29. Unique and Very Fine 19th-Century Carved Wooden Exhibition Royal Coach with Horse and Personages 26" (66 cm.) The carved wooden royal coach is authentically-constructed with large spoked wheels, driver's platform with decorative frame, guardsman's platform at the rear, and with elaborate finials, figural corner mounts, and a superb crest-design featuring four winged angels guarding a royal crown resting upon a carved pillow. The coach is painted original royal red with bronze green and gold decorations and painted royal crests and shield on the door panels. The coach interior is original blue silk with silk fringe, and a pull-out step allows for graceful exit from the door. The driver's seat has original velvet cover with gilt metallic fringe and the coach is being pulled by two carved wooden horses with elaborate leather harness and velvet headdress and saddle with gold fringe decoration. Seven carved wooden persons accompany the coach, each with highly-personalized facial features, hair, and costuming, including seated driver, standing guardsman, black livery man, and four seated passengers: older gentleman in military uniform, younger man in court costume, woman with highly-stylized hair and costume, and a young boy. Excellent original condition except one wing and one shield missing on coach decorations. With extraordinary workmanship, truly unique and handmade, the personages are unidentified but clearly represent French royalty of the 18th century. French, late-19th century. $8000/12,000
28. All-Original French Mechanical Toy, "Jester with Bells", by Vichy 12" (30 cm.) Standing upon a tinplate base with three spoked wheels is a bisque-head man with blue glass eyes, painted lashes and brows, sculpted curled moustache, closed mouth with smiling expression and two rows of painted teeth, blonde mohair wig, carton torso and legs, wire upper arms, metal hands. When wound, he moves forward, leaning his head side to side, waving his arms in a playful manner. Condition: generally excellent, mechanism functions well. Comments: Vichy, circa 1870. Value Points: superb state of preservation, he is wearing his original silk jester costume with metallic fringe and trim, and carrying ribbons of brass bells, and has outstanding facial sculpture including incised cheek and forehead laughter and dimple lines, and rare painted teeth. $4000/6000
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