Earliest Bru Bebe Doll of Rarest size - A French Beauty Near Pristine

It is wonderful to be back to my shop and offering this exceedingly rare version of Leon Casimir Bru’s premier Bebe “en peau” (with kid body) from 1879, known as the Bru Bebe Brevete standing just over 21” tall which is larger than the listed sizes from the factory. Just one peek will attest to her pristine scarcity.

HER KNOWN HISTORY:
During this period, French doll firms were transitioning from lady fashion-doll production to bebe dolls as the society began to focus on the child, feeling that something more appropriately cradled in a little girl’s arms would be best.

DESCRIPTION:
This first angelic model of Bru’s Bebe, with her softly rounded face slightly more elongated than the smaller versions and the suggestion of a dimpled double chin and chubby gusseted kid body was to represent a child of 4 to 5 years of age. (You might agree with me that she seems a little older.) Lest you think your eyes are playing tricks on you, I am presenting this prized Bru in both of her fine ensembles. You may end up with a favorite, but she delights in making you think you have received two in ONE. Having two wigs contributes to this impression. How fun!

HER RARITY AND VALUE:
Seldom found for sale are the larger versions found on the historic Bru Bebe Brevete price lists. But because this rare doll even exceeds the 50 cm offerings of the firm standing at just over 53 cm or 21 inches and considering her “early-out-o-the-mold” condition, I am led to believe that she may have been an “exhibition” or “special display” model. In fact, research on this precious girl in blue books listed the 50 cm size at $25,000. In addition, how amazed I was to also find records of a slightly smaller beautiful Bru Bebe Brevete of the same facial rendering and appearance, dressed very similarly to this one, not just once, but twice, where aspiring collectors must have fought tooth and nail to get their hands on her at one of the world’s well known doll auction houses, resulting in a price of $30,000 the first time and years later, $35,000 the second time not including tax or insured shipping! THAT is a testament to the beauty and desirability of this treasure!

AN ARTISAN’S MASTERPIECE

With any three-dimensional figure, it is necessary to begin with the trained skills of a master sculptor who can capture and bring to life the firm’s goal of “the idealized child” through attention to life-like proportions, not only in the overall doll but specifically in her facial features; the placement and shape of her eye openings, the slight dimple in her chin, even her shoulder blades and the shallow cavity at her throat were not overlooked. The details in her plump little hands are awe inspiring; the dimples at the base of each finger, the distinct outline of the nail beds, the creases and child-like fullness of her palms and the under sides of her fingers…all features which one shouldn’t miss. The tucked under thumb required a three-piece mold rather than the two piece of a flatter hand - thus more time in the making. As is often found with bisque dolls in the largest sizes, especially exhibition models, she displays the sought after “early-out-of-the-mold” qualities with crisp modeling of features in all bisque parts. Certainly, the experienced execution of her facial features could only have been achieved by one of Leon Casimir Bru’s most brilliant artisans.

The purity of the thin, white porcelain bisque offered a translucent canvas to apply the overall rose tint with an added healthy depth of color on the lovely, rounded contours of her smooth cheeks, dimpled chin, and the tops of her intricately detailed hands. Unlike the later Bru Jne Bebe, her deftly applied brows appear well matched in a lovely, low arch of a subtle nut-brown in wispy free strokes ,yet so steadily laid down. This exemplifies the control of an experienced artist. A light mauve shadow, softly stippled above her eyelids, adds dimension while dark, short lashes surround and complete the effect of framing her jewel-like, amber paperweight eyes. They seem to radiate from within a knowing expression filled with hope and calm assurance. There is a uniqueness to the shape of her rose-toned lips graduating darker toward their depths but accented at their upper and lower limits with the finest of brushes which requires a very steady hand. They capture the look of innocence and pensive concentration as she still longs to be held in loving arms. More could be said, but enlarging the photos tell so much more!
She owns two wigs which give her different looks. One is a silken, curly, kid-skin wig as shown in photos where she wears her pink silk ribbon and lace dress. The other is an antique mohair wig of soft, hand-wefted, shoulder-length blond tresses in excellent condition as seen in photos of her wearing her pretty white frock. My clear photos offer you thorough study for making a fully informed decision. Be sure to click on pictures until they fully enlarge.

BODY:
Leon Casimir Bru had long been producing fine kid bodies for his poupees, so he naturally decided to make a few alterations simplifying the adult lady body pattern and making it lighter weight by using an alternate stuffing. Have you ever felt a like-new kid body? It is almost irresistibly silky smooth! This doll's body still bears remnants of the oval paper label saying “Bebe Brevete SGDG Paris” on her chest, signifying the first time Bru gave warning that they were “deposed” in the French courts or “patented” as unique to his firm and not to be copied. Research in excellent books enlightens the collector with information about this very important “first” for Leon Casmir Bru. A complete description would extend this description, so consume as much information as you need from the photos showing her clean, sturdy, chubby body. She, like most Bru’s, has the unique, identifying, head attachment so there is no question as to her maker. She is marked on the back of the head with her size number only (4). Sizes in the different types of Bru bebes are unrelated to each other or to other French firm’s dolls but are referred to in the better Bru books or price guides.

