March 10 & 11, 2020 Toy, Doll & Figural Cast Iron
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/11/2020
Highly desirable man in the moon faced automaton, written in front of the base "FIN DE SIECLE" (End of the Century). In the base, there is a key-wind mechanism with key still present, but permanently affixed in permanent position. To its left there is a brass stop/start pull mechanism, and with sufficient tension, when pulled, music begins to play and movements begin. The body of a man has the over-sized Man in the Moon papier mache head flat in back, painted realistically in front with three-dimensional nose, lips, six painted upper teeth in an open/closed mouth and in the corner there is a receptacle for the carved bone cigarette holder. Permanently implemented in the frame of the face is a monocle and in the right hand there is a white long bone baton. When wound, the head of the moon moves from side to side, glass eyes blink up and down and baton in right arm moves in a coordinated manner with the other movements. He appears to have original clothing consisting of a pleated linen shirt with brocade vest with an over-vest made of silk with wide collar (silk somewhat frayed, but intact). He has long stretchy tight-like pants, which conform perfectly to the legs (left knee exposed), and long leather shoes with pointed toes flopping over the edge of the base of the floor. To his back there is a column at waist height with two bases: one with the written insignia, and a smaller, wider green base made of wood below. Also permanently affixed to the head is a very tiny top hat, which covers just a small amount just above the right eyebrow, but is original to the figure. The original conception of this automaton was 1899 or thereabouts. 29" tall from bottom of base to top of hat. Featured on page 68 of "Automata The Golden Age" by Christian Bailly. CONDITION: Overall very good, with slight surface mache chip on left upper eyelid; probability of very minor and insignificant paint touch-up over the years but very little and overall very good condition.
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.Condition: (Very Good).
Item Dimensions: 29 - 1/2" x 13" x 16".