Theriault's Early Spring 2024 Doll Auctions Brochure

Page 1

MARQUIS SPRING AUCTIONS

T H R E E

F U N - F I L L E D

C A T A L O G E D

he Order t Catalog Today!

E V E N T S

he Order t Catalog Today!

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Sunday, April 7, 2024

“Strike Up the Band” Marquis Auction

“Worn Well: Antique Doll Costumes, 1825-1925”

The One-Owner Auction of the Nancy Smith Collection

The Nancy Smith and Rosalie Whyel Costume Collections

Saturday, March 16 “Iconic: 65 Years of the Fashion Doll”

he Order t Catalog Today!

More than 400 rare and sought-after dolls, costumes and accessories from three major private Barbie collections

Call 410-224-3655 to visit Theriaults.com to order the catalogs. Live internet, telephone, and absentee bidding are available for the auctions if you can’t attend.

THERIAULT’S PO Box 151 • Annapolis, Maryland 21404 Tel: 410-224-3655 • Fax: 410-224-2515 Follow @theriaultsdolls • theriaults.com


ORDER THE CATALOG TODAY!

Saturday

APRIL 6, 2024

at Theriault’s Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland Preview 9AM Eastern • Auction Begins at 11AM Eastern

“STRIKE UP THE BAND” A CATALOGED MARQUIS AUCTION OF FINE ANTIQUE DOLLS When Nancy Smith of Massachusetts began doll collecting, she was a traditionalist. This was New England, and the bisque dolls revered by fellow collectors could be found at the many flea markets and auctions that abounded there at that time. German bisque character dolls soon found a way into her home, and then were followed by a splendid collection of antique French bisque dolls, ranging from the poupées by Adelaide Huret, Leontine Rohmer and Leon Casimir Bru, to bébés which included a wonderful small group of “petite” bébé including 11” size 3 Thuillier bébé in original costume and 10” size 6/0 bébé Bru, to her prized collection of earliest period portrait bébés in sizes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and even tiny 2/0 and 3/0. “I wanted one in every size!” she told her friends. An all-original classic era size 4 Bru bébé, a rare Bébé Modele, and a wooden-bodied Huret bébé were also included and are present in the auction to be conduced by April 6, 2024 by Theriault’s. Nancy’s quest for the rare and unusual, as well as her New England proximity to the hometowns of Izannah Walker and Martha Chase soon caused her eyes to open to the special charms of these dolls, and her collection is proof of the dedication she gave to that quest. Her remarkable collection includes several fine Walker dolls including rare model of young boy, while her assembly of Martha Chase dolls is unrivaled, numbering more than 25 different examples. Highlighting the collection is the famous Alice in Wonderland set of five dolls and, also included are characters from the Dickens series, miniature 8” special commission child, very rare black character children, young girl with distinctively different curled hair (believed to be one-of-akind), and girl with patented snap-on hair bow. Dolls by other American cloth doll makers of early 1900s include Missionary Ragbaby by Beecher, Columbian Dolls by Emma Adams, early Babyland Rag dolls, Roxanna Cole, three wonderful early examples of Maggie-Bessie dolls, Gertrude Rollinson, Alabama Baby, Baby Sister by Misses Tebbetts, and more. As all quests do, one thing led to another. Soon Nancy became fascinated by the life stories and works of two European women

2

of the early 1900s, the German Kathe Kruse and the Italian Elena di Scavini of Lenci. Although their works, at her first glance, seemed so different, she soon realized that they were both part of a greater movement to redesign the concept of the doll. Her collection encompasses exceptional examples from each dollmaker. The auction, too, features very rare early caricature dolls, teddy bears, and animals from the firm of Margarete Steiff including the extremely rare Steiff Circus Marching Band which graces the catalog cover and serves as inspiration for the auction title “Strike Up the Band”. And there is more. There are the rare Schoenhut children, the original manufacturer and store catalogs and documents, the outstanding collection of art dolls by Dorothy Heizer, rare early paper dolls, squeak toys, candy containers, French all-bisque mignonettes, doll furnishings, and still others. The auction is conducted at Theriault’s gallery in Annapolis, Maryland, and is also live-streamed during the auction. Live internet bidding is offered as well as live telephone and traditional absentee bidding for your convenience. For more information or to reserve your seat at the limited seated gallery please call 410-224-3655. Full color, 172-page commemorative art catalog of this important one-owner collection is available (to order see page 23). The catalog and auction lots can be viewed at www.theriaults.com after March 20. x

