After receiving catalogs from the two Theriault's auctions that took place on October 4th through 6th, I updated my Proxibid account with intentions to bid on one of two actions. I did place an early online bid on one auction: a set of two lithographed cloth dolls. The auction also included the antique Pony Express cart in which the dolls were seated (seen and described below).
The above pair was given an estimated value of $400 to $600 and are described in the auction catalog below:
Two American Lithographed Cloth Black Dolls in Pony Express Wagon
Three Rare Models from the American Babyland Rag Dolls Series
The trio was given an estimated value of $600 to $1100. They sold for $300.
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| Lithographed dolls from the Blackler collection sold in a Theriault's auction for $1100.00 (photo is from the catalog). |
The above pair was given an estimated value of $400 to $600 and are described in the auction catalog below:
Two American Lithographed Cloth Black Dolls in Pony Express Wagon
17" (43 cm.) A pair of matching dolls are of lithographed muslin, that is cut, stitched and stuffed, depicting little black girls with artfully-printed features and having enhanced color detail of lips, each with printed lithographed undergarments. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: Feb. 13, 1900 Art Fabric Mills (printed on foot). Comments: Art Fabric Mills, the doll was presented in the company catalog as Topsy, circa 1900. Value Points: wonderful pair, one with attached wool yarn looped hair, and having antique woolen costume, shoes; and the two dolls presented in a wooden toy wagon labeled "Pony Express".
The second auction that interested me consisted of a trio of lithographed dolls. These were as desirable as the pair and wagon, but my desire for the others was more intense.
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| Three Babyland Rag dolls, by Horsman, circa 1915 |
Three Rare Models from the American Babyland Rag Dolls Series
15" (38 cm.) Each has silk screen printed face stitch-attached to firmly-stuffed muslin head form, with artfully-depicted facial features and complexion, and with muslin body with stitch jointing at shoulders and hips (the boy with stitch-jointed knees also). Condition: generally excellent. Comments: from the Babyland Rag Doll series of Horsman, circa 1915, the trio includes dark brown-complexioned boy with checkered suit, brown-complexioned girl with sewn-on fleece yarn wig and costumed as Native American (costume may not be original); and light brown-complexioned girl with black fleecy curls framing the face and wearing striped nursing costume. Value Points: rare models with variations of facial mood, each artistically rendered, and with original costumes (except as noted).
The trio was given an estimated value of $600 to $1100. They sold for $300.
I didn't win either auction. In hindsight I might have been able to win the less desired trio had I chosen to bid on that auction instead of the other. The trio sold for a steal, in my opinion, while the pair sold for several hundred dollars more than I was willing to pay. It is just as well, but I am confident that I will add at least one lithographed doll with realistic-looking face to my collection eventually (not just any lithographed face will do). It is out there, waiting for me to find it, or it to find me; and if that doesn't happen, I can always make one myself. (I have already done something similar with my Maya doll).
The prices realized for all dolls sold in the Blackler collection can be seen here.
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The prices realized for all dolls sold in the Blackler collection can be seen here.
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