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THE OLD

Armchair in the Attic

NOVEMBER 7-8 2026 A MARQUIS AUCTION WEEKEND AT THERIAULT’S

IN ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND

Visit Theriaults.com to Register to Bid Call 410-224-3655 or visit Theriaults.com to order the catalog or for more information.

THERIAULT’S

THE IMPORTANT COLLECTIONS FEATURED Penny Zarneski of Spokane, Washington Penny Zarneski was born into a collector’s home. Her parents, avid collectors themselves, would cart Penny and her brother David all over the Pacific Northwest to antique shows, shops, and country auctions while still young children. Encouraging them then to both start their own collections. Collect they did. Penny, dolls. Her brother David, western memorabilia which eventually would become one of America’s most extensive collections of 19th century western saloon items. Penny benefited from building her collection at a time dating all the way back to the 1970’s when “antiquing” was a true sport and the American West was brimming with old objects in mountain towns from Idaho, Washington State, and Montana. This is where she discovered many of her thousands of pieces. Her taste was broad and encompassed everything from dolls to bears (her mother’s original passion) to miniatures and toys and anything related to childhood. Through her sheer drive and willingness to explore small towns of the west, she was able to achieve an extraordinary collection over 50+ years. x

Susan Holman of Foley, Alabama Susan found collecting decades ago as a career professional in Georgia who would later relocate to Alabama. While building a significant career, all while raising her children, she came to dolls as a respite from those long hours and allow her joy in dolls to be a sanctuary of peace. Later, once her children were grown, she began her most significant collecting, nurturing an eye for many different genres including her passion for Americana which, given her home in Alabama, gave her a special affinity for the Ella Smith Alabama Baby for which she acquired many rare examples. Susan’s corporate background also instilled in her an organizational process of documenting her entire collection in a precise manner, ensuring that many of these dolls carry with them their personal provenance. x

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 7-8, 2026 Anne Olmsted of Benicia, California Anne grew up in France during the post-WWII years and developed in that time a love of old objects, particularly of course those that spoke of her own heritage. It’s no wonder that French dolls became the focus of her decades in the hobby, even after immigrating to the United States as a young woman. She became a fixture at auctions, shows, and events. From her new beloved home in California, she would patiently wait to find the perfect smaller examples of French bébés and mignonettes that she coveted, long before the trend had developed. She nurtured many strong friendships with other collectors in the Bay Area and was considered one of the many rich characters of that region in the doll community. Her passion for costuming, sewing, and the history of textiles was a perfect complement to the impeccable eye she had developed in dolls. x

Cindy Mann of Aurora, Colorado Cindy has been a fixture in the Denver collecting scene for as long as most can recall. She spent decades building her collection within a grand home that perfectly suited her love of French, German, and unique accessories. Even after she and her husband decided to downsize into a smaller house later in life, she could not imagine life without her dolls, so she carefully curated the entire collection into a space that was a fraction of the size. Every corner and case were brimming with fine pieces. Her taste has always been diverse and shows the eye not only of a collector evolving - but one with an open mind to all categories, including the rare ephemera that brought her various doll vignettes to life. x

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

O R D E R T H E C ATA LO G AT T H E R I AU LT S .CO M O R C A L L 41 0 - 2 24 - 3 6 5 5

November 7-8 PREVIEW 10 AM ET | AUCTION 11 AM ET

Marquis Auction at Theriault’s Gallery in Annapolis, Maryland

“THE OLD ARMCHAIR IN THE ATTIC”, AN AUCTION OF ANTIQUE DOLLS AND PLAYTHINGS FROM FINE COLLECTIONS AND ESTATES

or many years the old armchair sat in its special place in the parlor. It was Grandma’s favorite chair. Then, afterwards it passed to her daughter, then her granddaughter, and finally her great granddaughter until, one day, many years later, the chair made its way to the attic. There it rested under the attic eaves, decade after decade, slowly surrounded by generations of beloved playthings of the past. A captured image of many people’s childhood, a portrait in time. Such a scene encapsulates Theriault’s November Marquis auction, featuring important dolls, toys and playthings from private American collections and estates, including Penny Zarneski of Spokane

Washington, Cindy Mann of Aurora, Colorado, Susan Holman of Foley, Alabama, Anne Olmsted of Benicia, California and more dolls from the important Schoenhut doll collection of the late Barbara Stone of Annapolis, Maryland. x

You are welcome to attend the auction for bidding or bid live on the internet or live on telephone. Visit Theriaults.com to view all of the auction after October 21st. The auction will also be live-streamed on the day of the auction.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

seen about ten of these houses, each is different although of similar style of construction, and most were found to have originated in a small northern New England region near the Canadian border, although precise details are not known. x

