François Gaultier - Toy figure poupée avocat - 1900-1910 - France

Napoleon III-era themed ensemble depicting a lawyer seated on a box of the Seven Codes. François Gaultier FG No. 1 doll. Bisque head intact, pale complexion, mouth closed, small dimple, pierced ears. Original calotte and mohair wig. Sulfur-brown fixed eyes, very pronounced. Wooden, uncarved body. Hands intact in porcelain. Note: left ankle broken and reglued, foot tips crumbling. All hidden by black stockings. Base is a trompe-l'œil box depicting a tawny leather-bound book titled "The 7 Codes." The back of the book lifts to reveal a secret box. The lower and upper edges are accordion-style to simulate the pages of a partially opened book. The lawyer doll sits on the metal tip located on the back of this binding. The doll does not fit inside the box. The set is accompanied by a handwritten expert report, unsigned and undated, beginning with "very rare doll - Lawyer."