Thursday, November 17, 2011

M - is for Mystery

My beautiful and illusive Bebe M. She was always a mystery, but maybe not anymore... In the past, dealers and collectors has referred to her as Bebe Mascotte (May Freres). I once saw a reference to her identifying her as made by Francois Marseille: "Sold Date: 09/23/2006 Channel: Auction House Source: Proxibid, Inc. Category: Toys, Dolls, Games & Puzzles 16 (41 cm.) Bisque socket head, dark blue glass inset eyes, long painted lashes and brows, closed mouth with outlined lips, pierced ears, brunette mohair wig over cork pate, French composition and wooden fully jointed body, nicely costumed in antique dress and bonnet, undergarments, antique shoes, stockings. Marks: M 5 (doll) Bebe Jumeau Diplome d Honneur (body). Excellent condition, body not original but appropriately sized and of the same period, original body finish. Attributed to Francois Marseille, circa 1888". A doll friend did some further research and found a reference to this maker in "The Encyclopedia of French Dollsw" and so graciously sent me a copy:
Here is my Bebe; one of the prettiest I have seen. She is early and is on her original straight wristed body. Her clothing and shoes are all antique and her straw hat is spectacular:

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