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

3


4

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

5


THE CATALOG BOOK -

“STRIKE UP THE BAND” THE NANCY SMITH COLLECTION

Order this important catalog today for bidding purposes or your ongoing research library. Over 170 pages of full-color photographs and read the historical descriptions of these rare dolls and playthings. The catalog price includes two-day priority shipping to you, and after-auction price results. $69. Call 410-224-3655.

6

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


Get Close-Up and Personal with Your Favorite Dolls from Theriault’s Face2Live is Theriault’s new service that allows you to view on live video feed closeups of a few dolls you are most interested in. Call 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com to schedule an appointment. Then simply go to theriaults.com and click the handy button on the side of the main page. From there you will be connected to one of our staff on video chat (you do not have to be on video yourself). A great way to get a closeup look of features and face in a live private video session. Available Monday through Friday 9AM-4PM Eastern.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

7


8

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


For more info call 410-224-3655 and to watch the auction live visit www.theriaults.com.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

9


BEFORE THE AUCTION — HOW TO PREVIEW THE DOLLS FROM THE “STRIKE UP THE BAND”, AND “WORN WELL” AUCTIONS x Order your catalog and study in the comfort of your living room. x Public Preview April 6-7 from 10AM-11AM

immediately preceding that day’s auction. x Visit www.theriaults.com and link to Theriault’s YouTube

Channel for a video presentation of many of the dolls by Florence Theriault. x Visit www.theriaults.com and link to ISSUU to view a

digital copy of the catalog. x Visit www.theriaults.com and link to “Auctions” to see

each doll in the catalog. x Call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 and make an appointment

for a private video viewing of your preferred dolls.

10

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


DOLLMASTERY One-Day SEMINAR The Nancy Smith Collection

Friday, APRIL 5, 2024

The one-day round-table seminar exploring the rarities and special features of the Nancy Smith collection will be conducted at Theriault’s gallery. The seminar is hosted by Florence Theriault with special guest commentators Linda Edward, noted authority and author on American cloth dolls, and Bradley Justice Yarbrough, researcher and author of studies on MaggieBessie dolls.

The seminar is designed to allow attendees to have up close and personal study of the rare dolls in the collection, ranging from French to cloth to ephemera, as well as examples of antique doll costumes style and construction.

Attendance is limited, so you are encouraged to call with your registration at this time.

Dollmastery Vignette Series Watch Florence Theriault’s educational videos about antique dolls — available for viewing on YouTube.

The history of dolls as told through the fabrics and styles of the clothes they wore, from gowns and dresses to bonnets, shoes, and accessories, is told in this specialty catalogued auction of antique doll costumes and accessories from the Nancy Smith and Rosalie Whyel Collections. The collection features over 300 lots, some comprising complete ensembles, After March 20th, watch for new videos featuring rarenotable dolls from the April 2024from other being individual pieces6, ranging exquisite gowns and dresses to rare signed shoes, Paris

Simply visit YouTube.com/TheriaultsDolls

auction to be sold at the Marquis Auction Event at Theriault’s Studio Gallery in Annapolis, MD.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

