$1,000
Sold
sold
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Description
15" (38 cm.) A wooden box is designed with a surmounted set-back theatre-like cabinet which, behind glass, features an amusing Punch and Judy scene with Punch hiding inside a barrel of ale, edged by die-cut paper leaves which are repeated in three bottom glass windows. Posed upon the lower cabinet is a carved wooden black-painted figure with horse-like head, black bead eyes, wooden human-like hands and feet, and wears original red woolen coat with velvet trim, black velvet cap, and holds a flag. The box contains a simple wooden mechanism which, when wound, causes the horse-human to dance about, and the theatre scene to spring to action: Judy moves forward and back, Punch rises and lowers from the ale barrel as a third person attacks him with a saber. The mechanism is designed to create various accompanying noises including clacking and bell. Condition: generally excellent. Comments: American, mid-1800s. Value Points: wonderfully-preserved and imaginative folk toy.