27” Simon & Halbig 1079 Factory costume with Famous Provenance

Dolls : Antique : Bisque, German : Germany, Simon & Halbig

 

This stunning example from the height of the German “dolly-face” period reflects the artistry of her premier maker – Simon & Halbig. The 1079 mold is one well-loved by collectors. This wonderful doll has a perfect bisque head, original body finish on a sturdy composition German body. Best of all, she has the rare accomplishment of managing to keep her factory costume intake. The beautiful factory dress has a detached skirt over a blouse attached to one of her two slips. As the pictures show, the lace on both slips, skirt and bloomers are all variations of the same pattern, which demonstrates their originality and that they came together from the factory. She also has her original three strap white kid shoes with elaborate silver buckles. Her long mohair wig is gorgeous and in original set. The only additions I have made are the satin bow (which a doll this wonderful deserves) and her cotton stockings (unfortunately her original silk stockings were in shreds and could not be salvaged). I will not undress her given the fragility of her costume. The pictures show her knee joints and her forearms – which show the original finish and a crack in the finish of her left arm. Circa 1900, she has the raised molded brows of that period.

As to provenance – I bought this doll from the niece of Marguerite Young, a novelist who taught at the New School in N.Y City. From the niece’s report, Miss Young was one of Truman Capote’s teachers. The doll was inherited and came from a seat of honor in a huge doll collection that was kept in Miss Young’s Greenwich Village apartment. A further point of interest is that the family descends from Brigham Young, the Mormon leader.

Item ID: JF-09-A26