11


Insurgents in Toyland at the Nancy Smith Auction by Florence Theriault

I

n 1911 Good Housekeeping Magazine published a fascinating article titled “Insurgents in Toyland”. Although the article was about Kathe Kruse and her new-fangled style dolls, it is a title that could also aptly apply to the entire historic movement that was bubbling up in the world of dolls. This movement, known as “art reform”, called for a new type of doll, a doll with character, expression, or realism, a doll that could excite the imagination of a child, a doll that was durable. Down with the breakable pretty dolls of the past! From this movement came the series of bisque art character dolls, referred to as “children of the street”, issued by the classic firms such as Kammer and Reinhardt and Simon and Halbig. Expressive, yes, but alas, still breakable. And, alas, a movement not long lived, due partly to the impact of WWI embargos as well as the failure of the traditional doll market to transition to marketing the “new” dolls. But this was only part of the story. Simply put, it was a new world. Traditional art in every field from architecture to painting to fashion was succeeded by modernist trends in a movement known as “secessionist”. Too, women were entering forcefully into a wider world of business. Teachers flipped their notion of a child as simply a “little grown-up”. People could travel and meet others in numbers and ways that could not have been imagined even a few decades before. So, to truly understand the evolution of the doll, it is crucial to place doll study within these wider contexts. Here are a few examples.

12

89. The Steiff firm blended humor, new-wave design, and newwave engineering to create this amusing Fireman with unique jointed legs.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


46. (Above) Albert Schlopsnies, a leader in the Munich art secessionist movement, also designed caricature dolls for the Steiff firm, with particular emphasis on a circus theme, for which this very rare Parade Band was created. The set is featured on the cover of the Nancy Smith auction catalog, Strike Up the Band. 47. (Right) The Steiff firm, under the artistic influence of Albert Schlopsnies, delved into the popular culture of the time, offering this caricature doll of Tailor Bock’s wife. 278. Max and Moritz, the perennial brats dating from mid-1800s German literature, found new form at Steiff, attributed to the designs of Albert Schlopsnies.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

13


The entrance of outliers into the doll world. There was Elena di Scavini, for example, of the Lenci firm, who rather casually edged into the making of dolls after a rough and tumble childhood including a “running away and joining the circus” episode which, later, was reflected in a series of dolls by her. There was Albert Schlopsnies who studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Munich, before sidling into a freelance position at the Steiff firm, revolutionizing their brand with unexpectedly successful caricature dolls, described in a 1911 issue of Ilustrirte Zeitung as “responsible for the start of a brand new chapter in Steiff ’s creative program”.

117. Fantastical designs in all art was a defining feature of the secessionist movement, as proved here in the extraordinary Snake Charmer doll of Lenci.

The “secessionist” art movement. Doll collectors know of the famous 1910 doll exhibitions at the Tietz Department store in Munich which highlighted the introduction of the Kammer and Reinhardt 100 series of art dolls. Yet, also in Munich at that time was the Munich Secession, an organized art rebellion in all the arts. Classic was out. New style was it. Dolls were just part of the breakaway art.

14

The dominant entrance of women into the doll world. Usually beginning from happenstance, such as Kathe Kruse making a potato doll for her children rather than giving them the popular pretty bisque child dolls. Sometimes beginning from necessity, such as the women who began small businesses in order to feed their hungry children. Sometimes, as charity works, such as the Missionary Ragbabies of Julia Beecher or the Maggie-Bessie dolls or the Moravian dolls. Sometimes as designs from struggling female artists who licensed their works to larger marketing firms. Their persistent inroad into the world of dolls was both impactful and revolutionary. The use of new technologies. When Elena di Scavini saw a new

120. Revolutionary change in society also saw its way into the doll world. Now the elegant portrait dolls of princesses in the past made way for homage to popular culture phenomenons such as Josephine Baker in her famous banana performance.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


90. The imaginative play made possible by the faces and posing of this rare Steiff schoolroom set was a far cry from the pretty doll vignettes of the past.

method of perfecting pressed felt, she made grand use of the technique in her dolls. So it was with Albert Schoenhut in both techniques of carving and of painting his wooden dolls. The Steiff firm employed educated engineers in their quest to find new construction and movement of animals and toys. Too, in promotion of dolls, the new means of communication, from telegraph to telephone, revolutionized the presentation of the new-wave dolls to the world. To view a particular doll in isolation – whether as a pretty thing to admire or as a nice old child’s toy or as a valuable asset in one’s financial portfolio – is to diminish its worth. Each doll should be seen in its larger historical context in order to really appreciate why and how it was created, and how that doll’s particular life story enhances our understanding of the past.

