$13,000
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Description
28" (71 cm.) overall. Standing behind a wooden table on a velvet covered platform is a tall slender man with paper mache head, ebony-black complexion, brown glass sleep eyes, highly-characterized expression with wide smile, angular cheeks and chin, defined brows, and hinged jaw, two rows of teeth, black fleecy wig, carton torso and legs, metal upper arms, paper mache hands, wearing very elaborate silk costume of a fancy gambler with silk vest, bow tie, silk jacket with tails, top hat, silk trousers. gilt buttons and cuff links. The table is covered with a green felt fringed cover with embroidered details on dice and flowers on the front. Two silver cups are arranged on the top of the table. When wound, music plays ("My Old Kentucky Home") and the man gleefully turns side to side, then blinks his eyes, and his jaw moves up and down as though calling "place your bets". Periodically one of the cups lifts up and one a series of prizes is revealed, including coins, doll, butterfly flowers and more. Condition: generally excellent, music and movements functions well. Marks: L.B. (key). Comments: Leopold Lambert, circa 1890. Value Points: rare automaton with wonderful fantasy scenes, perfectly preserved original costume and presentation, and outstanding sculpting of face.