Early 19th Century Carved Mechanical Miniature Bonneted Lady at Her Spinning Wheel

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4" (10 cm.) The intricately-carved miniature bone toy depicts a woman in long Empire era gown and wide-brimmed bonnet seated behind her spinning wheel which is fitted with elaborate working gears and wheels. When the handle at the front is turned, the woman alternately moves her arms and the spinning wheel turns. Excellent condition. Early 1800s, scholars dispute whether these rare and intricate miniatures were created in the French seaside town of Dieppe for several centuries, or by British prisoners of war during the Napoleonic Wars; it is, regardless, an exceptional miniature mechanical gem of superb carving and ingenuity.