May 2010 (2)
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 5/14/2010
Probably modeled as the Hatter from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Caroll 1865. With papier-mache character head, brown glass eyes, prominent nose, open smiling mouth, curly brown lambskin wig, bisque hands holding lorgnettes and wand, standing behind a draped table with teapot, on velvet covered base containing the going-barrel movement playing on air. He is dressed in his original printed satin waistcoat, cravat, rose satin jacket, and iridescent gold breeches. Teapot is repainted and base is recovered in old material. Note: The magician waves his wand, raises the lorgnettes in his right hand, nods, and peers over the lenses at the teapot. As though his vision is playing tricks on him. He then slowly grows two inches, his head rises from his collar and he lowers his lorgnettes in amazement as the lid of the teapot lifts to reveal the nose and ears of a mouse. The mouse descends, the magician shrinks back to his normal height and the sequence begins again, six movements. Another (incomplete) example of this automaton was previously exhibited in the Collection of Athelstan Spilhaus. CORRECTION - Magician works well. It has 6 movements. Teapot is repainted. Doubt clothing is original.
Condition: (Excellent).
Item Dimensions: 19 - 1/2" T.