Outstanding Example of the Rare French "Monkey Conjurer" by Phalibois
Lot #96
28" (71 cm.) Arranged upon an ebony wooden base, under oval glass dome, is a paper mache headed monkey standing behind a wooden table, the entire scene framed by a garden arbor decorated with fabric leaves and flowers. The monkey has brown glass movable eyes, hinged lower jaw, double row of teeth, mohair wig, beard and moustache, carton torso, carved wooden hands, and is costumed as a mystical Conjuror in elaborate silks and velvets with gold ormolu paper edging and conical shaped crown, lorgnette at his right eye. The table is decorated with velvet drapes edged with metallic fringe and upon the table are arranged various objects including playing cards and two silver cups that the monkey clasps. When wound, and lever released, intricate movements occur: the monkey turns his head to one side, nods, then to the other side and nods again, and, in synchronic movements with the nods, he lifts the silver cups to reveal different possibilities including green, orange or white balls, die, little boxes, and such. Sometimes both cups are lifted simultaneously, sometimes in sequence. Throughout, he blinks his eyes and opens and closes his mouth as though calling for wagers. Two musical tunes occur from a separate pull-string and lever. Condition: generally excellent. Marks: (original French language paper tune label on base). Comments: Henri Phalibois, circa 1880, the "Monkey Conjuror" appears to have been a popular theme with Phalibois for a number of years despite its somewhat complicated mechanism, and was offered to both English and French markets; one known example is documented as having been the centerpiece of an Austin, Texas, gambling saloon at the time. Value Points: exceptionally fine state of preservation with well-functioning music and motions, superb presentation of background, costumes, and accessories.
