Unknown Automaton - mystery makers mark

[justvaness]

Hello!
 I recently aquired this automaton. It plays 2 musical movements. The doll sways from side to side. Her head & arms move as well. She has a cork pate & her pate opening is very slanted. Her stationary eyes do not bulge so i'm guessing they are not paperweight. Her mouth is closed. Her bisque is very pale & appears to be pressed bisque. I've added photos. If anyone out there has come across this marking please let me know.
Kind wishes,
Vanessa

[KC]

Is it possible for you to get a pic of the automation device?

Some neat sites I have collected over the years about automatas!
Largest shop of automata as cited by Smithsonian http://automatomania.co.uk/m_mstart/home
http://www.automatashop.co.uk/
http://www.teatrodeautomatas.com/htmls/historia_english.html
http://www.shelburnemuseum.org/collections/detail.php?id=11

Marks on automata come from the porcelain maker - the largest makers were of German and French origin.
http://reviews.ebay.com/Antique-Doll-Marks-101-What-Do-They-Mean_W0QQugidZ10000000002700339

Maybe Chris Marshall can identify the makers....apt to believe German or French.

[justvaness]

The mechanism is in a box that is fully covered. I can fine no way to peek inside, which drives me crazy because I'm a gearhead at heart. I just can't see damaging the box covering tho.

[D&b antiques]

I'am thinking french. I will dig in to my archives, as soon as I can I had some info on the early ones.

[justvaness]

a lady in a doll chat thinks that it could be a reproduction. I really can't tell unless I get into the box to see the mechanics. If that's so, it's a good thing i didn't pay very much for her. Anyway, let me know if anyone comes across that crossed arrow mark.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Can you get at the mechanics of the doll body under the costume? That should tell you pretty clearly if it is modern.

[justvaness]

yes, i'll have to cut away the stitching in her clothing but I'm curious enough to endure some sewing.

[talesofthesevenseas]

Since the clothes look like replacements or modern clothing it seems like it would be OK and could be done gently.  I also wonder if just the head could be antique and not the rest of it. She certainly has all the classic characteristics of a French or German lady doll head. The full cheeks, pierced ears, beautiful well-done hand painting around the eyes and brows just isn't done anymore. So far I haven't been able to find a doll maker's mark with crossed arrows though. Very interesting.