$650
Sold
sold
Click image to enlarge
Description
7" (18 cm.) x 9". The wooden-framed box has paper cover and glass front which covers a lithographed scene of gaily-dancing women and men in traditional costumes, and at the front a die-cut paper man and woman that are dimensionally attached. The mechanical action, i.e. the two dolls dancing, is created by funneling of sand which is hidden inside the box. The paper label at the back instructs the user to hold perpendicular while turning counterclockwise twice, and, if all else fails, tap the top of the box with the palm of one's hand! Marks: Robert Link (paper label). Comments: American, circa 1880, a series of mechanical sand toys were offered by his firm. Value Points: well-preserved toy, with label "Mechanical Box with automaton" and instructions, functioning well.