$3,750
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sold
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Description
15" (38 cm.) Standing upon a wooden base with engraved paper covers and embossed paper edging, is a gentleman with carton socket head, well-defined character features of a smiling faced gentleman with painted features, blue eyes, row of teeth, and with wire spectacles and a large Marquis hat; on original carton body and with original costume which includes an apron filled with little paper music books; he holds a violin in his hand. Inside the base is a simple mechanism which operates from three push levers at the front of the base, causing the man to turn his head, tilt his head, and move his arms as though playing the violin. Condition: generally excellent, violin string needs repair. Comments: Marie Emmanuel Cruchet, circa 1840, the colorful history about this early French toy maker and inventor, is related in The Encyclopedia of French Dolls and Toys by Theimer, page 161; this actual toy is shown in that book. Value Points: rare early toy with simple yet charming movements, original costume and accessories.