Above: The houses were named “Mystery Dolls Houses” by Flora Gill Jacobs, owner of the Washington Dolls’ House and Toy Museum and author of several books about antique doll houses. According to Ann Meehan, noted dollhouse historian, who has

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

The Wonderful Bear Collection in the November 7 and 8 Marquis Auction

croll back in time to the last decades of the 1900s (yes, pre-internet). Then it was a bit difficult for original owners to find a new home for their precious treasures. A book was published “Where to Sell It” and in that book, according to the Zarneski family, their mother, Olive (Polly) Zarneski was mentioned as a seeker of vintage teddy bears and animals. The sky opened! She received letters and phone calls from all over the US from original owners who were delighted to find someone who could offer a new home for their bears. And so Polly Zarneski built her extraordinary

collection of hundreds of early and vintage bears which are featured in Theriault’s November Marquis auctions and subsequent auctions in the upcoming months. The collection features many of the rarest and most-sought bears from Steiff (including center seam and blank button), as well as early bears from Ideal, Schuco and more, and also includes other rare early animals. The collection eventually passed into the caring hands of Polly’s daughter, Penny, whose collection of dolls, toys, and teddy bears are highlighted in the November Marquis auction. x

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

VISIT US IN ANNAPOLIS! AND SEE DOLLS AND A HISTORIC TOWN TOGETHER There really are many reasons to come to the auctions! Start with the more than 500 wonderful dolls for auction — a veritable museum, indeed. And then consider these:

Stuart Holbrook

The visual joy of beautiful dolls in fine displays — dolls as they should be shown. The good time laughter and bidding with auctioneers Stuart Holbrook and Luke Theriault.

Florence Theriault

The delight at greeting old friends and meeting new ones. Beautiful dolls in a fun and laughter-filled weekend. What could possibly ever be better?

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

Luke Theriault

Bidding is FUN at Theriault’s WATCH LIVE from the Comfort of Your Home

Bid Live on the Internet Plan to spend the day at the auction in the comfort of your home. Watch and listen to the auction live, and get ready to bid live when the dolls of your choice come up for auction.

Bid on the Telephone

Every Theriault’s auction brims with new discoveries for your collection. So why not join in on the bidding fun? It’s easy. Choose your favorite way to bid and prioritize your choices.

Choose your dolls, and then call our office to make a reservation for telephone bidding. We call you when your dolls of choice come up for bidding, and you bid just as though you were there.

Bid Absentee Place your bids right up to the time of auction by mail, fax, email or phone. Advise us of the lots and your top bid. We will bid for you fairly and competitively.

We Can Answer All Your Questions Call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com and we’ll review all the details and help you choose the option that’s best for you. We also offer scheduled private video previews. x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

GRANDEZVOUS

Antique Dolls, Toys and Ephemera Saturday, November 21, 2026 AT T H E R I A U LT ’ S G A L L E R Y PREVIEW 10AM ET • AUCTION 11AM ET

nd grand, indeed it is. More than 300 dolls of all

celebrity dolls, and everything in between. Plan to

genres are presented for your bidding pleasure.

attend the auction in person or bid live online with

Wonderful antique and vintage plaything treasures

our live video feed. In-person, absentee, telephone

from private collections range from rare French dolls

& internet bidding available. Location: Theriault’s in

to fine small doll furniture, from teddy bears to vintage

Annapolis, Maryland. For more information call

dollhouses, from miniature bisque dolls to composition

410-224-3655. Login to register to bid. x

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

It’s fun—It’s fast

It’s just half a day and then you’re on your way. But it’s not for the faint of heart and it’s the best kept secret in the doll world.

It’s Theriault’s famous Discovery Day doll auction, now in its 45th year. And here’s what it is. Simple. 400 lots are sold in just three hours. One hour inspection before the auction. Caveat emptor. Every lot starts at $10. Some lots are treasures and others are not. It’s what old-fashioned auctions used to be. No absentee bids, no telephone bidding, no internet bidding, Only you, the others in the room and dolls.

Coming up at the

Discovery Day Auctions Friday, October 30, 2026 Monday, December 7, 2026 x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

A PODCAST ABOUT COLLECTORS & COLLECTING

What You’ll Hear Start Here

PODCAST

New to collecting? Get a simple roadmap for building a collection you’ll love.

Stories, strategy, and the people Is It Worth It? Are collectibles really an who make collecting fun. investment? Learn how to value a doll, or anything else you collect. Hosted by Stuart Holbrook. The Curious Collector is a podcast hosted by Stuart Holbrook, president and chief auctioneer of Theriault’s, with more than three decades in the doll world. Episodes run from beginner collecting advice and auction strategy to candid interviews with designers, dealers, and collectors. The tone is conversational and informed, and it’s open to anyone who loves collecting, not just doll people.

