March 10 & 11, 2020 Toy, Doll & Figural Cast Iron
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/11/2020
This very elaborate and large French automaton is known in French as "Negre De La Louisane". The seated figure sits reclining in a rocking chair in which much of the mechanism and music box is contained. As key is wound, action starts, music plays and during the various movements he is leaning back on the chair with left arm wrapped around the top part of the chair in a bent position. The right hand is also bent and in that hand he holds a cigarette holder, in which an actual cigarette can be placed if desired and permitted. As the various movements occur, he turns his head from side to side, looks up and down and blinks his eyes. The leather eyelids are still functional, allowing for the blinking mechanism to operate. Alternately the left arm moves slightly back and forth with the right hand moving up and back as he smokes. In addition, the left leg is completely outstretched, and as he rocks forwards in other times, the left foot moves ever so slightly forward, scraping the ground with right knee in a permanent bent position, moving ever so slightly. He has a papier mache head with four square separately molded upper teeth in smiling position, very realistically portrayed. He is dressed as a dandy in a white linen suit with straw hat, a gold-pleated silk vest with red cummerbund and a rope-tie kerchief, which drapes to the waist. 23" tall from base of chair to top of man's head and back to front from furthest point of the left toe is 24". CONDITION: Overall very good, some possible touch-up here and there on the papier mache head and on the hands, which are painted as if to show that the hands are covered by gloves, as inside at the wrist one can see red painted buttons.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Condition: (Very Good).
Item Dimensions: 23 - 1/2" x 12" x 23".