$400
Sold
sold
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Description
6" (15 cm.) A wooden box displays under the front glass window, a hand-painted scene of a courtly man in Marquis costume, holding a violin. At the back of the box is another glass window showing a simple funnel mechanism that is connected to the man's arm. The mechanism should be activated by turning the box upside down and allowing the sand to gather at the top of the funnel. Then, when the box is turned right side up, the sand slowly filters through a constructed pathway of funnels and wheels, causing movement of the man's arm, and appearing as though he was playing the violin. The painting is vivid and animated to complement the movement. Condition: some adjustment needed for animation, although the toy is intact and generally well-preserved. Comments: the simple yet amusing sand toys were popular in mid-19th century France, and combined the skills of artist and mechanic.