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.

Auction Insider

Real tips from a working auctioneer, plus the stories behind some of his most memorable sales.

Icons Up Close

Conversations with people behind the legends, from a Barbie designer to Jack Ryan’s daughter and Shirley Temple’s biographer.

Beyond the Shelf

Display ideas, documenting your collection, and building your own collector brand.

Myth-Busting

Let’s cut the “creepy doll” talk. Plus tariffs, condition, and what’s really changing in the market.

Go to CuriousCollect.com 18

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

EVERYTHING ABOUT DOLLS YOU CAN LEARN FROM FLORENCE D O L L M A S T E RY V I G N E T T E S E R I E S Watch Florence Theriault’s educational videos featuring dolls in the upcoming auctions on YouTube. Before every Theriault’s Marquis auction you can watch for videos featuring rare dolls from the event. Better yet, every past video has been archived to create a library of HUNDREDS of educational videos that are both informative and entertaining. Be sure to have a look.

Florence’s Tours Step inside the auction with Florence Theriault. Her narration shows you what to look for and how to spot the rarities.

Collections With a Story Whole lifetimes of collecting, from Rosalie Whyel’s museum-worthy dolls to private estates seen for the first time and in detail.

Antique Dolls Up Close Faces, fabrics, and original costumes through the lens of an expert. Get collecting tips to understand what makes something special.

Learn to Look Quick lessons on early dolls: who made them, how they’re built, and why they matter.

Sneak Peeks Preview the big “Marquis” auctions before the bidding starts.

A library of videos about dolls await you. Dive in to Florence’s vast multi-decade knowledge and have fun learning!

Go to YouTube.com/TheriaultsDolls x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

GIIFT IDEAS & DECORATIONS | FlorenceAndGeorge.com

Gift Ideas and Decorations from Florence and George Vintage and retro themed holiday and all-year unique gift ideas and decorations for your home. SA N TA BOT COOK I E JA R His light-up eyes and flashing star antenna are powered by your holiday hilarity (okay, and two AAA batteries, too)! The ceramic cookie jar is also programmed to allow his head to be removed and cookies are then dispensed from within. You provide the cookies because he’s a ceramic Santabot, not a chef. 14”. GH-290. WAS $75. NOW $38.

OLD WOR L D BEL SN I C K L E WIT H SL EI G H A N D T R EE This 11” paper-mache St Nicholas has a white mohair beard and hair, red flannel hooded coat with faux-fur trim. Surprise. Instead of a candy container torso he has a squeak box hidden under his coat. He also comes with a wooden sleigh (ready for you to fill with holiday treats) and festive white goose feather tree. HO-247. WAS $130. NOW $65.

T H E NODDI NG ST N ICK CA N DY CONTAINER BY KATH Y PATTERSON It’s all in the details. Just count the rarity points in this fabulous paper mache Santa. There’s the nodding head. There’s the rare brown costume. There are his side pockets bursting with dolls and toys. There are his outstretched hands. And there’s the candy container base. The 1890 original is valued at $8500. You can own Kathryn Patterson’s for much less. Limited quantity. 18”. HO-301. WAS $975. NOW $650.

A N T I QUE G ER M A N POP- UP A N G EL CA R D Folds flat pops-up for dimensional display. Germany, circa 1900. 6’’ x 3’’. OS-393. WAS $35. NOW $18.

OUR BEST FR I E N DS D OL L S A N D DO G S BL A N K CA R DS A set of 12 cards, blank inside, each different, printed on fine quality paper with matching envelopes. 6” x 6” interior. PG-173. $24.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

FlorenceAndGeorge.com | GIIFT IDEAS & DECORATIONS

AN T I QUE STYL E CA N DY CONES SET These dandy tin candy cone containers will hold a lot of candy. They’re decorated with gilt edging and die-cut figurals and a hanging loop. You might use as a candy container, but they would be great holiday greenery. Set of two. 12”. HO-457. WAS $35. NOW $15.

SAN TA IN HOT A I R BALLOON WIT H PUPPY Santa has a new mode of travel this year as the reindeer are on vacation. There is plenty of room for the toys and his new best friend, not named Rudolph. Classic Ivory and blue with plentiful decorations. 8”. HO-819. WAS $39. NOW $19.

V I N TAGE F R E N CH CA N DY BOX Inside the heavy cardboard candy box with decoupage decorations labeled ‘’Bonbons Fins’’ are two smaller candy boxes portraying classic figures from the 1890 era French theatre. 4’’ x 5’’. Each is different. OS-322. $65.

To order from our great selection of Gift Ideas & Decorations visit FlorenceandGeorge.com or call 410-224-3655.