Important notes and recommendations for this particular doll: The strong wire armature of her upper right arm can be felt to have worked it’s way close to the underside of the leather but has not broken through it. It is in original condition without a break. Care should be taken not to try to bend wire armatures of this age or to abrade the kid surfaces if changing clothing on this fine doll. Displaying her in your favorite or seasonal attire with the rest of her trousseau on a form at her side reduces handling. Her wire armature remains intact, so has not poked through the kid at any spot on her arms or legs. Two small spots at the corners of her gusseted knee joints have been professionally tended quite unnoticeably with the forethought of prevention of any leaking as shown in the photos. It is incredible that her body remains so upright rather than the common slumping into a half sitting position over the years.

AN EXTENSIVE TROUSSEAU:
Photos show this sumptuous bebe in two elegant ensembles, each with its own underpinnings, socks and fabulous chapeau but with shared pieces of jewelry. Each piece is a perfect fit, likely having been made specifically for this doll. The fine couture execution of the pink ribbon and lace dress with matching hat translates to excellence beyond words, inside and out… a delight to the eyes and such a compliment to her! Pictures relay what I am unable to portray. She wears black leather antique shoes in great condition, closed with black silk ribbons. There are a few missing stitches along the narrow tucks as well as a small hole and tear on the rear of the skirt of the white frock as well as a brown stain, (likely from an old stand) all of which are actually hard to find among the folds. I would be willing to repair these issues to the best of my ability upon request at no additional charge. Relating to the white ensemble, I was delighted to find a tiny, “F” cross stitched in red near the hem of the under blouse as a signature of the person who made it. It seems apparent that the blouse may have been added at some point due to evidence of age though carefully mended.
Finally, I show a collage with dark background of her modeling the matched, 3-piece winter mohair set of stole, bonnet and muff that is available for separate purchase in my shop at this time. One could add a colorful silk ribbon for Valentine’s Day or for Christmas as shown with holly, especially if her new owner were to find a sophisticated red dress in contrast to it. I would be happy to include the winter set at no charge to the delighted new owner who elects to make one payment by check or bank transfer or pay the fees charged me when using PayPal in an outright purchase.

CONDITION:

It is evident that this doll has not experienced much play time, but she has been cared for with amazing attention to proper preservation for 146 YEARS! I am sure she has lived a “sheltered” life away from sunlight which has brought her to us in such pristine condition.
Her bisque has been light tested and is completely clear of damage or repairs. As is often found in early bisque, she does have a short, 1-inch “in-the-making” kiln separation found completely covered by her wig…right of center front starting at the rim and curving towards the rear which would remain unseen if her wig had never been removed. It is even difficult to see exposed in broad daylight unless very close with good eyes. One of the photo collages addresses this in full which may be of concern upon seeing it. I understand, because one would think it telegraphs "damage". However, it wasn't really considered "damage" by the factory when it was something that happened in the 2300 degree firing turning the parts into bisque specifically when it would not be seen or was very minimal, quite unnoticed. This is proven by the number of dolls that we find today that evidence the "facts" of a bisque doll's creation. Minimizing insignificant small issues enables one to enjoy these beautiful, rare early bisque bebes of high value. I have purposely provided many photos of her head as disclosure of every little thing when/if enlarged.
Most advanced collectors understand that even in a head without damage (which is understood to be caused by “after sale impact of some kind”), little anomalies are typical for unavoidable reasons during the hands on processes of that era and do not look upon them as detrimental unless they are much larger or distracting. All in all, I am sure you will find her gorgeous and practically irresistible as I do. Swoop her up while you can so you won’t be disappointed.

Please contact me by message or by phone at 714-213-0933 between the hours of 10 am - 5 pm Pacific time with questions or requests for more photos of which I have many. For everyone's benefit when an item is of high value, I designate shipments of purchases over $5000 as USPS "Registered Mail". This is not given as an option in Ruby Lane's system but is a very good value. This allows for full insurance beyond typical limits.
It is much less than paying for private insurance or other carrier's rates. It may take a little longer because it is kept securely locked up and signed for each stop along the way. Signature confirmation is included with it. I will be happy to calculate the exact shipping cost and refund any amount you are charged beyond the Ruby Lane system by check.

Please note that the St. Bernard dog is a photo prop and not for sale.

Thank you for visiting my shop today. I hope it was enjoyable and you will return soon, as I will be adding some very special treasures found in Aunt Janie’s Doll Trunk very soon. Following my shop will give you the earliest opportunity to view these treasures prior to showing up as a new arrival when I offer them. As an artist myself, you can trust my eye for selecting the dolls with that "4th dimension"... the ones you can “connect with” because they were made with love…the best there is to offer. Let me know your wish list, as that special item may be waiting its turn to enjoy being on display in a loving welcoming home.

LAYAWAY:

If you are interested in purchasing by layaway, you will be given the opportunity to request approval of the plan that best fits your needs. See my terms of sale including all layaway information at the link to the bottom right of this listing. Approval of a layaway agreement is reserved by the seller and means that you agree to all terms.

INTERNATIONAL SALES:

International buyers from listed countries are welcome! Please read my ”Terms of Sale” prior to purchasing, as I do NOT state a purchase as a gift on shipping documents. Rather, I state the actual purchase price on shipping documents and ship via DHL, fully insured if at all possible. Please include your location with zip code when inquiring.