48. (Right) The new wave in art influenced the production of catalog design, as this original 1920 catalog designed by Albert Schlopsnies illustrates.

“This was a philosophy understood and appreciated by Nancy Smith and her collection is perfect proof of this”, notes Florence Theriault, after preparing the catalog of the collection. x

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

15


WORN WELL,

ANTIQUE DOLL COSTUMES, 1825-1925 THE NANCY SMITH AND ROSALIE WHYEL COLLECTIONS

Sunday, APRIL 7, 2024

At Theriault’s Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland. Preview 9AM Eastern • Auction Begins at 11AM Eastern

The history of dolls as told through the fabrics and styles of the clothes they wore, from gowns and dresses to bonnets, shoes, and accessories, is told in this specialty y! a d o T cataloged log he Cata Order t auction of antique doll costumes and accessories from the Nancy Smith and Rosalie Whyel Collections. The collection features over 300 lots, some comprising complete ensembles, other being notable individual pieces ranging from exquisite gowns and dresses to rare signed shoes, Paris bonnets, costumes of the early 1800s, gentleman’s accessories, costumes in original boxes, couturier dresses and more.

16

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


The auction is conducted at Theriault’s gallery in Annapolis, Maryland, and is also live-streamed during the auction. Live internet bidding is offered as well as live telephone and traditional absentee bidding for your convenience. For more information or to reserve your seat at the limited seated gallery please call 410-224-3655. Full color print catalog is available (to order see page 23). The catalog and auction lots can be viewed at www.theriaults.com after March 20. x

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

17


Saturday

MARCH 16, 2024

at Theriault’s Studio in Annapolis, MD Preview 9AM Eastern • The Auction Begins at 11AM Eastern

“ICONIC - 65 YEARS OF THE FASHION DOLL” CATALOGED ! AUCTION COLLECTION g Today

e Catalo Order th For over 65 years, the Mattel Barbie doll has dominated the toy industry. As the world evolved, so did Barbie, and that evolution brought six decades of incredible dolls, fashions and accessories to collect. When the doll was introduced in 1959, adult collectors were not even on the radar as potential

customers, but now, Barbie has become the focus of collectors around the world including major museums. Each doll has a history and a story, even from the beginning with Ruth Handler’s original concept after watching her daughter playing with paper dolls and seeing an opportunity to create a three-dimensional product. Charlotte Johnson, Barbie’s first fashion designer, spent a year in Japan creating the original wardrobe, a miniature masterpiece. Jack Ryan, the “Father” of the Barbie doll, lent his engineering knowhow to manufacture not only the first doll, but also the talking Barbie of 1968. These are the origin stories. But with every doll creation that arrived on a store shelf, the end-user took over to create their own story, their own history, their own collection. In this catalog are over 300 items that come from three major collections, and individual dolls that have their special history. This collection is full of dream dolls, so many early and rare examples of Barbie through the years. The auction is conducted at Theriault’s gallery in Annapolis, Maryland, and is also live-streamed during the auction. Live internet bidding is offered as well as live telephone and traditional absentee bidding for your convenience. For more information or to reserve your seat at the limited seated gallery please call 410-2243655. Full color print catalog is available (to order see page 23). The catalog and auction lots can be viewed at www.theriaults.com now. x

18

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

19


20

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

21


Bidding Is Easy At Theriault’s Bid Live on the Internet Plan to spend the day at the auction in the comfort of your home. Watch and listen to the auction live, and get ready to bid live when the dolls of your choice come up for auction.

