December 18th-20th 2015 Premier Toy & Advertising Sale.
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 12/19/2015
An all original French automaton, circa 1900, in working condition. The bisque headed gentleman with an open mouth and brown paperweight eyes is dressed in a pale rose colored tuxedo, black silk knickers, fancy shoes with knee high stockings (fabric is fragile w/uniform loss). When activated the music plays while the dude turns his head, raises his left bisque arm and then raises his right bisque arm w/yellowed cigarette holder to his mouth. Although all functions appear to be working the bellows have not been tested with a lit cigarette. Overall height to top of hat is approx. 24”. Typical fabric covered base with impressed “leaf” design and remnants of paper label on underside. Bisque head appears to be fine but wig is glued tight, lacking one finger on right hand.