$27,000
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sold
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Description
23" (58 cm.) Standing upon a velvet-covered base with patterned design, is a bisque-headed gentleman with brown glass paperweight eyes, dark eyeliner, painted lashes, brushstroked brows, accented nostrils, closed mouth with shaded and outlined lips, pierced ears, brunette mohair wig over cork pate, carton torso and long slender legs, wire upper arms, bisque forearms, and wearing a very elegant silk costume with long-tail jacket, ruffled-front shirt, silk vest and pants, lace cuffs, silk top hat, and carrying a large beehive and wooden cane with mother-of-pearl handle. When wound, the gentleman turns his head side-to-side, and nods while tapping his cane on the ground as though to draw attention; meanwhile the beehive opens to reveal the hidden surprise, a standing costumed mouse which twirls about and then offers the little treat which he holds. Condition: generally excellent, music and mechanism function well. Marks: Depose Jumeau 4 (incised). Comments: Roullet et Decamps, circa 1885. Value Points: rare automaton with enchanting actions, original two-tune label, especially beautiful quality of music and original luxury store label from Magasin des Enfants, original rare accessories.