Head is porcelain looks like Bebe, attached to wooden body on cart, mechanical; as pulled along, upper body moves back and forth, ringing little bells; works great, no clothes, looks like a "Jester" that might have been part of a doll parade;
10" tall; cart is 6 3/4" x 4"
unknown; i have had it for about 15 years
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for contacting Mearto with your appraisal inquiry.
This relates to the example at this link, which sold in 2017 for $500 (https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/50258269_bisque-head-doll-automaton-pull-toy). That yours isn't wearing clothing recommends a slightly lower value.
Based on the photos and information provided, and subject to examination, this is:
An antique bisque head pull toy automaton
attributed to Jumeau, France, late 19th Century
with a Bru bisque head with painted features, on a jointed wooden body, holding a ring of bells, on a wooden wheeled platform. Unmarked
Doll is 10 inches tall; cart is 6 3/4 by 4 inches
CONDITION: lacking clothing but otherwise appears to be in good working condition
PROVENANCE: acquired at auction
$300-500*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
I did read where some doll makers used bebe heads on their mechanical toys
Thanks, Rebecca, you're all set.
No no markings