


Food, communication, transportation, home contents and even toys might now look unfamiliar and complicated.

Even dolls have been modernized. Dolls today walk, talk, dance, answer questions, have washable hair and realistic "skin," and seem almost alive thanks to batteries or electronics.

But sometimes our ancestors created amazing dolls with limited tools but clever ideas. A doll made in the 19th century could also walk, but by a very unusual method.

The doll's body was carved of wood with moveable jointed arms and a swivel head mounted on a dowel. Eight legs with feet wearing shoes were arranged like spokes on a wheel.

The fashionable doll dress of the day was long enough to cover most of the doll's legs. Only two of the feet would show as a child "walked" the doll across the floor by making the wheel of legs turn.



Q: I have a set of four modern, fully upholstered tulip chairs that are about 25 years old. I would like your help in establishing their value and maker. The only mark other than some numbers is a "Made in France" label.





Pulling on the fly extends the narrow cloth tape measure from the man's head. The head is 21/2 inches tall. Can you tell me anything about it?



Q: Years ago, I inherited a bronze bust of a woman. It's titled "Orient" and is signed by "Villanis." The bust is 30 inches tall and in great condition. We would like more information about maker and value.


This bust and another bust of a woman, called "Europe," were made for the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Value of your "Orient" bust: $2,000 or more.



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