A grand price for a miniature doll

An extremely rare late 17th century doll, just 14cm in height, has sold in Tennants Auctioneers Antique and Vintage Costume, Textiles and Dolls Sale for £9,500 (plus buyer’s premium).

The little doll was made from carved wood, with painted face, inset glass eyes and wore a printed cotton dress. Despite having lost a hand and suffering minor wear and chips to her chin, she was in surprisingly good condition for her age. Six competing phone lines as well as internet bidders helped push the price of this modest-looking doll far above the £400-600 estimate.

Overall the rest of the sale saw strong bidding, with a number of high prices being achieved. Two early 20th Century Chinese Summer Gauze Robes sold for £3,300 (plus buyer’s premium), and a George III Needlework Sampler sold for £2,300 (plus buyer’s premium). The sampler was worked by Frances Clark, and was dated 16th December 1819; featuring a scene of Adam and Eve between religious verses, what was more unusual was the naïve but naturalistic scene of a farmyard and houses with a horse, chickens and trees.

The sale resulted in a total hammer price of £59,900 with 92% of the 276 lots sold.

Tennants are currently accepting lots for the next sale of Costume & Textiles on 18th August 2018, please contact the saleroom on 01969 623780 or enquiry@tennants-ltd.co.uk for details.

Illustrated:
A Late 17th Century Miniature Carved and Painted Wooden Doll – Sold for £9,500 plus buyer’s premium