The threat of inclement weather failed to put even the slightest damper on Noel Barrett’s December 9-10 auction of antique dollhouses, miniatures and dolls, highlighted by the Carolyn and Charles Sunstein collection. The 778 lot sale, produced in association with Becky and Andy Ourant, achieved $1.4 million, with the Sunstein material well exceeding its cumulative high estimate.

“We had a great crowd,” said Barrett. “The Sunstein collection brought out the buyers, and there was very strong eBay participation as well.”

Bidders were spoiled for choice throughout the sale. The first dollhouse lot of the Saturday session, a 54-by-48-by-20-inch Silber & Fleming-type dollhouse manufactured in England around 1880, set the tone for what would follow. Sitting halfway back in the gallery audience was Lucy Morgan, owner of a dollhouse museum and store in Camden, Maine. She had raised her paddle at $8,500, and when the gavel came down, Morgan was surprised to learn she had won the lot. “Who, me?” she exclaimed with surprise and delight. Morgan started her buying odyssey off on the right foot, securing the lot for $9,350.

While virtually any doll by the French manufacturer Bru is highly sought after, a black Bru is in a league of its own, since very few were created. This 16 1/2-inch example, a Bru Jne 5 with Henri Chevrot brown kid body, carved wood lower arms and legs, pierced ears and original black mohair wig, outperformed all other dolls at the auction, earning $52,250. Photo: British-American Media Ltd.

But Morgan’s eye – like everyone else’s – was on the star lotof the sale, the circa 1880-1890 dollhouse known as the SpanishMansion. The exquisitely furnished, 54-by-54-by-17-inch residencefeatured a faux-painted facade of variegated brick and Ashlarblocks with white marble quoining. Its 11 rooms included a nursery,chapel, gentleman’s study and even a sewing room. Featured on thefront cover of the auction catalog, the Spanish Mansion enticedoohs and ahs from bidding hopefuls, who knew of its illustriousbackground.

At least two other floor bidders besides Morgan battled for the Spanish Mansion. But in the end, it was Morgan who produced the winning bid of $192,500. “I’m really thrilled to have it,” she said, immediately after her auction victory. “It has such beautiful furnishings in it, and it adds a lot to our collection.” In all, Morgan would prevail on six dollhouse lots as well as many miniature furnishings.

James and Beverly Gallagher drove across the state from Erie, Penn., arriving with a wish list in their hands. “My wife likes miniatures,” said James Gallagher, “and we came here for the experience and the opportunity to see these fine antiques.” Gallagher said he needed a couple of pieces to complete a few rooms in the couple’s 6-by-7-foot basement display of dollhouse rooms. They were successful on one of the lots they pursued, paying $4,400 for a pair of matching German kitchen cabinets, circa 1900, each unit 171/4 inches tall and stocked with tiny pots, pans, ladles and a stove top.

Joyce Kekatos, a doll collector and seller from the Bronx, N.Y., stands with her prized purchase – a 13-inch Jumeau bébé pictured in John Noble’s book Beautiful Dolls. Retaining not only its original wardrobe but also its original band on its left forearm, the doll was acquired for $19,800. Photo: British-American Media Ltd.

The Sunstein dollhouses and miniatures were complemented bytwo other collections featured in the sale: the Jackie and AnthonyChirico collection of French bébés and fashion dolls, and the Joyceand John Davanzo doll and toy collection.

Barrett noted that very strong prices were achieved by rarities from each of the collections. A Bru Jne 5 finished as top doll lot at $52,250; while a Bru Jne 8 child doll with blond hair, brown paperweight eyes and a pastel dress and hair garland brought $24,200.

Prices reported include ten percent buyer’s premium.

Barrett will auction part one of the contents of the Mary Merritt Doll Museum on September 29-October 1 at the Inn at Reading, Penn. For information, www.noelbarrett.com or 215-297-5109.