April 13th & 14th 2019 Coin-Op & Advertising, Las Vegas
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 4/13/2019
This interesting work is titled "Court Martial" and features artwork signed by Crehen, lithograph circa 1850s. All of the creatures appear to be dogs or monkeys in 19th Century military garb and when a coin is dropped into the slot, it triggers movement in the multi-depth lithographed characters. There is some skillful inpainting above the drum and along the crenelations of the fort that are almost undetectable under normal lighting. The shadow box is framed in an ornate, gold painted gesso frame which is housed in a plywood and solid wood cabinet that have been painted black and has sustained most of the chips and scratches. Appears to have been coin operated. Previously on display at Sutro Baths, Playland, and Musée Mécanique at the Cliff House, all in San Francisco. Purportedly part of the P.T. Barnum's Museum in New York that survived the fire.
Condition: (Good - Very Good).
Item Dimensions: 45-3/4"L x 9"W x 37"T.