Nun Dolls For Auction

Nun Dolls For Auction

Two very rare nun dolls are to be offered in Colchester auctioneers Reeman Dansie’s Fine Art sale on the 8th and 9th of November.

 

26/10/2022

The dolls are to be sold by direction of the Canonesses of the Holy Sepulchre. Nun dolls are believed to have been originally intended as instructional tools, for teaching novice nuns how to attire themselves, and also to maintain strict conformity to the Order’s specific costume over long periods of time. It is thought that the two dolls in Reeman Dansie’s sale are one of just two instances in the U.K. where such dolls are still to be found in original context connected to their religious order. The earliest documented nun doll is the famous 17th Swarbrick doll, thought to date to 1680, which last appeared at auction in 2009 when it sold for £30,000. The dolls in the November sale are believed to be possibly of 18th century origin, and may have been amongst the possessions carried in 800 coffers, which were said to have been transported to England, when the Canonesses became displaced from their original Monastery in Liege, prior to the French Revolution. They carry estimates of £3000-5000 and £5000-7000.

 

                       

Next Article

    

Other Recent Articles

Rare Marvel comic comes to auction

Rare Marvel comic comes to auction

Reeman Dansie are pleased to be offering a rare UK copy of the first issue of the X-Men comic book, released in 1963 with a price of 9 pence.
Valentine's Day Auction

Valentine's Day Auction

Treat your valentine to a unique gift from a wide selection of jewellery and watches, fine silver and ceramics on offer on February the 14th. Our doors open at 9am with the auction starting at 10am, or you can bid from the comfort of your own home on the Reeman Dansie website. 

Model Railway from the Late Ian Claude Standfast Collection

Model Railway from the Late Ian Claude Standfast Collection

The specialist timed auction of Ian Claude Standfasts’ model railway collection will take place between 17th February 2023 and 5th March.