$18,500
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sold
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Description
25" (64 cm.) A paper-mache bodied peacock contains a clockwork mechanism hidden inside the torso which attaches to head and tail feathers,and has glass eyes,metal legs and stand,paper-mache beak,and is lavishly covered with real peacock feathers over torso and head,and a lavish fan of peacock feathers at the back. When wound and lever released,the peacock struts proudly along,turning his head to the side and back,ruffling torso feathers,and then lifting his tail feathers and rhymically opening and closing them in an expansive fan. In original box with shipping labels of Lloyd steamer line,hand-lettered note "Cabin 230",and seal of American Customs service from its arrival in America in the late 1800s. Condition: generally excellent,mechanism functions well,the peacock has been stored its entire life in its original box. Comments: Roullet et Decamps,circa 1890,the peacock appeared in the original company catalog as model #100,available in three standard sizes,the largest standard size 50 cm. length,indicating that this present example is a luxury special commissioned size. Value Points: superb original condition,with original Roullet et Decamps key,original box,and outstanding presentation.