1920s VERY VERY RARE 40" Lenci Store Mannequin Doll for Repair ~ Never Seen Another Start Price USD 5,500.00 Current Price USD 5,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Tuesday, November 25, 2008 End Time Friday, December 05, 2008 Location TOO MUCH Stuff in the Midwest See more about '1920s VERY VERY RARE 40" Lenci Store Mannequin Doll ' Description ** VERY RARE Lenci Store Mannequin ** Very, very RARE, 1920's store display doll / mannequin by the famous Italian company ~ Lenci.  I am not sure exactly how rare this doll mannequin is but I have never seen another, nor even heard of another in all of my years collecting.  It is unknown how many were actually made and of those, how many even survived.  This was purchased as a restoration project . . . one that I never got to.  The mannequin consists of six main pieces -- head, torso, arms and legs.  There is an underside torso piece made of wood and cast iron.  This piece should be attached to the base of the torso and the legs attach to it.  It has been detached from the torso but is complete with its screws and wing nuts.  Even though several of the pieces are damaged all of the pieces are present.  On the underside of the wood portion of the torso the mannequin is embossed LENCI TURIN ITALY so there is no mistake as to its identity.  There is also an attached metal plate KIRSH & REALE INC, 167 MADISON AVE, NEW YORK-CITY, which was the store that used this display doll / mannequin back in its day.  (Just learned that) Kirsh & Reale was the major importer of Lenci dolls to America.  When assembled this mannequin stands 40 inches tall.  There is a number 4 marked on the torso as shown.  (Also learned) that this would signify it as a No. 4 mannequin in the catalog.     Under the felt skin is a sturdy under base of molded, pressed cardboard.  Feet appear to be iron and hands some sort of heavy weighted metal.  At the tops of both legs are turned ball wood pieces and the ball portions fit into the metal fittings at the bottom of the torso.  Prior to my ownership someone tried restoration by painting the face a bright, dark pink.  This face piece or top layer of felt skin was torn and removed as shown.  The seam at the back of the head was opened to do this.  The head has its original ears and the remains of the original knotted wig hair.  There is a metal piece at the neck allowing it to fit into the torso.  According to another, these heads were interchangeable.  The torso still retains its original felt skin.  The felt skin for the arms and only one of the legs is in very poor condition.  However, there is enough of the original material to use them for patterns in restoring this piece, as well as matching up the original color.  Once restored the owner will have a priceless piece.  Please ask any questions.  Payment other then Paypal is preferred.  Due to the size of the package and weight (approximately 30 pounds) this item probably falls into the OVERSIZED for U.S. destinations.  Shipping outside the U.S. to some countries may be impossible.* * Update 12/2/08 - I found another partial felt piece of the other leg or an arm that isn't pictured but will be included.  Also, if this display doll, mannequin sells I will also send to the winning bidder the 100% wool felt that I originally purchased to restore the piece.  The felt is a nice flesh color, close to the original and more then enough for the restoration.      Coming soon, zeldagray's own web site.  As always antiques, collectibles and zany unusual delights will be featured along with original OOAK art dolls and holiday items.  Write for more info.   * Payment due within 7 days * Paypal is accepted but the preferred payment is Cashier's Check   Shipping within 3 days of receiving payment (typically between 1 to 2 days Monday - Friday), however some payments require up to a 14 day hold before shipping the item out.  NO SHIPPING ON SATURDAY AT THIS TIME You will be notified when your item has been shipped.  If there are any unforeseen delays I will notify and keep you informed PLEASE REMEMBER that delays in receiving your item due to the U.S. postal system (especially when shipping First Class or Parcel Post) ARE NOT THE FAULT of the seller.  A seller has no control over this and should not be rated poorly in "shipping time" because of it.  Shipping time is the time between payment received and the item sent International Buyers:  items with a value over $50 require insurance and shipping by Priority Mail International.  Full value is noted on the customs form.  Please wait for an invoice before paying to ensure a correct shipping and insurance cost.  Shipping time is the time between payment received and the actual shipping date, not when an item is received.  Delays in receiving your item due to being held up in customs which does happen ARE NOT THE FAULT of the seller.  A seller has no control over this and should not be rated poorly in "shipping time" because of it     THANK YOU Place a Bid!