Featured Speaking of Cavaliers and Dolls....................

I'm wondering if anyone has any insight or comments regarding these two figures - which I will assume were intended for a diorama or some such. Will the condition of the fabrics and "sprung" wire embroidery give any indication of age? As far as I know, they originated in England, and I know that they have been in storage for at least the past 30 years (since they came into my possession) - other than that, I know nothing.
They appear to represent Civil War Royalists
Approx 10" tall
Crafted of carved wood with what appears to be gesso faces
The armour is metal (tin?), painted with radiator paint
The fabrics are thin and appear to be hand sewn and embroidered
The hair is human hair
They are jointed at the arms and parts of the legs.
Condition is terrible, and it appears that someone attempted to "remodel" one of the faces...................








Think it is worth offering these on a site (with no listing fees) at a BIN price? Where would I start to even calculate a price????

 

Not a doll collector, but just looking at the way the foot is done. I would guess mid-1800s.

Before doing a BIN, wait for doll people to answer. Even in poor condition, they may have some value.

 

Those are wonderful! I see little circles at their joints,could they have been puppets?

 

Well, there's a big DOH! I never even considered puppets...............I'll have to look again and see if that is likely...........not that I know anything about puppets - except the Sock variety

 

Johnny cracked the case!!


Etsy: Rare Authentic Antique Sicilian Puppet, Marionette, Museum Quality, Collectors item


Harp Gallery: Set of 4 Antique late 1800's Sicilian Pupi Puppets Marionettes & Carved Sign


Google: antique Sicilian marionette

 

I was just going to write marionettes.
Oh...I did.

 

Oh, THANK you!

Now, what the he77 do I do with them?????????????

I think their condition probably puts them at the bottom of the value scale..........but I certainly don't need them cluttering up the clean up when I've gone toes up...........................

 

O, and I just realized that mine are much smaller than those depicted in the link...........about one quarter the size.

 

For once, I can't seem to be bothered with much research and think that I will just pop these onto Bonanza with a BIN of $400 for the two and see what happens.........making no suppositions or false claims of course. Just as clear a description as I can possibly produce, allowing the prospective buyer to decide...................

not very professional, I realize, but.............................

 

Let us know what happens. I, too, don't need them, but they are fascinating.

 

The one fellow does bear a strong resemblance to Charlie 2, but I didn't want to colour anyone's opinion.......but thanks for reinforcing mine!

 

I would think being even smaller "could" make them even more valuable!!!! JMHO!!