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Lot 152
American-made Dollhouse
This very large dollhouse (it stand 60 ½ inches high, 67 inches wide and 29 inches deep) is a replica of the historic Spicer Leaming House situated at 664 Hughes Street in Cape May, New Jersey. The exterior of the dollhouse (pink clapboards, gray/blue shutters and white trim) exactly matches the colors of the Spicer Leaming House which, some years ago, was features in ads for MAB paint in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine and the Ladies Home Journal. The Spicer Leaming House is an outstanding example of Gothic Revival style as found in Victorian residential buildings. The house was noted for its distinctive balustrades and the dove design on the barge boards of the central gable. These features have been replicated on the dollhouse. The interior of the dollhouse is divided into four rooms (two rooms on each of two levels) and a third floor attic which spans the full width of the house. The interior configuration does not reflect the interior of the original Spicer Leaming House. The structure was designed for play. The rooms were furnished as a parlor, bedroom, kitchen and sewing room. A house of this size with rooms to match accommodates large scale furniture beautifully. The walls are papered and/or painted in colors appropriate to a Victorian era home. There are plain unpainted plywood floors. Cardboard cut to fit and covered with cloth was fashioned for each room. The house is lighted to give a better view of the interior. Access is gained through the open back. Weather conditions at the sea shore take a toll on real houses but not so for this dollhouse. It’s exterior paint is intact and it is in very good condition overall.
CONDITION: Very good
Estimate: $300 - $400 |