Bid on the Telephone Theriault’s President and Head Auctioneer, Stuart Holbrook

Choose your dolls, and then call our office to make a reservation for telephone bidding. We call you when your dolls of choice come up for bidding, and you bid just as though you were there.

Every Theriault’s auction brims with new discoveries for your collection. So why not join Bid Absentee in on the bidding fun? It’s Place your bids right up to the time of auction by mail, fax, easy. Choose your favorite email or phone. Advise us of the way to bid and prioritize lots and your top bid. We will bid for you fairly and competitively. your choices.

We Can Answer All Your Questions Call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com and we’ll review all the details and help you choose the option that’s best for you. We also now offer scheduled private video previews.

22

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x


NEW! Theriaults.com x

Featuring educational videos about antique dolls, up-to-date doll news, and great resources.

Theriaults.com always has something new, with great information and highlights in a clean and simple place to discover them. Explore our upcoming auctions, stunning doll photography, and invaluable resources for collectors. All in one easy-to-navigate website.

Go to theriaults.com to complete your doll research or just to see what’s new!

Order Form for Doll Auction Catalogs ❒ “Strike Up The Band” Marquis Auction Catalog Featuring the Nancy Smith

Collection — At Theriault’s Gallery in Annapolis, MD - April 6, 2024. Over 175 pages. Softbound. $69. ❒ “Worn Well: Antique Doll Costumes, 1825-1925” Marquis Auction Catalog

Featuring the Nancy Smith and Rosalie Whyel Costume Collections — At Theriault’s Gallery in Annapolis, MD - April 7, 2024. Over 175 pages. Softbound. $69. ❒ “Iconic: 65 Years of the Fashion Doll” Marquis Auction Catalog Featuring

three major private Barbie collections — At Theriault’s Gallery in Annapolis, MD - Mach 16, 2024. 152 pages. Softbound. $59.

2024 Calendar of Dolls Featuring beautiful antique dolls from the Rosalie Whyel Museum. Sixteen full-color photographs featuring gorgeous antique dolls. 24” x 12”. $22. Subscribe Now to Theriault’s Award Winning Catalogs for fabulous savings and the assurance that the catalog you want will never be “sold out”. On a ten issue subscription, the individual catalogs are only $29.90 – that’s a whopping 60% savings!

❒ Ten-Issue Subscription Receive the next ten doll auction catalogs at a 60% reduction of single-issue price. US: $329. Canada: $459. International: $499.*Maryland residents add 6% sales tax. Name Address City

State

Zip

Daytime Phone

❒ Check (payable to Theriault's) ❒ Mastercard Card Number

❒ Visa

❒ Discover

Exp.

❒ AMEX Security Code:

Signature

23

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

23


SCHEDULE SATURDAY

April 6, 2024 “Strike Up The Band” 9:00 AM ET. Preview. 11:00 AM ET. Auction. SUNDAY

April 7, 2024

“Worn Well” 9:00 AM ET. Preview. 11:00 AM ET. Auction.

THERIAULT’S

AUCTION

PO Box 151 Annapolis, Maryland 21404 www.theriaults.com

Join the Auction Fun in a Special Live Video Presentation. Call Today at 410-224-3655 for More Details. x

Absentee, Telephone and Live Internet Bidding We welcome absentee bidding, live telephone bidding, and live bidding on the internet. Too, you can “tunein” to the online auction and watch and listen to the entire event. Questions? Give us a call and we’ll help you choose the bidding option that is best for you.

Auction Information The auctions will take place at the Theriault’s Studio, 2148 Renard Court, Annapolis, Maryland 21401. For auction info call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 M-F 9AM-5PM EST or go online to theriaults.com. Email queries to info@theriaults.com.

To order the auction catalogs call 410-224-3655 or visit Theriaults.com.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.