Land of Counterpane

A selection of toys furniture and decorative objects from "The Land of Counterpane" display, inspired by the Robert Louis Stevenson poem in which a little boy in his bed, surrounded by his toys, imagines his lead soldiers marching "With different uniforms and drills, / Among the bedclothes, through the hills; / And sometimes sent by ships in fleets / All up and down among the sheets ..."  The display is the poem come to life depicting a child's bedroom filled with soldiers, toys, and decorative objects that are either the inspiration for or the expression of delightful dreams.  The bed is surrounded by and scattered with toy soldiers by a wide range of makers including Britains, Elastolin, and others, a castle in the clouds guarded by figures by various makers, Heyde and Britains ski troops, a  Heyde tiger hunt, a desert scene, and a metal hot air balloon. Other elements include nine composition portrait busts of French military figures, a light pressed steel boat with outboard motor, a Popeye lamp with rare figural Popeye bulb, a souvenir of Atlantic City tinplate cup and saucer lithographed  with young sailors playing at the seashore and a mirror. Additions to the display include a Reed "Gem of the Ocean" sidewheeler and a folk art boat.

Condition varies; wear on some items most pronounced on the Gem of the Ocean and wear on cup and saucer.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This clever display featured a viewing window fitted with a chin rest across from the mirror. One could actually enter the land through the window by placing his or her chin in the rest and seeing one's self snuggled in the bed as reflected in the mirror.