Antique 23” SFBJ UNIS France 301 Bébé Doll w/ Talking Body, Red Hair, Blue Eyes

Description

Antique 23” SFBJ UNIS France 301 B
é
b
é
Doll with Talking Body, Red Hair, BlueEyes
This interesting redheaded French doll was in my husband's grandmother's collection.
Her head is made of bisque and the back of her neck is clearly marked “UNIS FRANCE” in the signature oval shape, along with the number “71, 301, 149” followed by “L
R (in a circle)
T”.
There is also a “10” on the middle back of her composition body.
In 1899, several French doll makers formed or joined an alliance named SFBJ (Soci
é
t
é
Fran
ç
aise de Fabrication de B
é
b
é
& Jouets).
They manufactured dolls within this alliance from 1899-1958.
Research indicates that “talking B
é
b
é
s” were first produced in France in the late 1800’s so I am uncertain about the age of this doll since she could have been made at any time during the existence of the French doll making alliance.
Her large body is 23” tall and her head circumference is 13”.
She has painted lower eye lashes and brows, and her blue glass eyes are not sleepy eyes.
Her mouth is open and displays four upper teeth (see photos).
Her chin has a dimple.
I’m not sure if her hair is original but it appears as if it could be original and is marked “12” on the underside.
It is glued on the very top of her head.
Other than the fact that long ago someone decided to use masking tape to fasten the removable crown of her head in place, her bisque head appears in great condition (see photos).
Her red hair has a multitude of ringlets.
Those toward the front have stretched out and lost most of their curl whereas those in back were pinned, and therefore, maintained their tight curl.
As a result, her hair looks longer in front than in back, but I’m certain her front ringlets could be re-curled for a more even appearance.
The chest cavity in her multi-jointed body was a surprise.
I’ve never seen a chest cavity like hers and assumed upon finding it that she once could talk.
Research appears to support this assumption –or that she cried.
Again, someone long ago decided it needed masking tape to hold in place, and I have no idea how it was supposed to work.
The body is in overall good condition to be ~100years old and well strung, although she leans forward when left to sit up without support.
She is jointed at the shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, and knees.
Her body appears to have been repainted its current creamy color at some point long ago.
I say this because areas of “pinkish” flesh are visible underneath some of her scuffs and rubs – and it appears that newspaper print was lifted on some areas of her body (pelvis area, upper right leg, and back of right leg) during the drying process.
Also, the bottoms of her feet are darker than the rest of her.
To have so many scuffs, it seems that she was well played with after her painting (see photos and hairlines at right shoulder).
There are chipped areas where her body joins her neck.
Her right ring finger has been glued back on after an unfortunate break.
She wears a lovely cream color satin and lace dress with pink stitching.
It was lightly stitched at the fake buttons on the back but I had to undo this in order to undress her.
She has faded pink and purple ribbons at her waist
The only small area where her dress is not in perfect condition is right above her waist in front.
While hardly noticable, I point it out.
There are a few tears on her underdress but her bloomers are in good condition.
She also wears thigh high socks and calf high boots with laces.
She comes with her stand.
Her last three homes in our family have been non-smoking; no odor.
Photos should be considered part of the description.
As is.
She will be wrapped very safely for shipping with tracking or is available for pickup in Downtown Houston.
Please e-mail any questions.
I am only the inheritor of a doll collection but I will do my best to answer.
Antique 23” SFBJ UNIS France 301 Bébé Doll w/ Talking Body, Red Hair, Blue Eyes.