Expensive Doll. After All, $300,000 Isn’t a Small Amount
A new world record for an antique doll sold at auction was set this weekend when Theriault’s, a specialty auction house for antique childhood items, presented the highly sought after French character doll, circa 1916 by Albert Marque for bid.
The doll realized $300,000 breaking the previous world record, according to Theriault’s.
At the widely attended event held in Naples, FL, Theriault’s, the 40-year old firm based in Annapolis, MD, presented nearly 1,000 pieces from what had been the Puppenmuseum Stein am Rhein, a world renowned doll museum located in a small village of Switzerland.
The main highlight of the collection, a French art character doll, by sculptor Albert Marque, was anxiously awaited.
Bidding on the doll was fast paced and surrounded with dramatic tension as phone and floor bidders passionately laid claim to the doll. Ultimately the last bid was cast and the room broke out in applause.
The doll, which was wearing an original signed costume, was inscribed as #27 of the 100 models known to have ever been made. It is believed to have been first presented in 1916 at an exclusive exhibition at the fashion boutique of Parisian art patron Margaine- Lacroix.
“The Albert Marque bebe has long been considered the most coveted doll in the world by collectors. It is for good reason in that this renowned art doll blends every essential characteristic of greatness: rarity, artistic provenance, fashion, romance, and, most importantly, unparalleled beauty,” said Stuart Holbrook, Theriault’s president.
Founded in 1970, Theriault’s specializes exclusively in the appraisal and auction of antique dolls and childhood ephemera.
The firm’s offices and cataloging center are headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, and the company hosts live auctions in major cities throughout the United States.