H ER OL D T H E XM AS EL F, BY H EI D I ST EI N ER Handmade by renowned American teddy bear artist, Heidi Steiner. Santa’s Little Helper has an impish wool felt face that features black shoe button eyes, and a center seam that runs right along his nose. Little Helper also has a two-toned German mohair body in red and green and elongated elfin ears. 15”. TB-449. WAS $345. NOW $150. FR EN C H CH I LD HAND-KNIT G LOVES I N B OX A superb treasure, the gloves retain their original label and are daintily preserved in original box. Sized for 8-9 year old child. 7’’. OS-360. $95. HAND WIND CHRISTMAS MUSIC BOX Wind the handle at the side of the wooden box to hear plays “O’ Christmas Tree.” Just like the Victorian original. 2 ½” TY-116. WAS $15. NOW $9.

VIN TAG E FREN C H CA N DY BOX Inside the heavy cardboard candy box with decoupage decorations labeled ‘’Bonbons Fins’’ are two smaller candy boxes portraying classic figures from the 1890 era French theatre. 4’’ x 5’’. Each is different. OS-322. $65.

H UM P T Y D UM P T Y L I T HO P H A N E LAMP Porcelain lithophane rests inside a freestanding elaborate Victorian-style Frame. 10”. GH-361. WAS $55. NOW $39.

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

OVERWHELMED?

Moving to a smaller home? Faced with handling a family estate? Or just deciding to downsize your collection. Collectors tell us the word that most describes their feeling is “overwhelmed.” Not to worry. For more than 50 years, Theriault’s has been the “little engine that could” in helping collectors and families accomplish that task effortlessly. We listen to you. We evaluate your dolls and lay out a plan to accomplish your goals. And then, if you agree, we do all the work. Our full-time professional staff travels to your home, inventories your property, carefully packs and transports in our own secure vehicles, prepares and markets your dolls for auction, and presents them to collectors worldwide whose trust in Theriault’s is borne out by the prices they are willing to bid.

You just sit back and breathe a sigh of relief. Stuart Holbrook, President of Theriault’s, is traveling throughout the country now, visiting with collectors by appointment. If you have questions or would like to schedule a no-obligation complimentary appointment, call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 or email info@theriaults.com.

Call 410-224-3655 to schedule a no-obligation appointment. 22

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

Give a Gift to Yourself or Someone You Love!

Subscribe to Theriault’s Auction Catalogs and Unwrap a Year of Antique Dolls, Delivered to Your Door Every Theriault’s catalog is a doll collector’s keepsake as much as an auction guide. Each one opens a new collection with rich photography, close-up detail, and the stories behind the dolls, written by Florence Theriault, who has authored more than 50 books on the subject. You’ll see rare antique dolls, original costumes, and treasures from private estates, all described with the care that has made Theriault’s a name in the doll world since 1970. Whether you’re bidding, researching, or simply love to look, a subscription brings the next catalog straight to your door, so you never miss a sale or a chance to learn something new.

Start with “The Old Armchair in the Attic” Marquis Auction Catalog available for $75 or Subscribe!

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Receive the next ten auction catalogs at a 60% OFF of single-issue price (you can opt-out of specialty catalogs). US: $329. Canada: $459. International: $499. *MD residents add 6% sales tax.

Receive the next ten doll auction catalogs at a 60% OFF of single-issue price (you can opt-out of specialty catalogs). US: $599. Canada: $679. International: $879.*MD residents add 6% sales tax.

Start Your Subscription Today! It’s EASY at Theriaults.com or call us directly at 410-224-3655. 23

x For more information visit Theriaults.com or call 410-224-3655 x

November 7-8

“The Old Armchair in the Attic” | Day One 10:00 AM ET. Preview. 11:00 AM ET. Auction. SUNDAY

“The Old Armchair in the Attic” | Day Two 10:00 AM ET. Preview. 11:00 AM ET. Auction.

PAID

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

SCHEDULE

Albany, OR PERMIT NO. 188

AUCTION

Absentee, Telephone and Live Internet Bidding We welcome absentee bidding, live telephone bidding, and live bidding on the internet. Too, you can “tunein” to the online auctions and watch and listen to each event. Questions? Give us a call and we’ll help you choose the bidding option that is best for you.

Auction Information The auctions will take place at the Theriault’s Gallery, 2148 Renard Court, Annapolis, MD 21401. Call to reserve your seat. For auction info call Theriault’s at 410-224-3655 M-F 9AM-5PM EST or go to Theriaults.com. Email queries to info@theriaults.com.

THERIAULT’S

PO Box 151 Annapolis, Maryland 21404 www.theriaults.com

Watch the Auction Live in a Streaming Video Presentation. Call Today at 410-224-3655 for More Details. x

To Order the “The Old Armchair in the Attic” Auction Catalog Call 410-224-3655 or Visit Theriaults.com Today.