Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Etrennes

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Etrennes: Etrennes are gifts presented on New Year’s Day in France, and included beautiful French dolls during the Golden age of Bisque dolls.   ...

Dancing with the Dolls, Cotillion, Theriault's and More!

2014 is swiftly coming to an end!  So hard to believe!


Happy Boxing Day, Merry Christmas (It's the 2nd day of Christmas!) and Happy New Year!  When I was a little girl, I used my beautiful doll books by John Noble, Helen Young, Mary Hillier, Janet Pagter Johl,  The Colemans, Eleanor St. George, Dare Wright and others to "fill in" the reare dolls I couldn't find or afford.  I loved opening up the pages  to a color centerfold of French Fashion dolls as a backdrop to the games I played with Barbie, small china heads, and Vogue Ginette's. 


I wanted a collection that told the history of dolls, and as the UFDC, of mankind.  So, if I couln't find or afford a Bru, I bought a book on them.  This way, the Bru had representation in my collection. 


I never lost my love of doll books, and I never understimated their important place in doll collections. I probably won't be bidding on the A.T. or the Marque in the January 9th Cotillion auction, but I value the gorgeous catalog as a historical resources, whether it is in print, or bookmarked as the online version. Below, in their own words, is Theriault's description of the auction:


The lavish 204 page hardbound book features more than 400 of the world’s most rare and beautiful dolls. Of special prominence are French bebes (yes, A.T., H., Bru, Marque and others), all-bisque mignonettes (more than 125 rare examples), and googlies (more than 80 including rarities such as Oscar Hitt, and luxury grand sizes). $75 includes priority postage and after sale prices realized.
Wait! Here’s a better way.
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!
Five issue and twenty issue subscriptions are also available. International prices vary due to shipping costs. Subscriptions include all Theriault catalogs with “opt-out” option on catalogs of specialty dolls.
Click here to order the "Cotillion" catalog.
Click here to begin your subscription.
To receive notice of Theriault's auctions, go to www.theriaults.com and register to receive email notices. If you are planning on coming to Newport Beach for the January 10-11 auctions or would like more information call Theriault's toll-free at 800-638-0422, internationally at 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com.

My Newsletter

From Ellen Tsagaris, your Guide to Doll Collecting, collectdolls.about.com.
This week, we'll look at upcoming auctions, a gallery of Greek dolls, gifts for collections, a beloved Christmas letter, and more.

January 9th Cotillion Auction
Coming up in January, a fantastic auction with legendary French dolls, including another A. Marque!
Search Related Topics:  theriault's  doll auctions  a.marque
Gift Ideas for Doll Collectors
What do you give a doll collector? Keep reading, Santa, take note!
Search Related Topics:  gifts for collectors  christmas ornaments  readers ideas
Keen on Keane: Big Eyes and Moppet Dolls
A 1960's Art Phenom inspires Dolls and Tim Burton
Search Related Topics:  keane  big eyes  royal dolls
Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus
Reread the timeless classic.  Happy Holidays!
Search Related Topics:  yes virginia  santa claus  christmas
 
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 This newsletter is written by:
Ellen Tsagaris
Doll Collecting Guide
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Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Last Minute Gifts for Antique Doll Collectors

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Last Minute Gifts for Antique Doll Collectors: You still have five days after tonight!  Or, if you are uber-organized, it's never too late to start thinking about next year!  Here are...

Merry Christmas!!

By Mikki Brantley

    VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.



    Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.



    Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.



    You may tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.



    No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

- See more at: http://publicdomainreview.org/collections/yes-virginia-there-is-a-santa-claus-1897/#sthash.pGOclhy5.dpuf

From our Friends at Theriault's: A Message for Year's end and Upcoming Auctions

Read the latest "Stuart Says:"




Dear Friends,

We did it. Another year. And what a year! Countless landmark auctions and tens of thousands of dolls found their way to new homes amidst world records and the laughter and fun of each unique and diverse auction. And as we prepare to cross over to Theriault's 45th year of business, we look to start you once more in the right way, the best way we know, together as friends and at the world's most spectacular event.

