A Roguish c.1935 Ventriloquist’s Dummy

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The early to mid twentieth century period dummy of good build quality, with two operating mechanisms being the mouth and upper lip, in a Salvation Army charity jumper, the head with a shock of chestnut hair and the body constructed of a combination of paper maché, and plaster composition parts with lower loose limbs with papier-mâché shoes with the hands painted in a light skin colour. The face with cheeky expression is also in a light skin colour, though with some later(?) red over-painting, the lips are painted red, the eyebrows black, the moveable glass eyes a brilliant blue.

In fair overall original condition, the over-painting to the face is evident, which could be restored but we actually think it gives him a rather unhinged character. The mouth mechanism works as does the top lip and although the eyes move there doesn't seem to be a mechanism for them. The legs and arms are fabric with wooden shoes at the end but there is no support in the legs or arms. The costume is probably original, the Salvation Army jumper emblazoned ‘Blood and Fire… The Salvation Army’ has good age to it and slightly tired but thoroughly charming. The maker of this dummy is unknown, though he is certainly not by one of the well-known makers.

The uncanny nature of ventriloquist’s dummies has enthralled and spooked people for decades, and they continue to feature in horror films to this day. The idea of the ghost in the inanimate object is not a new one, Freud has written at length on the subject in his discussions on the uncanny, and ghost stories have featured dolls and portraits coming to life for centuries.

A charming, if not a little slightly disturbing and most certainly roguish vent figure and probably one with a rather chequered past.

Price

£670.00  
$839.58  
€769.90  

 The price has been listed in British Pounds.
Conversion rates as of 23/NOV/2023. Euro & Dollar prices will vary and should only be used as a guide.
Always confirm final price with dealer.  Phone or visit the website to buy, Free UK shipping.

 

Datec.1930-45  1930s Antiques MaterialPapier Mache OriginEnglish Item codeas155a1069 StatusSold

SellerDoe And Hope

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Doe And Hope

Private dealer, By appointment only
The Onion Barn, Shoe Cottage,
15 High Street, Blunham,
Bedfordshire, MK44 3NL.
MK44 3NL

Tel : 07729 213013

Non UK callers : +44 7729 213013

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Item A Roguish c.1935 Ventriloquist’s Dummy

 

Item Code as155a1069

 

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