March 10 & 11, 2020 Toy, Doll & Figural Cast Iron
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/11/2020
Highly desirable automaton, sometimes referred to by English-speaking people as "Paddy and the Pig". The peasant is elaborately dressed with teal silk waist jacket, yellow silk brocade vest, striped velvet pants and a velvet cap with gold ribbon braid as well as a multi-colored bow tie. He is seated on the back of a chair with legs resting on the wicker seat and balanced on his left knee is a spotted pig with glass eyes. When they key is wound and motion begins, music plays, but more importantly he turns his head from side to side, up and down and at an angle. The pig awaits anxiously because in the right hand he has food, and as the pig becomes excited he sticks his tongue out in anticipation of being fed. At that point, the right arm moves towards the pig, he sticks out his tongue, and the movement implies that the pig has begun to eat what has been offered to him. During this entire process, in addition to the man's hands moving accordingly with the various positions and actions, his chest heaves up and down as he does so. Also, his right foot, which begins slightly above the seat of the chair, begins to move and taps the seat, creating a definite tapping sound. Most of the mechanism and the music box is contained in the base of the wooden chair and has its original key to activate with a stop/start pull mechanism to begin the movement once the sufficient tension has been created to allow movement. 32" tall from base of chair to top of man's hat. CONDITION: Overall condition is very good. It is most likely that at some time over the years there has been some paint retouch to head and composition hands, but has been well done and not to excess. All movements appear to be working about as perfectly as possible, given the type and age of the item.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Condition: (Very Good).
Item Dimensions: 32" x 11" x 9".