they could afford.
BOTTOM LINE: A private collector was thrilled to win this doll because of its extreme rarity, top quality and excellent condition. Considered the Rolls-Royce of dolls, she is a star, and money in the bank.
BOOK IT! βModern Mixβ by Eddie Ross, photos by Jaithan Kochar, (Gibbs Smith, $45), signals a totally new approach to coffee table books on collecting. Done by a young, enthusiastic team, photos and text show how to shop flea markets, thrift shops, house sales and more for what you like. Solid tips on how to repurpose and repair, polish and display are detailed and helpful. This is a whole new paradigm.