"January" is upon us again.

We know that this is the time that everyone waits to hear the details and learn first-hand what we are putting together for you at our annual grand weekend of auctions and events in Newport Beach, California. For over 25 years this auction weekend is anticipated by doll lovers seeking the best of the best for their collections.

This year we do it once more as we will honor and share in the vision of the great Southern California collector, Susan Whittaker. Don't know her? You soon will through her collection, her legend, and the singular vision she built in dolls.

For the early collectors in Los Angeles, Susan Whittaker is a name that is synonymous with the 1970s and 80s throughout that region's doll circle. Here was one of the first major society doll collectors. From her majestic home that stood at the top of Beverly Hills and was a showcase and famed location in itself, Susan and her husband Bob, both legends in Beverly Hills society (their parties were highly anticipated...friends like Hugh Hefner, Frank Sinatra, James Garner and Kirk Douglas would rarely miss one), began a doll collection that would quietly develop over decades into one of California's most significant.

Susan was a person you never forgot. She was strikingly beautiful, stunning even, and turned an entire room in her direction when she walked in. If you were a collector back in the day and were at auctions or shows you would see and remember her always. Some of you might be nodding your head right now. Yes, Susan was that person that no one ever forgot.

But for some of us we came to know Susan more through her dolls. Here was a woman with a unique love of very distinct and different doll genres. Three areas became a point of focus and would be her primary quest throughout 40 years of collecting: French bebes, French and German mignonettes, and googlies. She would frame this core passion with accessories and the occasional "other" doll to truly build a visionary collection.

First, the French. Ten Bru bebes, six A.T. bebes, two "H" bebes, a stunning Albert Marque doll, and dozens of bebes from Jumeau, Steiner, Schmitt and others. Automata, fashion dolls, fabulous costumes and accessories as well. This could be an auction itself...or two even! But here you will have for the first time in history a chance to make countless choices within a spectrum of the rarest French dolls. There are so many to choose. This could be your chance!

The googlies? This will be the largest collection of googlies ever offered at auction. Over 75 total from Oscar Hitt to Hertel and Schwab, K*R and Kestner. Even the googlies you know, such as the JDK 221 or Hertel and Schwab 165, Susan would work to get examples in virtually every single size. Unprecedented, and if you love googlies, this will most likely be the one event that will never be matched in our lifetimes.

Mignonettes and all-bisques also played a key part of the Whittaker collection. Are you ready? Over 150 all-bisques comprise the entire line of rarities from French to German to, yes...more googlies! It could be a special dedicated auction in itself (we almost thought about doing this!) as you will witness them unfold through the pages of this hardbound commemorative catalog.

Now, don't think that's all, there are others. Susan never passed on a whim of fancy and she also would obtain interesting and rare French and German characters, furniture, accessories and other items that came her way. All in all, this special two-day event and single HUGE hard-bound catalog will comprise more than 500 of the finest pieces all from one collection.

Excited now? We are as well! So, here are the details. For most of you the January format is ingrained into your year...yet you will see now firsthand, how special this weekend really is.

Starting on Friday evening, January 9th, we will, this year, focus on just coming together for a special wine and champagne reception from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm to tour and walk-through with Florence this remarkable collection. It would be impossible to do this collection justice with a single morning exhibit so the evening on Friday will allow you more time, the added attraction of Florence's walk-through of her favorite pieces, an opportunity to meet some of the family of Susan Whittaker, and the joy of greeting your doll friends again after a year.

On Saturday, January 10th, let the auctions begin! All day the excitement will fill the room and the usual energy and joy of "January" will lead us to amazing objects to add to your collection.

The weekend continues with so much more on Sunday, January 11th! Part Two of The Whittaker Collection will excite us once again and lead us into the grand finale...the always popular and something for everyone mid-afternoon Discovery Day auction with another few hundred dolls.

