An antique French papier mache growler Bulldog toy by Roullet & Decamps

A charming antique French Bulldog papier mache pull along toy by Roullet & Decamps, circa 1890.

This wonderful 19th century toy is nicknamed as a 'Growler' referring to the ingenious internal mechanism which creates a growl sound when the chain lead is pulled.

The French toy manufacturer Roullet & Decamps specialised in producing automata, or more simply put toys which had a life like quality, such as making noises and or moving through menchanical means.

Well formed and life size, with lovely details, including glass eyes, hand painted decoration and modelling to show the outline of the ribs, teeth etc.

Its head is mounted on a pivoting joint to allow it to move independently to the body and create a 'nodding' motion. 

With wooden wheels inset to the underside of the paws, allowing for the toy dog to be pulled along.

Constructed in papier mache, which was covered in a flock faux hair, and with hinged jaw.

With original leather collar, husk trim and chain lead.

 Puportedly the toy orignated from the Broadlands Estate, and belonged to Lord Mountbatten's family. 

Dimensions:-

Length - 45cm

Height - 28.4cm

Width - 20cm

Head fully operational, with hinged jaw working, growl mechanism working.

Age related wear and tear, loss of the flock hair covering.

Historic damage to two legs at the base of the ankles, see images.

Loss of one wheel as illustated.

Minor surface damage to top of one right hind leg.

Given the nature of the piece, being a child's toy and its quite fragile composition, it still remains in nice played with condition, and the most important elements still functional.

Early examples like thes are generally in similar condition, with later 20th century examples cleaner in appearance.