GUEST: I used to go visit this lady who had antiques. And I was looking for a flow blue plate. And I thought I was, but she had a whole wall of dolls. And I fell in love and I kept going and looking at it. And finally she said, "Buy this doll. Everything about it is original." I just took her word for it. So I don't know what... you know, I'm looking at those socks. I don't know.
APPRAISER: What you purchased is a French doll. Made by the Jumeau Factory in France. Made anywhere from 1885 up until 1900. It's marked similar on the back of the head as it is in the front; "Bebe Jumeau." On the back of the head if we turn it around... it's also marked "Tete Jumeau." And it's a size number eight. What it also has is the original cork pate. And if you look at the eyes, they're blue glass paperweight eyes. The wig has been replaced. Very similar to a wig that would have been on it in the beginning. Even though it gives the look of being all original, this is a very good copy of the Jumeau chemise that they made.
GUEST: Oh, the dress?
APPRAISER: Yes, the dress is a reproduction. Also the label has been made. It's not an old label. And it's a French doll, but it has on German shoes. The socks are synthetic so they had no synthetic material at all.
GUEST: I looked at those. I thought they were weird.
APPRAISER: What did you pay for this?
GUEST: Probably about $300. Somewhere in that neighborhood.
APPRAISER: Even though it's not all original, in today's market, retail price would be between $3,500 and $4,500. So you made a good buy even though it's not original.
GUEST: That's very good. Yeah, I was afraid you were going to tell me it was a dud.
APPRAISER: (laughing) No, no. Not a dud at all, no.
