1914 Doll Goes For $168,000 at Auction

French Sculptor Albert Marque's 1914 Doll a $168,000 Thriller at Frasher's July 9 Auction

KANSAS CITY, MO.- Sculpted by the renowned French artist Albert Marque (1872-1939), an extremely rare 1914 portrait doll originally commissioned for the Paris boutique Margaine-Lacroix sold to rousing applause for $168,000 (inclusive of 12% buyer’s premium) at Frasher’s July 9 auction. The buyer, who beat out four phone bidders and additional on-site bidders at the KCI-Expo Center in Kansas City, was new to Frasher’s client roster.

“The winning bidder is a collector of French dolls and German character dolls, and they obviously go for the very best,” said Barbara Frasher, president of Frasher’s Doll Auctions.

As noted by doll historians, during World War I, Albert Marque was persuaded by Parisian couturier Jeanne Margaine-LaCroix to sculpt 100 fashion dolls, each signed, numbered and clothed in a custom-designed costume representing royalty or a particular region of France. The exquisite 22-inch dolls were celebrated by the French not only as important artworks but also as cultural icons that stood up proudly to the influx of wartime dolls from Germany.

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Tuesday with Tuffy

Monsieur La Souris finally arrived yesterday! After being held up for several weeks in the Canadian postal strike, he arrived hot and disheveled but none the worse for wear. Herbert was thrilled to see him and quickly organized a welcome party.

Tuffy was quite surprised to find himself in New Mexico as he was headed for Indiana when he left his last stop in Quebec, so I explained my move and the redirect. Some food and locally-brewed chile verde beer soon put him at ease. He didn't bat an eye at the idea that we put chile even in our beer here - "A delightfully welcoming afterglow," is what he said around a mouthful of chips & guacamole (poor little guy was pretty hungry).

I think he got a little carried away, but who can blame him after all that time cooped up in a box?

If you're not familiar with the Traveling Critters, they are small dolls my miniatures group sends around the world to visit members. We take silly photos of them and post about their adventures. Previously my moose Herbert made the journey, and before him it was Cornelius HeCow. I'll be posting more about Tuffy's visit before he leaves for his next stop in Texas. You can follow all his travels on Tuffy's Facebook page, or catch up on Herbert's adventures.

Trucks, Chile, and Baseball: Indiana to New Mexico, With Moose

Well folks, I made it to Albuquerque! That's my new home on the left. I love New Mexico's blue doors!

It was a rather harrowing drive - towing a second vehicle, the rental truck breaking down, and two of the worst traffic accidents I've ever seen at different points along the highways. It took me 41 hours instead of 24, with about 3 hours of naps along the way. But I made it in one piece, along with my trusty companion, Herbert J. Moose. Since I got here it's just been mad unpacking, eating, eating, and more eating, and catching up with all my friends.

Here's a few pictures of my journey for your entertainment - well ok, mostly for my entertainment, but maybe you'll find them interesting. (PS - You can read more about Herbert's previous world travels, or visit him on Facebook.)

Loading up the truck. Exhausting!

Luckily I had Herbert to help.

Ready to go, towing my pickup behind. I never want to do that again, it was nerve-wracking!

Ok wait, how do I turn on the headlights?

Leaving Indiana...

...and entering New Mexico!

Walking along the irrigation ditches by my new home.

Herbert was surprised to find that New Mexico has water and trees.

One of the gates that control the water.

Herbert had to give it a try.

Baseball game, go Isotopes! (Too bad you didn't win...)

I love New Mexico - where else is green chile a standard condiment for your hot dog?

Entertainment between innings... a foot race between Green Chile, Red Chile, a Jar of Salsa, and a Taco. Dude in the red shirt is really into it.

Red Chile won! Red Shirt's buddy is very excited.

Post-game fireworks.