January is the most special doll weekend of the year. Sure, the dolls, especially this time, will be the culmination of greatness. But, what makes this weekend truly wonderful is: You. That is, our reunion of sorts in the doldrums of winter when we can shine together in the California sun. And see our friends that make the joy of collecting so wonderful. This year you will have that and so much more, including an unprecedented opportunity, perhaps not seen since the 2006 Lucy Morgan Collection auction, in which to bid on the rarest of antique dolls. This is your time. This is your chance.

Soon, all the catalogs and more details will emerge (have you ordered yours?). This year we convene at the luxurious five-star Fairmont Hotel in Newport Beach that will be a wonderful retreat in itself. We can't wait to host you and we do sincerely hope that you will join us.

Warm regards,


Stuart Holbrook
President
Theriault’s
stuart@theriaults.com

Monday Night Rendezvous from Theriault's

Below, courtesy Theriault's.


To see all of the dolls
 in the December 15th auction,  click here.

Theriault's Rendezvous, Monday Night at the Auctions, are conducted at Theriault's headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland. Due to space restrictions, attendance is limited to 10 guests (please call to reserve a seat). Live online bidding, absentee bidding and live telephone bidding is available. Plan in advance, get registered, and when the auction is set to begin - 7 PM EDT - click the audio/video on button. And get set for an hour of fun. For technical help with bidding live online call Proxibid toll free at Theriault's Premier Line at 855-264-8262.

Join Stuart Holbrook, Luke Theriault and Florence Theriault for a fun and fast and fact-filled one-hour auction of great antique dolls. Watch Luke roll his eyes while Florence cites a doll factoid. Watch Florence grow impatient at Stuart's banter. Just have fun and maybe bring home a doll. The dolls are all available for viewing and bidding online. You can leave pre-bids, you can absentee bid, or you can make a reservation to bid by telephone at the actual time of the auction. Or you can be there online when the fun begins and watch the live audio/video feed.

20 inch Fulper, Courtesy, Theriault's

Re the film collection at Library of Congress; curator says they conserve everything because it is up to future generations to decide what is important.  Here! Here!  This is my point about dolls exactly!

Courtesy, Theriault's

Googleys, Moppets, Big Eyes and Manga

We didn't call them "Big Eyes" when I was little, we called them "Moppets."  I still have the paintings, prints, greeting cards, and dolls that featured the sad, big eyed children.  Other artists made them, too, I know, and some versions of these paintings featuring older children hung at Ben's, our favorite restaurant.

Sunday Morning today feature the story of the Keane's, and the fact that Walter painted nothing; Margaret painted and let him take the credit.  It was the early to mid sixties, and per "The Feminine Mystique" as Betty Friedan penned it, the credit for a woman's work went to her husband.  We call it fraud today, but really, this is more common than we know.

The dolls of Bernard Ravca were allegedly made by his wife, Frances.  She made a few smaller dolls on her own, but she is also supposed to be responsible for the realistic and fantastic needle sculpted and bread-crumb dough creations. Mme. Tolstoy heavily edited Count Leo's work, as told in Edward's "Sophia."  I have to wonder how much she actually wrote.  In the 80s, a California woman took the bar for her husband.  He had threatened her and placed her under terrible duress.  She dressed as a man, beat all the security, suffered because she was in the last stages of a difficult pregnancy, took the test, then had to go to the hospital.  She passed.

I remember writing an article for a magazine I and my then "insignificant" other both wrote for.  He hadn't finished his article, and pressured me into letting him take mine and put his name on it.  That was the begininng of the end.  No money was involved, and we weren't married, so I left.

Shortly after I came back home, before Walter Keane died, My aunt ran into him in hte Bay Area.  She was buying some cards by Keane, and he told her he was the artist. He signed them for her, and she sent them to me, so I have Walter Keane's signature, and his provenance that a lie was perpetuated.

Many dolls like Lonely Lisa were created in the image of the Big Eye kids.  I always thought they took after the Googleys, Kewpies, and Campbell Kids, but Margarate Keane didn't say this.  Besides, her children are sad eyed as well, where most ofhte Googleys are happy.

Still, I love my moppets, and can't wait to see "Big Eyes," even if the artist took being an "excellent woman" to such an extreme, but we do what we must to survive.

I'm sure that Manga/Anime artists and those behind Takara Barbie knew her.

Press Release on Jumeau 201, Courtesy of Theriault's

Antique Doll Laughs its Way to a New Record

A rare model form the “Series Fantastique” of French doll maker Emile Jumeau set a new world record for a 19^th century doll when it realized $285,000 at Theriault’s antique doll auction at the Waldorf Astoria in new York on November 22.  The series, introduced in 1892, featured highly expressive children who were gleefully laughing, scowling, or impishly “making faces”, and was a far cry from the beautiful idealized child dolls, known as bebes, that had been the mainstay of the Jumeau firm for the past quarter century. Parents immediately rebuffed these “outlandish” character dolls, preferring the classic “pretty” bebe for their little girls, and after only a few years, the production, which was always small, ended.  This particular model, of which one only one other example in this size is known to exist, was incised “201.” Depicting a child with wide-beaming smile accentuated by dramatic large eyes, it sold to a private Boston collector.

The 308 lot auction by Theriault’s realized $1.3 million, with enthusiastic bidders from throughout the United States, and internationally from France, Germany, Spain, Russia, Switzerland and South America.  The Maryland-based firm, which conducts auctions throughout the United States, is entering its 45^th year specializing in antique dolls and related childhood ephemera.  Collectors may also call 800-638-0422 or email info@theriaults.com for any additional information on the event.

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Notes from the Editor on The Gaithersburg Show!

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Notes from the Editor on The Gaithersburg Show!: Gaithersburg Doll Show and Sale December 6 and 7   The December Gaithersburg show with its festive decorations, tantalizing treats offe...

Jumeau 201 Scores a New Record for a 19th C. Doll

This happy little girl makes me smile; I am not usually googoo over dolls just they are "high end", whatever that may mean, but I like this doll very much.  She sparkles sweetnes, light, and innocence, and she lifts my spirits.  There are only two known to exist, and till now, this one live in the same collection for around 50 years.  She broke the Bank for Theriault's at $285,000. Whoever got her, drop me a line to let me know how she is doing now and then!

In Honor of Pearl Harbor

In memory of those who died in 1941 at Pearl Harbor, and especially for the men still entombed inside the wreck of the S.S. Arizona, I excerpted Chapter 1 of Stephen Crane's "The Red Badge of Courage." Let us remember this day, December 7, 1941, the day that will live in Infamy (FDR):'




Chapter 1
The cold passed reluctantly from the earth, and the retiring fogs revealed an army stretched out on the hills, resting. As the landscape changed from brown to green, the army awakened, and began to tremble with eagerness at the noise of rumors. It cast its eyes upon the roads, which were growing from long troughs of liquid mud to proper thoroughfares. A river, amber-tinted in the shadow of its banks, purled at the army's feet; and at night, when the stream had become of a sorrowful blackness, one could see across it the red, eyelike gleam of hostile camp-fires set in the low brows of distant hills.

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Dolls, Boys, and Men who Collect: A Tribute

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: Dolls, Boys, and Men who Collect: A Tribute: The worlds of dolls and doll history are more exciting than ever. At least three more panels at this years Midwest Modern Language Assoc. C...

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: An Inteview with Marina Tagger

From a writer from ADC who adores Kestners!

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: An Inteview with Marina Tagger:  Below is another of our series in the writer of the month interviews: Creche Figure, Marina Tagger Collection When did you ...

Miss Charlotte Bronte meets Miss Barbara Pym: "I am Excellent Woman, and I Pack Heat" Charlie's...

Remember, there are dolls of these characters, too :)



Miss Charlotte Bronte meets Miss Barbara Pym: "I am Excellent Woman, and I Pack Heat" Charlie's...: Over the last few months, I've caught up with Charlie's Angels on Cozi TV.  I confess to never having seen many episodes when they w...

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: It's That time of the Year for Antique Dolls!

Antique Doll Collector Magazine: It's That time of the Year for Antique Dolls!: When I was about six, and sitting on Santa's knee began to mean something, I would wait in line with all the other kids, but with a requ...